Germany returns stolen colonial treasures to Namibia
The decision is part of reparations for a period of colonial rule during which Germany committed a genocide against the Namibian people.
Europe
This archive covers progress stories from across Europe, spanning the U.K., Scandinavia, the E.U. and beyond. Readers will find reporting on health, climate policy, social welfare, science and more — drawn from nearly 1,200 articles tracking real gains made by communities, governments and researchers throughout the region.
Same-sex partners in Croatia can now legally adopt children
Zagreb’s Administrative Court ruled on April 21 that same-sex couples should not face discrimination in state adoption, according to the Rainbow Families Association (RFA).
Switzerland votes for default organ donations to save more lives in the country
Under this new ‘presumed consent’ model, people who do not wish to become organ donors after death must explicitly say so.
The largest battery recycling facility in Europe begins operations in Norway
The Hydrovolt factory is now in commercial operation and expects to recycle 12,000 tons of depleted batteries a year initially, rising to 70,000 tons by 2025 and 300,000 tons by 2030.
First European psychedelic drug trial clinic opens in the U.K.
Clerkenwell Health will begin trials in its London in August, initially focusing on psilocybin treatments and poised to make the U.K. a leader psychedelic research.
Greece bans LGBTQ conversion therapy
Psychologists or other health professionals now will need a person’s explicit consent to perform such treatment and face fines and a prison term if they violate the law.
Germany makes renewable energy cheaper for households and businesses
The legislation effectively removes the renewable levy added to power bills and as a result, an average German family can look forward to saving approximately 300 euros per year.
New Northern Irish law will recognizes coercive control as a criminal offense
This crime is a huge problem in Northern Ireland, with statistics showing an instance of abuse occurs every 17 minutes in the country.
Portugal is opening Europe’s biggest floating solar park this year
Built on Western Europe’s biggest artificial lake, the shiny floating island of 12,000 solar panels is part of Portugal’s plan to cut reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Spanish government to launch free LGBTQ+ helpline for advice and support
The service is set to be free, accessible in multiple languages and will be available 24/7, all year round.