Spain's government has approved a royal decree to grant legal status to approximately 500,000 undocumented migrants. The measure, bypassing parliamentary approval, aims to address labor shortages and demographic challenges, allowing eligible individuals to obtain work and residency permits.
The Argentine government has formally expanded the agenda for extraordinary congressional sessions to include a debate on changes to the juvenile criminal regime. The proposal, backed by Justice Minister Mariano Cúneo Libarona and Security Minister Patricia Bullrich, seeks to lower the age of criminal responsibility from the current 16, with a consensus draft bill aiming for 14 years old.
Virginia's 49th Attorney General, Jay Jones, took office on January 17, 2026, announcing immediate actions including joining litigation against the Trump administration, launching a 30-day review of existing agreements, and reaffirming efforts for a constitutional redistricting amendment.
Brazil has officially regulated the professional practice of acupuncture with the enactment of Law No. 15,345 by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The new legislation defines acupuncture, establishes clear criteria for practitioners, including higher education degrees and specialist titles, and addresses the long-standing debate over its professional scope.
Four years after becoming the first EU nation to legalize adult-use cannabis, Malta is evaluating its progress. The reform has led to a significant reduction in prosecutions, with only 39 individuals facing charges for public consumption since 2021. However, recent amendments introduce a €235 fine for 'excessive cannabis odour' nuisance, even in private residences, reflecting evolving policy to address community concerns.
Saudi Arabia has implemented a new legal framework in January 2026, allowing foreigners to own residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural real estate. This significant policy shift, part of Vision 2030, aims to attract foreign investment and diversify the economy, though restrictions apply in holy cities like Mecca and Medina.
Argentina officially enacted Law 27.799, the 'fiscal innocence' reform, on January 2, 2026. Aimed at encouraging citizens to declare an estimated $251 billion in undeclared cash savings, the law raises tax evasion thresholds, shortens limitation periods, and introduces a simplified income tax regime to formalize 'mattress dollars' and boost the economy.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order reclassifying marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, recognizing its medical uses and easing research barriers. This significant shift in U.S. drug policy does not federally legalize recreational use but aims to reduce tax burdens for cannabis businesses and facilitate medical research.
The Czech government has approved regulations for psilocybin-assisted therapy for severe depression, set to begin on January 1, 2026. This makes the Czech Republic one of the first European nations to allow medical use of psilocybin under strict supervision for patients unresponsive to conventional treatments.
Estonia's parliament, the Riigikogu, has approved a phased reduction of the online gambling tax, lowering it from 6% to 4% by 2028. This strategic move aims to modernize the country's gaming framework, enhance transparency, and attract international online gambling operators, positioning Estonia as a competitive hub in the European iGaming market.
A 34-year-old Malaysian man, Hew Jun Hui, has been sentenced to 19 years in prison and fined €35,000 for importing nearly 24kg of cannabis, valued at €263,065, through Malta International Airport. The sentence followed a plea bargain agreement.
India's Lok Sabha has passed the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, to impose higher excise duties on tobacco and related products. This move aims to maintain tax incidence and revenue stability after the GST compensation cess ends, while also discouraging tobacco consumption for public health.
French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has recently requested the extradition of approximately 15 alleged drug traffickers from the United Arab Emirates. This move, part of intensified judicial cooperation, also secured the seizure of around 40 properties in Dubai linked to drug trafficking, underscoring France's commitment to dismantling international criminal networks.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reappointed Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) as the Chairman of Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for another five-year term, extending his leadership until 2031. The reappointment, announced on November 14, 2025, follows a successful first tenure marked by significant drug busts and campaigns against drug abuse.
Argentina's President Javier Milei has enacted a decree lifting a three-decade ban on civilians purchasing and possessing semi-automatic rifles. The measure, fulfilling a key campaign pledge, allows 'legitimate users' to acquire these weapons under a new regulatory system overseen by the National Agency of Controlled Materials (ANMAC), effective June 19, 2025.
The Latvian State Border Guard successfully seized 50 kilograms of hashish in Balvi municipality near the Russian border in September, detaining four individuals. This operation marks one of the largest narcotic seizures at the 'green border' in recent years, highlighting Latvia's role in international drug trafficking routes.
The Nagoya High Court has upheld the acquittal of a 47-year-old man in a cannabis possession case, ruling that the evidence was seized through illegal procedures. This decision highlights the importance of procedural legality in Japan's strict drug enforcement landscape, particularly following recent amendments to cannabis laws.
Germany's Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) has increased the maximum quantity of cannabis imports for medical and scientific purposes by 70 tonnes, bringing the total to approximately 192.5 tonnes. This adjustment comes after the previous 2025 import quota was exhausted, reflecting a rapidly growing demand in the German medical cannabis market.
Mexican deputies have approved a significant reform to the Law of Amparo, a crucial legal mechanism. The reform, championed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, aims to streamline justice and prevent abuse of the system. A controversial retroactivity clause, previously passed by the Senate, was removed by the Chamber of Deputies following widespread criticism.
Finland's government is set to finalize its crucial hydrogen legislative proposal by the close of 2025, paving the way for a regulated hydrogen market. This move is integral to the nation's ambition to become a European leader in the hydrogen economy, aiming to produce at least 10% of the EU's emissions-free hydrogen by 2030.
