Italian cuisine has reclaimed its place as the world’s top culinary tradition in the new 2025/2026 TasteAtlas rankings, pushing Greece into second place after the country’s remarkable win last year. The updated list once again highlights the global appeal of Mediterranean food, while also showing the growing influence of cuisines from Latin America and Asia.

TasteAtlas builds its rankings from a massive pool of data, combining hundreds of thousands of user reviews with expert insights and careful research on traditional dishes and ingredients. In the last edition alone, it processed 590,228 ratings covering 16,357 foods. This approach ensures the list is based on solid statistics, not just personal opinions or hearsay.

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In 2024, Greece narrowly topped the chart, earning a score of 4.60 out of 5 and edging out Italy by a fraction. It was an impressive rise from the previous year, when Greece held third place behind Italy and Japan. For 2025/2026, however, Italy returns to number one, followed by Greece, Peru, Portugal, Spain and Japan. Turkey, China, France and Indonesia complete the top ten, creating one of the most geographically diverse rankings to date.

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The TasteAtlas evaluation is based on an enormous dataset that combines expert input with hundreds of thousands of user reviews. Last year alone, the platform processed nearly half a million valid ratings covering more than fifteen thousand dishes—making the list a large-scale, data-driven assessment rather than a collection of personal opinions.

Even though Greece dropped to second place, its cuisine continues to punch far above its weight globally. It remains widely loved in countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, the United States and Spain. TasteAtlas has repeatedly highlighted signature Greek products that showcase the country’s culinary depth—Aegina pistachios, premium olive oils from Lakonia and Kalamata, and the famed Santorini fava among them. These ingredients, central to the Mediterranean diet, are backed by long-term studies linking them to heart health and overall well-being.

TasteAtlas also unveiled its 2025/2026 ranking of the world’s best dishes. Paraguay’s vori-vori, a rich soup-stew made with cornmeal and cheese dumplings, took first place, followed by classic Neapolitan pizza. Greek kontosouvli secured sixth place, continuing a streak of strong showings for Greek cuisine after paidakia—grilled lamb chops—was previously named one of the world’s top dishes.

In the category of food regions, Italy’s Campania ranked first, with Emilia-Romagna in second and Crete taking an impressive third. Several other Greek regions—including Macedonia, the Cyclades, the Peloponnese and the North Aegean—also placed within the world’s top ten, reinforcing Greece’s status as one of the most influential culinary nations.

Beyond the top rankings, the list also revealed some striking contrasts. Cypriot cuisine placed 100th out of 100, marking the last position in the global evaluation. Ukrainian cuisine ranked 43rd, while Russian cuisine secured 28th place. Belarusian cuisine appeared in 79th position, and Polish cuisine performed strongly, taking 14th place—one of the highest showings among Central and Eastern European countries.

Netflix has cemented its position as a dominant force in the streaming industry with an acquisition deal that is poised to redefine the entertainment market. On Friday, the company announced its purchase of Warner Bros. for an enterprise value of $82.7 billion, a transaction that underscores its strategic ambition to expand its content library and strengthen its competitive edge.

Expanding the Content Arsenal

This landmark deal encompasses both HBO Max and the HBO studio, integrating some of the most recognizable brands in media, including franchises such as DC Comics, Game of Thrones, and Harry Potter. By securing these assets, Netflix not only consolidates its leadership in the streaming realm but also significantly enriches its catalog, setting the stage for a new era of content innovation and viewer engagement.

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Strategic Financial Leverage

Netflix’s aggressive expansion is further underlined by its robust subscriber base, which exceeded 300 million paying users as of January. In contrast, HBO Max combined with Discovery+ accounts for approximately 128 million subscribers. Notably, the streaming giant is committing $72 billion to this deal—a figure that surpasses Warner Bros.’ current market valuation of $60 billion—demonstrating a bold financial strategy designed to outpace legacy media constraints.

Regulatory and Industry Challenges

Despite the transformative potential of the merger, significant hurdles remain. The scale of the acquisition has already triggered concerns from antitrust authorities. In November, Senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and Richard Blumenthal raised alarms regarding possible political favoritism and corrupt practices, casting a shadow over the deal’s regulatory prospects. Moreover, an unnamed coalition of industry insiders recently appealed to Congress to oppose the merger, as reported by Variety.

