Ability to shut down undesirable social media is ‘proportionate’, EC insists
The European Union's power to unilaterally shut down certain social media websites deemed problematic is "proportionate", the European Commission has insisted.
Society
Latest reporting and analysis on society.
EU ban on payment for sperm, blood and breast-milk donations moves forward
The European Parliament has approved a draft regulation banning payments for breast milk, sperm, blood and other "substances of human origin" (SoHO).
Why has James Bond turned into a hectoring EU technocrat?
James Bond is back. But rather unexpectedly he seems to have adopted the attitudes of a vexed Left-leaning European Union lawmaker.
EC considering new limits on fast-growing chicken
The European Commission is considering the possibility of imposing limits on the farming of certain types of chickens, it has confirmed.
Forced sterilisations in the EU: MEP calls for action
The European Union must take action against the forced sterilisation of disabled people within the bloc, an MEP has said.
Climate activists must be called to account for the growing anti-Semitism within their movement
Anti-Semitism is becoming en vogue again in Europe, and once again the far Left and the far Right found their common ground: Hatred towards Israel and everything…
Sweden Democrats MEP invites Iranian artist to Brussels after exhibition ban U-turn
Sweden Democrats MEP Charlie Weimers has invited the Iranian artist Sadaf Ahmadi to the European Parliament after the Swedish city of Borås cancelled her exhibition,…
European Parliament to debate ‘controversial’ kiss in Women’s World Cup
The European Parliament has added the “controversial” kiss at the FIFA Women's Football World Cup Final on August 20 to its list of items to be debated at Strasbourg's…
Gen Z more enthusiastic to work than older generations, study finds
Gen Z, or those born between 1996 and 2010, are more enthusiastic about working than older generations, a survey conducted in Germany has found.
EC insists it is pushing Palestine to accept LGBTQI+ rights
The European Commission has insisted that it is working to get Palestine's Islamist-leaning government to accept LGBTQI+ rights.
Islamic institutions in Belgium oppose sex-education programme in schools
With the new school year back in full swing, all students in the French-speaking community in Belgium will now regularly receive relational, emotional and sex education.
France has the ‘dumbest Left in the world’, Socialist Party official says
A senior member of France's Socialist Party has lambasted his own side of the political spectrum, claiming on September 4 that France has the "dumbest Left in the…
EC President escalates EU ‘war on wolves’
Having until now enjoyed strict protections under EU law, the growth of wolf populations throughout central Europe has resulted in increased attacks on livestock…
Riots erupt in Sweden’s third-largest city after another Quran burning
Rioting has erupted in the Swedish city of Malmö after Iraqi migrant Salwan Momika once again publicly torched a copy of the Quran.
‘We are not leaving Europe’, confirms Soros heir
In an opinion piece for US-based news outlet Politico, American philanthropist Alex Soros, who recently took over leadership of the Open Society Foundations (OSF)…
Ireland says free speech must be balanced with right ‘not to be misinformed’
Citizens’ rights to free speech must be balanced with their alleged right "not to be misinformed", a senior member of the Irish judiciary has said.
French pupils wearing Islamic dress will be barred from class ‘from September 4’
Children who arrive at schools in France wearing Islamic clothing will be barred from classes "from Monday" September 4, Gabriel Attal, France's education minister…
Controversial book by Italian General now a bestseller
Controversy is the best publicity, or so it appears, as a highly divisive book by an outspoken Italian General is topping an Amazon bestseller ranking.
Polish journalist ‘denied life-saving medication’ in Belarusian jail
Andrzej Poczobut, a journalist for Polish daily Gazeta Wyborcza and a Polish minority activist, is being denied life-saving heart medication in a Belarusian prison,…
Outrage as Uganda charges first person with ‘aggravated homosexuality’
International observers have condemned Uganda for charging a man with “aggravated homosexuality”.
French hard-left to fight government ban on Islamic dress in schools
Members of France's left-wing opposition will fight the government's ban on Islamic dress in schools.
Pope causes outrage with remarks to Russian youths
Pope Francis has caused outrage in Europe and the US after telling Russian youths on August 28 to remember that they are the heirs of "the great Russian Empire".
Vegan food is just the wurst say German car factory workers
Worker backlash in Germany has reportedly seen major car manufacturer Volkswagen pull back on its wurst vegan policies.
Belgian media rocked by child pornography investigation
Sven Pichal (44), one of the most prominent voices on Dutch-speaking radio in Belgium, has been arrested for allegedly owning and distributing images of child abuse.
France to extend ban on Islamic dress in schools
France is to ban two kinds of Islamic dress in schools after French education minister Gabriel Attal announced that students will now be barred from wearing abayas…
Irish PM berates ‘showboating’ Elon Musk as online censorship row intensifies
Ireland's Prime Minister has accused US billionaire and owner of Twitter, now X, Elon Musk of "showboating" with his threats to challenge the country's coming anti-hate-speech…
‘Eco-friendly’ straws found to contain ‘forever chemicals’
A new study shows that paper and bamboo drinking-straws contain PFAS - per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances that are often referred to as “forever chemicals”…
Spanish Football Federation chief will not quit and calls out ‘false feminists’
Despite pressure from industry peers and the Spanish Government, Luis Rubiales will stay on as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Teach children self-defence to combat rising violence, party says
Belgium has been rocked by some shocking videos of gangs teaming up and beating up lone, young victims.
German judge handed suspended jail sentence over school mask-mandate opposition
A judge in Germany has been handed a suspended two-year jail sentence as a result of his opposition to school COVID-mask mandates in the country.