Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF) has scheduled a crucial trial for December 18, 2025, to deliberate on changes to special retirement benefits. The court will consider overturning the minimum age requirement for special retirement, reinstating full benefits, and allowing the conversion of special service time into common time, potentially impacting millions of Brazilians.
Germany has amended its Citizenship Act, reinforcing the link between naturalisation and sustainable integration. The standard residency requirement for citizenship is now five years, following the recent abolition of a fast-track three-year option introduced in 2024. Dual citizenship remains permissible under the updated law.
Romania's government has advanced controversial legislation to reform magistrates' pensions, aiming to raise the retirement age to 65 and increase the service length to 35 years. The move, crucial for unlocking EU funds, comes after a previous bill was rejected by the Constitutional Court and despite a negative opinion from the Superior Council of Magistracy.
Australia is set to enforce a landmark ban on social media access for children under 16 from December 10, 2025. The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 mandates platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to prevent underage accounts, with fines up to $49.5 million for non-compliance, aiming to protect youth from online harm.
Estonia's parliament, the Riigikogu, has revised labor laws, allowing 15- to 17-year-olds who have completed basic school to work up to 40 hours a week. This change reverses recent restrictions and aims to support youth employment and provide initial work experience.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on families to have 'at least four or five children,' escalating his long-standing campaign for population growth. He warned that the nation's declining fertility rate, currently at 1.48 children per woman, poses a serious threat to Turkey's future and global ambitions. This comes as the government implements financial incentives and designates 2025 as the 'Year of the Family' to counter the demographic shift.
The Danish government has announced plans to ban social media access for children under 15, with parental consent allowing access from age 13 after a specific assessment. This measure aims to protect youth from harmful content, online advertising, and negative mental health impacts, with enforcement planned through age verification and potential EU fines for non-compliance.
Lithuania has implemented comprehensive new gambling regulations effective November 1, 2025, uniformly raising the minimum age for all gambling activities to 21. The reforms introduce stringent safety measures, including mandatory operator intervention for high-risk players, spending limits, and a phased advertising ban, aiming to curb harmful play and enhance player protection.
Poland's President Karol Nawrocki has signed a draft bill to exempt families with at least two children from income tax, a key campaign promise aimed at boosting the nation's declining birth rate. The legislation, applicable to incomes up to 140,000 zloty, is part of a broader 'tax armor' package and is expected to provide significant financial relief, though it still requires parliamentary approval.
The Nigerian Senate has unanimously approved a bill mandating life imprisonment for individuals convicted of child defilement, a significant increase from the previous five-year maximum sentence. The Criminal Code Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, also stiffens penalties for other sexual offenses, reflecting a national push to combat rising child abuse cases.
Australia has launched a public education campaign ahead of its new national 16-year age limit for social media accounts, set to take effect on December 10, 2025. The legislation, passed in late 2024, mandates social media platforms to prevent minors under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts, with penalties up to AUD $50 million for non-compliance.
China has increased the maximum hiring age for some civil service positions from 35 to 38, and up to 43 for advanced degree holders, marking the first such change in nearly 30 years. The move aims to combat age discrimination, retain older workers, and address the nation's shrinking workforce and aging population.
Luxembourg's Government Council formally adopted draft bills on October 10, 2025, to reform the pension system. Key measures include a gradual increase in the required contribution period for early retirement by eight months by 2030 and a rise in the overall contribution rate from 24% to 25.5% starting January 1, 2026.
Eritrea continues to demonstrate robust national commitment and measurable progress in eliminating Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C). A recent press conference in Asmara, featuring the National Union of Eritrean Women and UN representatives, highlighted the nation's comprehensive strategy, legal framework, and impressive decline in FGM/C prevalence among younger generations, aiming for complete eradication by 2030.
Dutch police have arrested five individuals in connection with the abduction of a 49-year-old woman from Hoofddorp, who disappeared on Wednesday morning, October 8, 2025, while driving to work. Her car was later found, but she remains missing, prompting a large-scale investigation.
Denmark has announced plans to ban social media for children under the age of 15, with parental consent potentially allowing access from age 13. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen cited concerns over mental health, concentration issues, and exposure to inappropriate content, describing social media as 'stealing our children's childhood'.
Tajikistan is debating new legislation proposed by lawmaker Dilnoza Ahmadzoda to ban social media for children under 14 and require parental consent for ages 14-17. The move aims to protect minors from harmful online content, sparking debate among experts and the public regarding effectiveness and digital literacy.
Kyrgyzstan has increased pensions from October 1, 2025, with the average pension now reaching 11,226 soms. The indexation, affecting over 818,700 pensioners, includes a 10% rise for pensions up to 50,000 soms and a cap of 5,000 soms for higher amounts, aiming to enhance living standards.
Australia's First Home Guarantee scheme has expanded, effective October 1, 2025, to include Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The changes remove income and place limits, allowing eligible homebuyers to secure a property with a minimum 5% deposit and avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance. A property price cap of $400,000 applies to these islands.
A 75-year-old woman, Keiko Mori, has been arrested in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, after confessing to keeping her daughter's body in a freezer for approximately 20 years. The discovery was made after Mori reported the situation to police with a relative.