Future Outlook

Warner Bros. Discovery, which officially signaled its intent to sell in October amid financial strains and stagnant streaming growth, now faces an uncertain future. With other suitors like Paramount in contention, the finalization of this deal is expected to occur in the third quarter of 2026—following Warner Bros. Discovery’s planned separation from Discovery Global. The $82.7 billion transaction, structured as a combination of cash and stock, is projected to conclude within 12 to 18 months.

In this era of rapid digital transformation, Netflix’s bold maneuver not only exemplifies the evolving dynamics of the media industry but also heralds a new paradigm for content distribution and corporate consolidation.

eSIM technology, once considered niche, is now gaining broader recognition. With global adoption still in its early stages, industry leaders, startups, and investors remain optimistic about its future—especially as international travel continues to drive demand.

Device Compatibility Drives Expansion

Device manufacturers have played a pivotal role in accelerating eSIM adoption. After the inaugural devices featuring eSIM capabilities appeared in 2017 and 2018—most notably with products like the Pixel 2 and iPhone XR—several brands have since upped their game. In 2022, Apple transitioned to an eSIM-only model for the U.S. market, a trend that continued with Google’s Pixel 10. More recently, Apple introduced an eSIM-only iPhone Air and additional models in its iPhone 17 series across various markets. These innovations not only enhance battery performance but also signal a shift away from traditional SIM technology.

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Travel As A Catalyst For Adoption

Travel remains a decisive factor in eSIM’s upward trajectory. A GSMA survey reveals that 51% of eSIM users rely on the technology for travel connectivity. Its secure infrastructure, often integrated with tamper-resistant hardware elements, makes eSIM an attractive alternative to physical SIM cards. For frequent travelers, the convenience of accessing connectivity without needing physical swaps is transformative, a benefit that is resonating globally.

Robust Market Growth And Investor Interest

The evolving eSIM ecosystem has spurred notable growth and investor interest. Analytics firms indicate that while only 23% of smartphones featured eSIM capabilities in 2024, markets such as the United States now lead with 41% penetration. Travel-focused startups like AirAlo, Holafly, eSIM.me, Nomad, and Truely are capitalizing on these trends. For instance, Truely recently secured a $2 million extension round to enhance its travel connectivity solutions, and AirAlo’s CEO, Bahadir Ozdemir, highlighted the surge in first-time eSIM users through their app experience. Additionally, partnerships like Vodafone’s collaboration with UEFA underscore the strategic maneuvers aimed at consolidating eSIM’s market potential.

Challenges In User Adoption

Despite its advantages, eSIM adoption is not without hurdles. Consumer education, trust, and the process of activation continue to pose challenges. Many users remain unfamiliar with eSIM technology, and the current process—often involving scanning QR codes—can be cumbersome, particularly for international travelers. Industry experts note that legacy systems and fragmented digital experiences further complicate the transition from physical SIM cards to fully digital solutions. As adoption increases, both hardware manufacturers and network providers will need to streamline procedures to ensure a seamless experience.

Ultimately, eSIM’s evolution is emblematic of the digital transformation sweeping through connectivity and mobility sectors. With improving device integration, increasing investor backing, and the compelling demand from global travelers, the path forward suggests that eSIM could redefine how consumers access mobile networks in a rapidly changing world.

Legal Showdown in the Digital Age

The New York Times has taken decisive legal action against AI search startup Perplexity, accusing the firm of copyright infringement. The suit, filed on Friday, marks the second legal challenge targeting an AI organization, joining similar efforts led by media powerhouses such as the Chicago Tribune and others.

Unlicensed Content and Commercial Products

The Times contends that Perplexity has exploited its copyrighted content by substituting original material in its commercial offerings—without permission or proper remuneration. According to the legal filing, the startup’s reliance on retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) techniques, which gather and repackage information from websites and databases, results in outputs that closely mirror the original texts.

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Negotiations, Licensing, And Industry Leverage

This litigation emerges amidst ongoing negotiations between media companies and AI firms. While some publishers, including The New York Times, have engaged in licensing agreements—such as the multi-year deal with Amazon—publishers are increasingly using lawsuits as leverage. They aim to force AI companies to enter formal licensing agreements that fairly compensate creators and preserve the economic sustainability of quality journalism.

