Following a new government decree, Italian wine producers are now permitted to perform dealcoholization processes domestically. This regulatory shift allows for the production of dealcoholized and partially dealcoholized wines within Italy, aiming to help the industry adapt to changing global consumer preferences for lower-alcohol beverage options.
A 21-year-old man from San Ġwann has been remanded in custody in Malta after being charged with the attempted importation of 1.5 kilograms of cannabis resin. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him in court.
Latvian law enforcement authorities have conducted a significant operation resulting in the seizure of large quantities of illegal tobacco, alcohol, and narcotics. The contraband was discovered during coordinated searches of a suspect's residence and vehicle, marking a notable success in the ongoing effort to combat organized crime and smuggling within the country.
The Swiss parliament has voted to streamline the approval process for pesticides already authorized in neighboring countries. The move aims to reduce administrative burdens for farmers, though it has sparked debate regarding environmental and health standards. The decision follows a push to align Swiss agricultural regulations more closely with those of the European Union.
The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments in *United States v. Hemani*, signaling skepticism toward a federal law prohibiting illegal drug users from possessing firearms. Justices questioned the constitutionality of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3) under the Second Amendment, particularly its broad application to individuals not actively impaired.
Spanish authorities, supported by Europol, have dismantled a sophisticated drug trafficking network, dubbed 'Operation Beluga,' that utilized warehouses and transport firms in southern Spain to smuggle hashish and cocaine to Eastern European markets. Seven individuals were arrested, and nearly 1,900 kg of drugs were seized.
Mexico's Chamber of Deputies has approved a reform to gradually reduce the legal work week from 48 to 40 hours by 2030, following earlier Senate approval. The initiative, championed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, now awaits ratification by state legislatures and is set to benefit millions of workers.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has approved a temporary change allowing bars and restaurants across the province to begin alcohol sales at 6 a.m. EST on Sunday, February 22, 2026. This decision aims to enable fans to celebrate Team Canada's men's hockey gold medal game at the Winter Olympics, which is scheduled for an early morning start, and to support local businesses. The standard start time for alcohol sales in Ontario is 9 a.m.
Spain's Congress is accelerating the processing of a 'multirreincidencia' (repeat offense) law, a key demand from Junts. The Socialist Party (PSOE) and Junts, with support from the Popular Party (PP), reached an agreement to toughen penalties for repeat minor offenses, particularly mobile phone thefts. The law is set for ratification in February 2026, facing opposition from some progressive partners.
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.
