Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has apologised to hundreds of ex-soldiers sent to defend Srebrenica during the Bosnian War. Previously, Dutch governments have insisted fault lay with the UN for failing to provide air support.
Source: Euobserver
The German government is setting in motion plans to legalise the sale of cannabis for recreational purposes, aiming to have legislation ready later this year. The pledge to legalise controlled sales of cannabis to adults in licensed shops is one of the reforms outlined in the coalition deal between the three socially liberal parties.
Source: DW
The European Union announced that it will relaunch legal action against the UK over a draft law that would override parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol. The current bill will mean a unilateral violation of the Brexit agreement signed in 2020.
Source: Bloomberg
The European Commission presented its opinions on the application for EU membership submitted by Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova. The Commission recommends that Ukraine and Moldova be given the perspective to become a member. However, it recommended deferring Georgia’s candidacy.
Source: Euronews
The ECHR ruled that the law violates freedom of assembly and association (Article 11 of the European Convention) in the case of 73 groups designated as foreign agents including Memorial and Agora. The court ordered Russia to pay the applicants a total of 1.02 million euros in damages.
Source: Meduza
The German government is planning to make background checks for potential gun owners tighter in an attempt to prevent political extremists and the psychologically disturbed from buying guns. But there are concerns that the authorities are not sufficiently equipped to carry out such controls.
Source: DW
The proposed legislation will punish those who financially exploit prostitutes, pay for their services, or knowingly provide premises for the practice of prostitution. The proposal has sparked intense debate in the local women's rights movement.
Source: Reuters
Finland's government intends to strengthen the country's security. The construction of barriers will allow making amendments to border legislation of Finland to allow strengthen preparedness against hybrid threats amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Source: Reuters
The draft bill claiming the Baltic republic illegally left the Soviet Union was submitted by lawmaker Yevgeny Fedorov. According to him, this will allow to challenge the country's membership in NATO.
Source: Newsweek
The Supreme Court of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic sentenced to death two Britons and a Moroccan for fighting for Ukraine. All three were charged as working as foreign mercenaries. The death penalty must be carried out by a firing squad. The fighters have 30 days to appeal.
Source: Meduza
Source: DW
Source: The Barents Observer