Fighting the Airbnb Effect: What Vienna Is Doing Right
In cities like Zurich, Barcelona, or Bari, entire apartment buildings are turning into Airbnb hotspots. Vienna has managed to contain Läs mer…
Etikett: Europe
Austria Moves to Cap Rents and Rethinks the Rental System
While many countries struggle to contain housing costs, Austria is setting an example of how governments can step in to Läs mer…
3 Cars, 22 Families: Rural Carsharing That Works
In the Bavarian village of Amerang, distances are long and buses rarely run. So, is it possible to live in Läs mer…
Saving Lives, Changing Minds: How Portugal is Winning the War on Drugs
Portugal has taken a bold step in its way out of the drug crisis, addressing drug use by choosing to focus on health and support instead of punishment—and the results are remarkable. Since decriminalizing drug possession in 2001, drug-related deaths have dropped sharply, HIV infections have declined, and more people are accessing support services. Portugal’s approach is inspiring a global conversation about rethinking the war on drugs, shifting focus to prioritize public health over criminalization.
A New Approach: Help Instead of Punishment
Portugal’s drug policy shifts the focus from punishment to rehabilitation. Being caught with small amounts of drugs for personal use no longer leads to arrest or imprisonment. Instead, individuals are referred to “Commissions for the Dissuasion of Drug Addiction.” These teams—composed of psychologists, social workers, and legal experts—assess the individual’s situation.
Their aim is to understand why the person uses drugs and what kind of support they need, whether that’s counseling, treatment, or social services. This innovative approach treats drug use as a health issue rather than a crime, breaking down barriers that often prevent people from seeking help.
Real Results: Fewer Deaths, Better Health
The impact of this shift has been profound. Drug-related deaths in Portugal are now among the lowest in Europe. Before decriminalization, the country faced a public health crisis, with hundreds of deaths and rising HIV rates among drug users.
Today, these numbers have dropped significantly. Portugal’s harm reduction programs, such as the distribution of clean needles and access to voluntary therapy, have played a key role in these improvements. These services reduce the risk of infections like HIV and hepatitis while encouraging people to seek help without fear of legal consequences.
Portugal’s way out of the drug crisis: Building Trust and Preventing Harm
Another critical component of Portugal’s strategy is the establishment of drug consumption rooms. These spaces allow individuals to use drugs under medical supervision, preventing overdoses and ensuring immediate medical assistance when needed. They also provide clean equipment to reduce the spread of infectious diseases and serve as entry points for people to connect with healthcare services. For many, these safe spaces are the first step toward recovery.
Problematic Drug Use and Social Factors
One of the most striking outcomes of Portugal’s policy is the decline in “problematic” drug use—defined as frequent and high-risk use. This has decreased significantly, particularly among young people. Experts attribute this to a combination of decriminalization, education, and accessible support services that are designed to tackle not just the symptoms of drug use but also the root causes.
Portugal’s strategy goes further by addressing the social and economic factors that contribute to addiction. Programs focus on reintegrating individuals into society, offering job training, housing assistance, and social support. By addressing these root causes of addiction, Portugal aims to break the cycle of addiction and improve overall well-being.
A Model for the World?
Portugal’s success is an example of how compassionate, health-focused policies can address drug issues more effectively than punishment. The combination of decriminalization, harm reduction services, and efforts to tackle underlying social issues provides a comprehensive model for sustainable change.
This approach has inspired discussions in countries worldwide. For instance, nations like Canada and Switzerland have implemented similar harm reduction measures, although on a smaller scale. Yet many countries remain hesitant, clinging to punitive measures despite mounting evidence that they are less effective.
This work is licensed under the Creative Common License. It can be republished for free, either translated or in the original language. In both cases, please cite Kontrast / Sophie Wenkel as the original source/author and set a link to this article on TheBetter.news. https://thebetter.news/portugal-drug-policy/
The rights to the content remain with the original publisher. Läs mer…
Unbreakable: Duralex Glass Heritage Saved by Its Workforce
They complement every French bistro like a petit café after a meal: Glasses from Duralex have cult status in France and are very popular internationally. Nevertheless, after several difficult years, the French glass manufacturer was on the verge of collapse. High energy prices and declining sales pushed the company to the brink of insolvency. After multiple takeovers and bankruptcy proceedings, the workforce took charge of Duralex by founding a cooperative, preserving all jobs—and securing the company’s future.
Hailed by the New York Times as one of the best drinking glasses in the world, Duralex products are enjoying great popularity worldwide. Indiana Jones used them to drink his whiskey and James Bond managed to catch a scorpion with a Duralex glass after emptying it.
But the story of these iconic tumblers with the round belly begins much earlier in the heart of France. In 1945, Duralex was founded in La Chapelle-Saint-Mesmin, a suburb of Orléans. Since then, glasses have been manufactured here using a special, patented process and sold all over the world.
