From science to sport: These are the stories that lifted spirits in 2025

Welcome to 2026! As the new year begins, FRANCE 24 takes a final look back at the stories that lifted spirits in recent months. From scientific breakthroughs to signs of hope for the planet, there was enough to end 2025 on a high note.

The Sun as never seen before

Scientists had awaited the moment since the 1950s. In July, NASA released the closest images ever taken of the Sun, captured by the Parker Solar Probe.

In the black-and-white images, untrained eyes may see wisps resembling smoke. Experts, however, identify overlapping plasma eruptions and solar wind captured in unprecedented detail, providing valuable data to better understand space weather and the workings of the star.

Read more🌟The Bright Side: Solar-skimming probe reveals new insights into space weather threats

Major medical breakthroughs

There was also cause for optimism in the medical field. In January, a team of US researchers made a major breakthrough on multiple sclerosis, demonstrating a link between the autoimmune disease – which affects more than 2.8 million people worldwide – and the Epstein-Barr virus.

The discovery raised hope that vaccination against the virus could one day eliminate one of the disease’s triggers.

Read more🌟The Bright Side: Groundbreaking research on multiple sclerosis wins 'Oscars of science'

Another positive development concerned HIV prevention. Generic versions of injectable lenacapavir, a preventive treatment against the virus that causes AIDS, are expected to become available at a lower cost in around 100 countries from 2027.

The development is expected to greatly expand access to a treatment considered far more practical than a daily pill, particularly in low-income countries.

Fewer smokers in France

"Tobacco is taboo, we’ll beat it", said a French slogan that might just become reality. Last year, the number of smokers in the country declined, especially among young people, according to the French public health agency Santé publique France.

Specialists attributed the trend to anti-smoking policies implemented since 2014.

Read moreHow French attitudes to cigarettes are changing

In 2025, the campaign intensified further, with smoking banned on beaches, in parks and in public gardens. The government’s stated aim is to achieve a tobacco-free generation by 2032.

Countries move to better protect the oceans

It was a strong year for marine life. In June, world leaders met to reinforce the protection of the oceans.

Measures discussed included safeguarding the high seas, strengthening efforts against illegal fishing and expanding marine protected areas.

One commitment has already been fulfilled. After decades of negotiations, states (finally) ratified a treaty on protecting the high seas, providing tools to preserve ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Read moreProtecting the ocean: What is the high seas treaty?

Lynx and turtles rebound

The Iberian lynx, recognisable by its pointed ears and spotted coat, recorded a significant recovery. After narrowly avoiding extinction, the species was removed this year from the "endangered" category on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species.

Read moreBouncing back: Spain's Iberian lynx saved from extinction

This year, there were 2,021 Iberian lynxes worldwide, a significant jump from just 94 recorded in 2001.

The green sea turtle also showed signs of recovery. Long hunted for its eggs and shell, it is no longer classified as endangered, highlighting the effectiveness of conservation measures when properly enforced.

European Parliament backs abortion rights

Reproductive rights in Europe also advanced in 2025. On December 17, the European Parliament adopted a resolution urging EU institutions to facilitate access to safe abortions across the bloc.

The move followed a petition signed by more than one million EU citizens. It called for a mechanism enabling people living in countries without access to safe and legal abortion to travel at reduced cost to another EU member state where the procedure is permitted.

The European Commission said it would review the petition before March 2026.

Swimming returns to the Seine

After a century and the Paris Olympic Games, a long-held ambition became reality. This summer, thousands of people swam in specially designed areas of the River Seine in the heart of the French capital.

Read moreParisians, tourists take the plunge as Seine reopens amid summer heat

FRANCE 24's journalists also took part in the experience.

Haiti and Curacao surprise at the 2026 World Cup

Few observers expected it. Curacao, a Caribbean island with 156,000 inhabitants and an autonomous state within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, qualified for the 2026 Football World Cup.

Read moreCuracao becomes smallest ever country to qualify for football World Cup

Another unexpected qualifier was Haiti. One of the world’s poorest countries and plagued by gang violence, Haiti also secured a place at the tournament, marking only the second international competition in its history.

Cairo’s Grand Egyptian Museum opens

Egypt inaugurated the Grand Egyptian Museum in November, marking a major moment for history enthusiasts.

The museum, dedicated to the Pharaonic civilisation, houses colossal statues, sarcophagi, tools and jewellery. Nearly 100,000 artefacts are displayed across more than 50,000 square metres of exhibition space.

Read moreFive things to know about the new Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo

French video game crowned game of the year

It was the masterpiece no one saw coming. "Clair Obscur: Expedition 33", the debut title from French studio Sandfall Interactive, won multiple awards at the Game Awards ceremony.

Read moreFrench video game 'Clair Obscur' sweeps Game Awards with record nine wins

It marked a first for a French game and a notable achievement for a fantasy universe inspired by Paris in the 1900s, developed by around 30 people on a modest budget.

This article was translated from the original in French by Anaëlle Jonah.