1998⚡ Event
Euro Exchange Rates Frozen
The European Exchange Rate Mechanism froze the exchange rates of the legacy currencies in the eurozone, establishing the value of the euro.
economicspolitics
December 30 – December 31 in History
DayFacts Week 53 · 2 days
This recurring calendar span contains 30 historical entries in the DayFacts collection. The sections below preview entries from these 2 days; use the date links to open each date collection.
Selected Anniversaries
25th Anniversary
Katie Volynets
Explore the Date Pages
Historical Events (December 30 – December 31)(10)
1999⚡ Event
Putin Becomes Acting President
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin became acting president upon President Boris Yeltsin's unexpected resignation.
politics
1999⚡ Event
Panama Assumes Control of Canal Zone
In accordance with the Torrijos–Carter Treaties, Panama assumed full control of the Panama Canal Zone from the United States.
lawpolitics
2004⚡ Event
Taipei 101 opens
Taipei 101 in Taiwan opened to the public as the world's tallest building.
technology
2006⚡ Event
MV Senopati Nusantara sinks
The Indonesian ferry MV Senopati Nusantara sank in the Java Sea during a storm, killing at least 400 people.
disasterexploration
2006⚡ Event
ETA bombing at Madrid–Barajas Airport
Basque nationalist group ETA detonated a van bomb at Madrid–Barajas Airport in Spain, ending a nine-month ceasefire.
politicswar
2006⚡ Event
War in Somalia
Transitional Federal Government forces attacked the last stronghold of the Islamic Courts Union in Jilib.
war
2009⚡ Event
Pipeline rupture in Shaanxi, China
A rupture of the Lanzhou–Zhengzhou–Changsha pipeline in Shaanxi, China, caused approximately 150,000 liters of diesel oil to flow down the Wei River.
disastertechnology
2009⚡ Event
Pro-government rallies in Iran
Pro-government counter-demonstrators held rallies in several Iranian cities in response to recent anti-government protests on the holy day of Ashura.
politics
2013⚡ Event
Attacks in Kinshasa
Supporters of Congolese religious leader Paul-Joseph Mukungubila carried out a series of attacks on television studios, the airport, and a military base in Kinshasa.
politicsreligion
Births (December 30 – December 31)(10)
1992🎂 Birth
Ryan Tunnicliffe
Ryan Tunnicliffe is an English professional footballer.
sports
1995🎂 Birth
Igor Shesterkin
Igor Shesterkin, Russian hockey goaltender, was born.
sports
1995🎂 Birth
V
V is a South Korean singer, a member of the boy band BTS.
musicentertainment
2002🎂 Birth
Sophia Laforteza
Filipino-American singer Sophia Laforteza was born.
musicentertainment
Deaths (December 30 – December 31)(10)
2022🕊️ Death
Barbara Walters
Barbara Walters was an American journalist, television personality, and author, known for her pioneering work in broadcast journalism.
entertainment
2022🕊️ Death
Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI, a German cardinal and theologian, has died. He served as Pope from 2005 to 2013.
religion
2022🕊️ Death
Barry Lane
English golfer Barry Lane has passed away. He was known for his career in professional golf.
sports
2023🕊️ Death
Bryan Ansell
Bryan Ansell was a British designer known for his work in role-playing and wargames.
entertainment
2023🕊️ Death
Tom Wilkinson
Tom Wilkinson was an English actor who appeared in numerous acclaimed films and television shows.
entertainment
2023🕊️ Death
Cale Yarborough
Cale Yarborough, a NASCAR Cup Series champion three times, passed away. He was also the founder of Cale Yarborough Motorsports.
sports
2023🕊️ Death
Aki Yashiro
Aki Yashiro was a Japanese singer known for her enka music.
musicentertainment
2024🕊️ Death
Arnold Rüütel
Estonian politician and 3rd President of Estonia Arnold Rüütel died.
politics
2025🕊️ Death
Khaleda Zia
Khaleda Zia was a Bangladeshi politician who served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.
politics