News published on Globe Banner in February 2025

News from February 2025


U.S. issues alert amid ongoing earthquakes near Greek islands

The U.S. Mission in Greece has issued an alert to American citizens regarding ongoing seismic activity near the Greek islands of Amorgos, Santorini (Thira), Anafi, and Ios.


US Embassy seeks health insurance provider for local staff

The United States Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to provide health insurance services for its Locally Employed Staff (LES) and their eligible family members.


Services trade sees strong growth across regions in third quarter

The third quarter of 2024 witnessed a significant rise in services exports across various regions, with Asia leading the growth at 16 percent, followed by Europe at 8 percent.


U.S. Embassy reduces staff in Kinshasa amid security concerns

The U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), is further reducing its staff due to the current security situation.


Nigeria braces for nationwide protests over telecom tariff hikes

The Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) has announced plans for nationwide protests on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.


U.S. Visa Services announces temporary suspension ahead of new system launch

The U.S. Visa Services will undergo a significant transition to a new system starting February 8, 2025.


Trump proclaims February 2025 as National Black History Month

Today marks the recognition of February 2025 as National Black History Month.


Marco Rubio becomes highest-ranking Hispanic American official as Secretary of State

Marco Rubio, a seasoned politician from Florida, has been confirmed as the United States Secretary of State.


Austria contributes EUR 200k to boost developing economies' participation in international trade

Austria has allocated EUR 200,000 to support developing economies in their efforts to engage more fully in international trade.


Trump administration outlines priorities for second term's foreign policy

Serving as the United States' 72nd Secretary of State, a senior official has outlined the core mission for the second Trump administration's Department of State.


BaFin announces warning on unauthorized services by Swiss Partners AG

The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) has issued a consumer warning regarding Swiss Partners AG, which is allegedly offering unauthorized banking and financial services through its website.


Rubio discusses canal concerns with Panamanian president

Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a meeting with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino and Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha in Panama City.


Shannon Dolan leads U.S.-Saudi technical cooperation program

Dr. Shannon Dolan currently serves as the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission for the U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia.


Myanmar crisis continues four years after military coup

Today marks four years since the military coup in Myanmar, which has led to significant unrest and humanitarian crises in the region.


Marco Rubio meets U.S. Embassy staff in Panama City

Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently attended a meet and greet with employees and families at the U.S. Embassy in Panama City.


Fed pauses rate cuts amid mixed analyst expectations

The Federal Reserve's decision to pause interest rate cuts was anticipated by analysts, with no significant market reaction following the announcement.


President Trump proclaims February 2025 as National Black History Month

Today, President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation recognizing February 2025 as National Black History Month.


John McNamara appointed Chargé d’Affaires at US Embassy in Bogota

John McNamara, a native of New York City and a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, has assumed the role of Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim, at the United States Embassy in Bogota, Colombia as of February 1, 2025.


Myanmar crisis escalates four years after military coup

Today marks four years since the Myanmar military overthrew the country's democratically elected government, creating a significant crisis in the Indo-Pacific region.


Social Security payments suspended due to missing foreign enforcement questionnaire

Individuals who did not receive their February Social Security payments may find that their benefits have been suspended due to the Social Security Administration not receiving their Foreign Enforcement Questionnaire (FEQ).