Europe (Washington Insider Magazine)—Despite opposition from some states, the Federal Council eliminated tax incentives for agricultural diesel. However, the federal government pledged support for the agricultural sector through a comprehensive package of measures. The Growth Opportunities Act aims to provide tax relief and streamline business processes. Additionally, the state chamber partially legalized cannabis.
Israel Allocates Land for West Bank Settlements
Israel allocated 800 hectares in the West Bank for settlement construction, drawing international criticism. The Palestinian Authority condemned the move, stating it perpetuates the displacement of Palestinians. Germany and the United Nations also criticized the decision as contradicting the vision of a future Palestinian state and violating international law.
Rhineland-Palatinate Parliament Limits Extremist Access
Rhineland-Palatinate’s parliament is implementing measures to limit access for individuals with extremist ties. President Hendrik Hering announced plans to revise house rules, restricting entry to sensitive areas like the plenary hall for parliamentary group employees with proven extremist affiliations. Under the new regulations, a mandatory police background check will be required for access, though affected individuals will still have workplace entry. Hering cited increasing evidence connecting employees of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party to right-wing extremist networks as the rationale behind the decision.
In a significant ruling, the Federal Court of Justice in Karlsruhe has determined that repair costs in apartment buildings need not be shared among all owners. Instead, owners have the authority to decide, through a majority vote, that only those utilizing the common property bear the expenses. Two cases brought before the court—one involving communal roof windows and the other a malfunctioning car lifting system in a garage—underscored this principle, with the court ruling in favor of imposing repair costs on the users of the respective amenities.
Russia has added the “International LGBT Movement” to its list of terrorist organizations, according to reports from the AFP news agency citing information from the Russian financial surveillance authority. The move follows a ban by the Russian Supreme Court last year, which deemed the LGBT movement an extremist entity. Recent crackdowns have seen Russians fined for posting rainbow flag images online. At the same time, the operators of an LGBT-friendly bar were arrested on Wednesday for alleged LGBT extremism, facing possible sentences of up to ten years in prison.