Countermeasures and Industry Precedents

In response to mounting compensation demands, Perplexity introduced a Publishers’ Program last year. This initiative offers ad revenue sharing to prominent publications like Gannett, TIME, Fortune, and the Los Angeles Times. More recently, the company launched Comet Plus—allocating 80% of its monthly fee to participating publishers—and secured a significant multi-year licensing deal with Getty Images. Despite these measures, critics argue that platforms like Perplexity continue to undermine the value of original, paywalled journalism.

Industry Responses and Historic Battles

Graham James, a spokesperson for The New York Times, asserted, “While we believe in the ethical and responsible use of AI, we firmly object to Perplexity’s unlicensed use of our content. RAG allows Perplexity to crawl the internet and steal content from behind our paywall, which should remain exclusive to our subscribers.” Perplexity’s head of communications, Jesse Dwyer, responded by noting that legal challenges against disruptive technology have a longstanding history, from radio and television to the internet and social media.

Implications For The Future Of Copyright And AI

This lawsuit, following past legal actions against companies such as OpenAI and its backer Microsoft, underscores the escalating tension between traditional publishers and tech innovators. Court decisions—like the recent case against Anthropic for using pirated texts—suggest that the legal framework around fair use and content training may evolve significantly as AI technology pushes boundaries.

A Pivotal Moment In Media And Technology

By holding Perplexity accountable for its commercial practices, The New York Times seeks not only to recoup damages but also to set a precedent that ensures content creators receive due compensation. This legal maneuver is emblematic of a broader strategy by legacy publishers to secure the economic viability of their work in an era increasingly dominated by automated, AI-driven content generation.

Unprecedented Deployment Milestones

Nearly a decade ago, a visionary target was set for the emerging energy storage market: by the close of 2025, 35 gigawatts of batteries would be connected to the U.S. grid. That target not only galvanized the industry but also set the stage for an explosive expansion. Recent data indicates that with 4.7 gigawatts installed in the third quarter alone, the cumulative deployment now exceeds 40 gigawatts. This achievement underscores how energy storage has evolved from a nascent technology into one of the largest sources of new power on the grid.

Regional Leadership and Grid Transformation

The majority of this new capacity has emerged in critical states such as Arizona, California, and Texas—regions where strained grid infrastructures have demanded innovative solutions. This concentrated growth is providing a valuable blueprint for other areas, particularly in the Midwest and on the East Coast, where burgeoning data center construction is intensifying grid demands. With renewables now representing the primary source of new capacity, according to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the integration of energy storage is positioned to reshape national power markets.

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Startup Pioneers Driving Change

The rapid expansion has not gone unnoticed by industry disruptors. For example, Redwood Materials, co-founded by former Tesla executive JB Straubel, recently initiated a new business unit focused on repurposing used EV batteries for grid-scale storage. Recognizing that a significant share of batteries arriving at recycling centers still possess substantial life, Redwood aims to deploy 20 gigawatt-hours of battery storage by 2028. This strategic pivot has also garnered robust investor confidence, as evidenced by a $350 million capital injection to accelerate growth.

Similarly, Austin-based Base Power is exploring an innovative model by leasing home batteries and aggregating them to form a substantial virtual power plant. With over 100 megawatt-hours deployed in Texas and a recent $1 billion funding round, the startup is poised to extend its impact well beyond its initial market.

Emerging Technologies and Future Prospects

While lithium-ion batteries currently account for the bulk of new installations, the industry is rapidly seeing a diversification of storage technologies. Pioneering companies like Sizable Energy are experimenting with ocean-based flexible reservoirs. Similarly, Fourth Power is developing carbon-based thermal storage solutions designed to undercut traditional costs, and XL Batteries is leveraging flow battery technology at established petrochemical sites. Moreover, innovations such as Cache Energy’s low-cost calcium hydroxide pellets hint at the potential for dramatically improved storage efficiency over extended periods.

The Strategic Impact on U.S. Energy Markets

In tandem with solar and wind—the portfolio leaders in low-cost new electricity—advanced energy storage is set to trigger a fundamental reconfiguration of global power markets. As policy shifts, technological evolution, and strategic investments coalesce, the U.S. grid is evolving into a more resilient, sustainable, and dynamic infrastructure, paving the way for future breakthroughs in energy management and economic growth.

In a bold move to redefine digital news delivery, Meta has entered commercial AI data agreements with some of the world’s most influential news publishers. This strategic initiative is set to empower Meta AI, the company’s proprietary chatbot, with real-time access to global, entertainment, and breaking news across a diverse range of sources.