Iconic Glasses Made in France
Few drinking glasses can claim to be as sturdy and iconic as this one. In France, there is hardly any person who has not drunk out of a Duralex glass at some point. Even in school, children learn about the properties of these glasses, which can be dropped and yet will not break. For many, Duralex glasses are not only functional, but also part of their collective memory. The number in the glass bottom, an indication of the production mold, became a game for generations of schoolchildren: whoever had the highest number had to fetch the water for the others.
Long-Standing Company Under Pressure
However, the resilience of its glasses cannot be deduced from the economic resilience of the company. Duralex is not the only long-standing company that has come under economic pressure in recent years. Increasing competition from low-wage countries and high energy costs made domestic manufacturing more and more difficult. In particular, the energy-intensive process of glass tempering, in which the glass is first heated to a high temperature and then cooled rapidly, became increasingly expensive. The company was only incurring losses.
Ultimately, the pandemic dealt Duralex the final blow. Insolvency seemed inevitable. After several changes of direction and insolvency proceedings, the company even suspended production for a short time.
Two companies submitted takeover offers. Both included plans for massive job cuts. The case was taken to court in Orléans.
Duralex Employees Set Up a Cooperative and Secure All Jobs
After tough negotiations, the court in Orleans ruled in July 2024 to accept the employees’ plan to found a cooperative. The workforce saved all jobs by uniting more than half of its members to take control over the future of the iconic glasses and invest in their own company. In a statement, the newly founded cooperative said:
‘We are taking our destiny into our own hands and are determined to advance our company, an icon of French industry, in an ambitious transformation project.’
There was support from politicians and authorities. The cooperative received around €10 million to purchase the production site and preserve jobs in the factory and at suppliers.
But more power brings greater responsibility. The employees are now involved in all decisions in a board of directors. They elected the former plant manager, François Marciano, as director. He is supposed to help them get the company back on track. The first step is to convince the rest of the workforce and then the whole world of the new business model.
Raising a Glass to Duralex’s Cooperative Future
The aim is to reduce the high production costs by investing in renewable energies and to make Duralex profitable again by developing new products. To do this, the company needs to modernise its machinery and structures. It wants to build up rather than down. Duralex plans to set up more departments to make sales and marketing more professional.
The renewed attention Duralex is receiving has already boosted demand for its iconic glasses. The cooperative aims to restore profitability within the next five years.
This work is licensed under the Creative Common License. It can be republished for free, either translated or in the original language. In both cases, please cite Kontrast / Justus Hartmann as the original source/author and set a link to this article on TheBetter.news. https://thebetter.news/duralex-cooperative/
The rights to the content remain with the original publisher. Läs mer…
Breaking Barriers: A Landmark Decision for Transgender Rights in the EU
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has issued a historic EU transgender rights ruling. It requires all EU member states to recognize legal gender and name changes made in other EU countries. This is a major step forward for transgender rights in Europe. The ruling ensures fair treatment for individuals who have legally changed their gender, removing legal and bureaucratic obstacles across borders. The EU transgender rights ruling promotes equality and strengthens the rights of transgender individuals throughout the European Union.
The case that led to the EU Transgender Rights Ruling
This ruling stems from a case involving a Romanian citizen who transitioned from female to male while living in the UK. In 2017, the UK legally recognized both his name and gender change. However, when he sought to update his Romanian birth certificate in 2021, Romanian authorities refused to amend it, even though the UK had already recognized the change before Brexit. Romania’s refusal violated the individual’s right to free movement within the EU and denied him legal recognition in his home country.
Legal Recognition of Identity Across Borders
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled that Romania, along with all other EU nations, must recognize legal gender and name changes made in another member state. The court clarified that refusing to amend these documents violates key EU principles, such as free movement and non-discrimination, which protect fundamental rights. The court emphasized that differences in legal gender recognition between countries create significant barriers for transgender individuals, making it difficult to travel, work, or access essential services. By mandating recognition across borders, the ruling strengthens the rights and dignity of transgender people throughout the union.
Towards a More Inclusive Europe
This ruling marks a significant step toward achieving social justice across the EU, particularly in countries with different approaches to gender identity laws. While progressive countries like Spain and Germany have already implemented robust policies for gender identity recognition, others may face challenges. Nations such as Romania and Hungary will need to adjust their laws to meet the new EU requirements, which could prove difficult given their more restrictive approaches. Nevertheless, the decision ensures that every EU member state must respect and recognize legal gender identities from other countries, paving the way for greater equality and inclusivity throughout the union. The decision removes bureaucratic barriers, ensuring transgender individuals across the EU have their gender identity recognized, fostering greater equality and inclusivity throughout the union. Läs mer…
Portugal Introduces Nationwide €20 Train Ticket for Unlimited Travel
Portugal plans a new €20 train ticket. This will allow residents to travel on all trains across the country for just €20 a month. The initiative aims to ease financial pressure on citizens and support climate protection.
