Germany to become second E.U. nation to legalize recreational cannabis
The plan has yet to be formally approved in parliament, but is expected to become law as soon as 2024 after the nation’s coalition government recently agreed to it.
Europe
Rishi Sunak to become first person of color to be Britain’s prime minister
Sunak’s rise to the top office is especially significant in a country that has sometimes struggled to grapple with the legacy of its colonialist past.
The world’s first Phase 3 psilocybin clinical trial is about to commence
The landmark Phase 3 trial to explore the psychedelic’s ability to treat depression will enroll close to 1,000 participants and Compass is looking to U.S. FDA approval by the end of 2025.
Germany to take in 1,000 at-risk Afghans every month
Germany’s new program will support Afghans suffering persecution at the hands of the Taliban, including women’s and human rights advocates and people who have persecuted because of their religion, gender, or sexual orientation.
Giant, megawatt-scale wave energy generator to be tested in Scotland
Irish company OceanEnergy has signed on to a four-year project to test, validate and commercialize he OE35, billed as the world’s largest capacity floating wave energy device, off the coast of Orkney, Scotland.
World’s biggest reinsurer will no longer offer insurance or investment for new oil and gas developments
The German reinsurance group Munich Re will no longer invest in or insure the planning, financing, construction or operation of new oil and gasfields, new oil-fired power plants or developments in “midstream” oil infrastructure, beginning in April 2023.
Finish efforts to protect endangered seal pups proving successful
A record number of Saimaa ringed seal pups were born this year, as tighter restrictions on fishing nets in the region led to fewer deaths.
Renewable energy meets all of Greece’s electricity needs for the first time ever
For at least five hours on Friday, renewables accounted for 100 per cent of Greece’s power generation, reaching a record high of 3,106 megawatt hours.
Slovenia legalizes LGBTQ marriage and adoptions
The move makes Slovenia the first country in Eastern Europe to ensure equal rights for same-sex couples.
Meat consumption is falling significantly across Western Europe
A French research company interviewed more than 4,000 adults across France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. More than 50% reported having reduced their meat consumption in the last five years largely for environmental, animal welfare, and personal health reasons.