Germany is testing a shorter working week. Starting in February, 45 companies have introduced a four-day workweek that will last for half a year. As the country struggles with a labor shortage, this test aims to prove that shorter working hours increase worker productivity and reduce stress. This has been tested in many other countries, and early results seem to favor a shorter workweek. Read more about the model and its limitations here.
Farmer protests spread across Europe. Farmer protests continue as demonstrators escalate their efforts. Farmers argue that they receive inadequate compensation, grapple with burdensome taxes and environmental regulations while facing unjust competition from foreign markets. The demonstrations happening throughout Europe come before the European Parliament elections in June. The far right, which sees farmers as a growing support base, is expected to make advances in these elections.
Finland is voting. Finns will head for the polling stations for a second round of presidential elections on February 11. The candidates in the second round are Alexander Stubb, representing the National Coalition Party, and Pekka Haavisto, representing a constituency association. Stubb received 27.2% and Haavisto 25.8% of votes cast in the first round.
Right to repair. The Parliament and Council have come to a political agreement on enhancing the “right to repair” for consumers. The agreed-upon rules provide clarity on manufacturers’ obligations and promote consumer efforts to prolong a product’s lifespan through repair. This proposal aims to give consumers better rights for easier and more attractive repairs beyond the legal guarantee period. Manufacturers would be obligated to repair various household products like washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and smartphones. More products can be added to the list later. Once the directive is adopted by both Council and Parliament, and published in the EU Official Journal, member states will have 24 months to adopt it into national law.
Rights
European pension: As an EU resident, you can get a uniform European pension product. Supervised by national authorities and the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA), the pension is designed to provide an old-age income alongside the state pension and national supplementary pillars. The pension, called the PEPP, is voluntary and portable across the EU.
Opportunities
Free trip to Zagreb (Croatia): Training course on methods and tools necessary for development of digital competencies of young people. When? March 19-22. Deadline? February 6.
Free trip to Rabka-Zdrój (Poland): Training course on how to use volunteering as a tool of youth work. When? March 8.14. Deadline? February 7.
Free trip to Antwerp (Belgium): Training course on practical knowledge, methods and tools to engage the people you work with. When? March 15-22 Deadline? February 9.