Elevating Content Curation Through Premier Partnerships

Meta’s new arrangements include collaborations with heavyweight media organizations such as CNN, Fox News, Fox Sports, Le Monde Group, The People Inc. portfolio, The Daily Caller, The Washington Examiner, and USA Today. These partnerships will allow Meta AI to offer curated news responses that include direct links to articles, driving new audiences to publishers’ websites while enhancing the depth and diversity of viewpoints available to users.

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A Strategic Pivot From Past Practices

This initiative comes at a time when Meta is recalibrating its approach to digital news. Following the discontinuation of the Facebook “News” tab in 2024 and a pause in compensating news publishers since 2022, Meta is now reinvesting in journalistic integrity to support its AI development. By integrating varied content sources, Meta aims to boost the relevance and responsiveness of its AI system, ensuring that users receive timely, balanced, and comprehensive news updates.

Enhancing the User Experience Across Global Platforms

Meta AI, available in over 200 countries, is accessible via the company’s flagship apps including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and the standalone Meta AI app. This enhanced functionality not only reinforces Meta’s competitive stance in the fast-evolving AI landscape but also signals a renewed commitment to quality and real-time information delivery as it faces mounting competition from industry peers.

As Meta continues to refine its technological edge and expand its partnerships, the integration of real-time news content through Meta AI exemplifies a forward-thinking strategy to converge the realms of artificial intelligence and dynamic content curation.

The Cyprus government has reported a robust fiscal performance for the January–October 2025 period, posting a surplus of €1.119 billion, equivalent to 3.1 percent of GDP. This figure, released by the Statistical Service (Cystat), reflects a slight contraction from the €1.3209 billion surplus, or 3.8 percent of GDP, recorded during the same timeframe in 2024.

Revenue Growth Anchored by Diversified Sources

Total government revenue climbed to €12.33 billion, marking an increase of €658.5 million (5.6 percent) compared to last year’s €11.67 billion. This surge was underpinned by notable gains across several revenue streams. Income and wealth taxes rose by €154.6 million (5.3 percent) to €3.05 billion, while social contributions experienced an 8.2 percent increase, adding €296.3 million to reach €3.91 billion.

Property income delivered an impressive 40.1 percent boost, rising by €38.2 million to €133.5 million. In contrast, taxes on production and imports incrementally increased by 0.2 percent, reaching €3.95 billion, despite a modest decline in net VAT revenue of €24.8 million (0.9 percent) to €2.65 billion.

Additional growth was observed in the sale of goods and services, which surged by €137.4 million (18.7 percent) to €871.3 million, while capital transfers surged by an impressive 64.9 percent, adding €46.2 million to total €117.4 million. However, current transfers receded by 6.7 percent, falling by €21.9 million to €304.6 million.

Escalating Expenditures Reflect Strategic Investments

Expenditure for the period climbed to €11.21 billion, an increase of €860.4 million (8.3 percent) from €10.35 billion recorded in the same period in 2024. Key spending categories registered notable changes. Compensation of employees increased by €201 million (6.7 percent) to €3.20 billion, with social benefits rising by €299.7 million (7.1 percent) to €4.53 billion.

Intermediate consumption grew by €72.5 million (6.6 percent) to €1.18 billion, while interest payments remained stable at €358.7 million. Conversely, subsidies and current transfers contracted, with decreases of €10.7 million (8.3 percent) to €118.5 million and €10.4 million (1.6 percent) to €658.4 million, respectively.

Importantly, the capital account saw a substantive increase of €307.8 million (36 percent) to reach €1.16 billion, driven by a 12.3 percent growth in gross capital formation, totaling €822.3 million, and a doubling of other capital expenditure to €341.5 million. It is worth noting that, for several entities within the general government — particularly the local government subsector — estimates were applied due to incomplete data submissions.

This fiscal report underscores the government’s balanced approach to revenue enhancement and strategic expenditure, reflecting not only immediate gains but also a commitment to longer-term capital investments. Such measures provide a nuanced view into the evolving financial landscape of Cyprus, as policymakers navigate the interplay between revenue sources and fiscal outlays.

