The euro has been in existence for 20 years, with three-quarters of eurozone residents supporting it, marking the highest approval since 2004. Despite this, financial crises exposed flaws in its design, with ongoing slow reforms and persistent wealth disparities among member states. Economist Duncan Weldon acknowledges the euro's success in uniting countries under a single currency but notes the challenges faced during the 2009-10 crises. Recent years have seen a recovery in European growth, and public support for the euro remains strong even in countries that have suffered economically.

Thirteen people were injured when a pedestrian bridge collapsed during New Year celebrations in Moscow's Gorky Park. While three people were reported to be badly hurt by state news agency TASS, Moscow's mayor's office stated there were no serious injuries. Video footage showed the bridge collapsing and people falling onto a skating rink below. Medical teams treated victims for moderate and light wounds.

Greece has condemned Turkey's detention of two Greek soldiers, rejecting any attempts to use them as bargaining chips in exchange for eight Turkish servicemen who sought asylum in Greece after the 2016 coup attempt. Turkish President Erdogan suggested a conditional release, which Greece has labeled as blackmail. The Greek soldiers have been held in pre-trial detention since accidentally crossing into Turkish territory in March, with no official charges. The Greek Supreme Court and President Pavlopoulos have affirmed Greece's adherence to international law, distinguishing the cases of the Greek soldiers and Turkish asylum seekers.