Germany Scales Back Cannabis Legalization
Sales would only be allowed by nonprofits, not stores.
Europe
Dutch Government’s Budget and Climate Deal, Explained
Higher interest rates necessitate spending cuts. The Netherlands must do more to cut emissions.
France Should Reconsider Veto to Electric Pulse Fishing
The alternative is shrinking the entire trawler fleet.
Italy Narrows Right to Asylum After Boat Arrivals Quadruple
Giorgia Meloni also raises prison sentences for human traffickers.
Dutch Parties in Rush to Do Budget Deal
The government must agree cuts or tax increases before parliament goes on summer recess.
Spain’s Rental Reforms, Explained
Rent increases are capped through 2025. The government will subsidize more low-rent housing.
Overregulation Drives Up Rental Prices in Dutch Cities
New rules meant to protect renters are causing rents to spike.
Belgium, Netherlands Break Cocaine Records
More cocaine is seized in Antwerp and Rotterdam than ever, but consumption has also gone up.
Dutch Labor Reforms Will Do Little to Encourage Hiring
Companies still need to pay two years of sick leave.
EU Plans for Hydrogen, Clean Tech and Mining, Explained
Europe’s answer to the American Inflation Reduction Act.
Italy’s Synthetic Food Ban Is Victory for Meat Lobbyists
Slaughters and farm lobbyists insist cultivated meat is “unnatural”. What it is, is competition.
French Republicans Should Put Policy Over Politics
Macron’s presidency isn’t going to collapse. Republicans should make the most of it.
Victory for Farmers’ Party Is Challenge to Dutch Government
Christian Democrats want to meet farmers halfway. Liberals insist on cutting emissions.
Meloni’s Asylum Plan Gains Support
The EU would pay non-member states to shelter asylum seekers.
Dutch Midterm Elections Guide
Provinces, water boards, parties, polls and likely outcomes, explained.