Overview of Profit Share Trends

Eurostat’s recent data underscores a robust performance by Cyprus’ non-financial corporations, with a profit share of 42.9% in 2024 — notably above the European Union average of 40.1%. The profit share, representing the proportion of value added that remunerates capital rather than labor, has shown marked fluctuations over the past two decades across the EU.

Long-Term Trend Analysis

Historically, the profit share in the EU reached 40.4% in 2004 and peaked at 42.1% in 2007 before experiencing a steep decline, bottoming out at 39.5% in 2012. Although there was a modest recovery from 2020’s 40.2% to 42.1% in 2021, subsequent years saw a gradual decrease to 41.9% in 2022, 41.7% in 2023, and a sharper drop to 40.1% in 2024.

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Country-Specific Performance

Among the EU member states, Cyprus has sustained its competitive edge. In contrast, Ireland remains at the forefront with an impressive 74.9% profit share, largely driven by its wealth of foreign-owned multinationals operating capital-intensive sectors. Malta follows with a profit share of 56.4%, and Slovakia records 48.9%. Conversely, France (32.2%), Slovenia (33.4%), and Portugal (34.5%) show significantly lower figures, highlighting diverse national capital-labor dynamics.

Implications For Investors And Policymakers

This nuanced picture of profit shares across the European landscape provides critical insights for investors and policymakers alike. With Cyprus outperforming the regional average, stakeholders can infer the potential for resilient capital returns despite broader economic fluctuations. Such analyses assist in evaluating the balance between wages and capital remuneration, which remains pivotal in contemporary economic policy debates.

Conclusion

As Europe continues to navigate economic uncertainties, fluctuations in profit shares will likely persist. Cyprus’ leading position signals attractive investment dynamics, while the overall decline within the EU calls for informed policy measures. For further insights, visit Eurostat.

The House is set to review additional credits totaling €207.4 million in the coming days. Today, the first supplementary budget for 2025 was formally submitted to Parliament, outlining a fiscal response to increased departmental needs. According to the Ministry of Finance, these adjustments aim not only to address heightened operational demands but also to bolster the efficiency of public administration through strategic staffing enhancements.

Supplementary Budget Credits and Strategic Positioning

The supplementary budget covers essential areas, including the creation of new positions designed to strengthen the state apparatus. Notably, among the changes are the establishment of two new Assistant Supervisors in the Specialized Independent Services. In the Ministry of Defence, structural adjustments include the creation of nine Colonel positions, 19 Lieutenant Colonel roles, 12 Major positions, and 34 First-Class Sergeant roles. Concurrently, 39 Lieutenant positions, 13 Corporal roles, and 22 hourly wage positions have been abolished to maintain a fiscally neutral balance.

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Formation of New Strategic Leadership Roles

Following the Cabinet’s decision to establish the General Directorate of Civil Protection, two pivotal roles will be introduced: one General Director and one National Coordinator, both tasked with enhancing the nation’s emergency preparedness. The overall supplementary budget remains fiscally balanced with offsetting savings amounting to €207.4 million, ensuring that the 2026 staffing structure remains consistent with projections.

Comprehensive Government Budget Amendments

In parallel, the Cabinet approved key modifications to the 2026 state budget. These adjustments, which will be integrated into the budget discussion beginning on the 15th at Parliament, involve reallocating funds, transferring resources among departments, and recalibrating personnel configurations. Specifically, the reforms include the creation of 153 new or additional positions, the elimination of 153 public service roles along with 52 vacancies in hourly wage positions, and the renaming or upgrading of select positions and organizational structures.

Fiscal Discipline and Operational Savings

The Ministry of Finance assures that these revisions will not alter the overall employment landscape. In fact, the reduction of 14 permanent roles in the 2026 budget relative to 2025 remains constant. Provisions are also made for establishing the General Directorate of Civil Protection within the Ministry of Interior, with the impending transfer of the Fire Service and select Forestry Department functions under its purview. Moreover, adjustments to public service allowances are set in accordance with the recently signed agreements between employer organizations and labor unions.

Robust Savings Towards Fiscal Stability

The government expects significant savings through these budget modifications, with anticipated reductions of €46.3 million in 2026, €57.1 million in 2027, and €56.4 million in 2028. The overall fiscal balance remains static as the total ceiling for the 2026 budget is maintained at €10.7 billion. Savings are largely attributed to changes in the overtime payment processes for seconded staff at OKYPI, where overtime will now be managed directly by the organization rather than the Ministry of Health.