In 2023, the government introduced a €49 ticket. It offered unlimited travel on most regional trains for a month to locals and tourists. However, high-speed trains and the urban networks in Porto, Lisbon, and Coimbra were not included. Now, the government plans to cut the price in half. It will also include intercity express trains, as Prime Minister Luís Montenegro announced:
“We will offer a €20 monthly ticket for all city trains, regional trains, intercity trains, and the Intercidades network.”
€20 Train Ticket in Portugal: Reducing costs while promoting sustainability
“It’s an investment in people, the environment, and the future,” said the Prime Minister.
The exact start date is unclear. Some questions remain. Can the railway infrastructure handle the increased demand? Will the ticket be available for tourists? The government is also deciding on train reservations and the cancellation policy.This work is licensed under the Creative Common License. It can be republished for free, either translated or in the original language. In both cases, please cite Kontrast / Kontrast Redaktion as the original source/author and set a link to this article on Scoop.me. https://thebetter.news/portugal-introduces-nationwide-e20-train-ticket-for-unlimited-travel/
The rights to the content remain with the original publisher. Läs mer…
Gas Price Cap, Rent Controls, and Affordable Food: Why Spain’s Economy is Booming
While the economy in some EU countries is stagnating and even slipping into recession, Spain’s economy is showing rapid growth. Spain’s socialist Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has implemented government interventions to regulate prices. This approach has kept inflation low over the past few years and stimulated economic growth. As a result, Spain is now a driving force within the EU and is projected to have the highest economic growth rate in the Eurozone for 2024.
Price Controls as a Successful Economic Strategy
Spain is one of the EU countries that has weathered the COVID-19 pandemic, energy crisis, and inflation surge particularly well. Its economic growth in recent years has far surpassed the EU average, and predictions for 2024 estimate a growth rate of 2.4–2.7%, making Spain the fastest-growing economy in the Eurozone. The Sánchez government took action during the energy crisis by intervening in prices, which helped keep inflation consistently low. Key measures included a gas price cap and rent controls, which helped curb price increases. In addition, the government suspended VAT on essential food items, helping to ease the burden of rising food costs.
Immigration as a Key to Spain’s Prosperity
Another factor behind Spain’s strong economic growth is the influx of skilled workers, particularly from Latin America. This immigration has eased the labor shortage in sectors like technology and hospitality. New immigration policies are expected to support this trend further.
While many European countries focus on restricting immigration, Spain has embraced an open approach. In mid-October 2024, Sánchez presented his plans to the Spanish Parliament, emphasizing that immigration is not only a humanitarian issue but also essential for the country’s economic future:
“It is necessary for the prosperity of our economy and the sustainability of the welfare state.”
The government plans to simplify the recognition of foreign qualifications, introduce a new labor migration program, and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for residence permits. At the same time, integration measures are being expanded.
Lowest Unemployment Rate in 15 Years
Spain’s unemployment rate skyrocketed following the financial crisis of the late 2000s. However, it has now fallen to around 11.3%, the lowest level in 15 years. This improvement is largely due to the robust economic growth under Sánchez’s leadership during recent crises.
Despite being high by European standards, many sectors in Spain, such as technology and construction, are facing a shortage of skilled workers. Rural areas, in particular, are struggling with depopulation and are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain essential infrastructure.
“We have elderly people who need caregivers but can’t find them. Businesses are looking for programmers, technicians, and builders but can’t find them. Rural schools need more children to avoid closing,” said Prime Minister Sánchez.
Sánchez also plans to ask the European Commission to bring forward the implementation of the EU-wide migration pact to next year. Under this plan, migrants and asylum seekers would be more evenly distributed among EU member states based on factors like GDP and population.
Spain’s Financial Market More Stable than France
Spain’s positive economic developments are also reflected in its financial market. Recently, the yields on 10-year French government bonds surpassed those of Spain for the first time. In simple terms, investors now receive a higher return for purchasing French government bonds compared to Spanish ones, suggesting that investors see Spain as a lower-risk country than France, the EU’s second-largest economy.
In January 2024, Spain’s bond yields were still 0.4 percentage points higher than France’s. During the worst of the Eurozone crisis, the difference between Spanish and French bonds was nearly five percentage points.
This article was updated on October 11 to include the information that Spain intends to focus on migration in its labor market policy in the future.
This work is licensed under the Creative Common License. It can be republished for free, either translated or in the original language. In both cases, please cite Kontrast / Michael Thaler as the original source/author and set a link to this article on Scoop.me. https://thebetter.news/spain-economy-boom/
The rights to the content remain with the original publisher. Läs mer…