2012
2012 was designated as: International Year of Cooperatives International Year of Sustainable Energy for All January 4 – The Cicada 3301 internet hunt begins. January 12 – Violent protests occur in Bucharest, Romania, as two-day-old demonstrations continue against President Traian Băsescu's economic austerity measures. Clashes are reported in numerous Romanian cities between protesters and law enforcement officers. January 13 – The passenger cruise ship Costa Concordia runs aground off the coast of Italy, causing 32 deaths. January 23 – Iran–European Union relations: the European Union adopts an embargo against Iran in protest of its continued effort to enrich uranium. February 1 – Egypt's deadliest football incident known as the Port Said Stadium riot is sparked after local Port Said Al Masry fans attack supporters of Cairo-based team Al Ahly SC. The massacre results in 74 deaths: 72 Al Ahly fans, 1 Al Masry fan and 1 police officer. Most of the deaths are caused by stabbing, fans thrown off the stands and a stampede. February 6 Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her "Diamond Jubilee," marking 60 years as Queen of the United Kingdom. A magnitude 6.7 earthquake strike in the central Philippines island of Negros, leaving 112 people dead. February 19 – Iran suspends oil exports to Britain and France, following sanctions put in place by the European Union and the United States in January. February 21 – Greek government-debt crisis: Eurozone finance ministers reach an agreement on a second, €130-billion Greek bailout. February 27 – Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh formally transfers power to Vice President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, after a year of mass protests, ending his 33-year-long reign. March 1 – Sauli Niinistö is inaugurated as the 12th President of Finland. March 4 – A series of explosions is reported at a munitions dump in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of the Congo, with at least 250 people dead. March 5 – Air date of KONY 2012 (viral documentary film) on YouTube March 12 – A coach carrying school pupils and teachers crashes while travelling through Sierre Tunnel on the A9 motorway in western Switzerland.
