The Rise and Fall of Golden Visas in Europe: A Shifting Landscape of Residency by Investment

European countries are grappling with the future of ‘golden visas,’ programs offering residency in exchange for investment. While some nations like Spain and Portugal are phasing them out due to concerns over housing affordability and security, others like Italy and Greece continue to attract foreign investment through these schemes. This article explores the reasons behind this divide and the implications for high-net-worth individuals seeking European residency.

The Little ‘e’ Symbol on Food: What It Really Means

Ever noticed the small ‘e’ printed on food packages? It signifies ‘estimated’ weight, meaning manufacturers aren’t required to weigh each individual package. While it’s legal for some packages to be slightly underweight, consistently underweight items are against the law. This article explores the ‘e’ symbol’s significance, the EU regulations it adheres to, and what it means for consumers.

EU Regulates Methane Emissions in Energy Sector

The European Union (EU) has adopted new rules to measure, report, and verify methane emissions in the energy sector. The goal of these regulations is to reduce the release of this potent greenhouse gas, which is up to 30 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. Energy operators will be responsible for implementing mitigation measures, such as detecting and repairing methane leaks, and reporting on their emissions to independent verifiers. The rules also require companies to monitor methane leaks in different types of infrastructure and conduct inventories of closed or inactive assets that may emit methane. The EU will also track methane emissions from energy imports, starting in 2027, to enhance transparency.

EU Adopts Binding Packaging Waste Targets, Bans Disposable Plastic

The European Parliament has approved new regulations for packaging and packaging waste, aiming to reduce waste and promote sustainability. Key measures include targets for reuse, collection, and recycling, as well as bans on certain disposable plastic items. However, environmental groups have raised concerns about potential greenwashing due to the inclusion of a ‘mass balance’ approach to calculating recycled content.

EU Adopts Stricter Air Pollution Limits to Reduce Deaths

The European Parliament approved stricter air pollution limits that aim to reduce premature deaths by 70% over the next ten years. These new regulations align with the World Health Organization’s tightened air quality guidelines, setting target values for pollutants that severely impact human health. Additionally, the EU has standardized air quality indices across member states to ensure transparency and accountability.

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