Europe

The parish church of St Andrew in Würzburg, Germany, will be repurposed as a bouldering centre, reflecting a growing trend to utilise underused church buildings. Set to open in summer 2027, the project highlights the challenges facing congregations amidst declining membership and rising maintenance costs.

Swedes can change their legal gender from the age of 16, after the Swedish parliament passed a law lowering the age. The law passed with 234 votes in favour and 94 against in Sweden’s parliament. Sweden was the first country to make gender transition legal – in 1972. But the new law has sparked a debate. For some, lowering the age from 18 to 16 will make an “important difference” but critics say more research is needed.

The EU will expand sanctions on Iranian producers of drones and missiles following Iran’s attack on Israel. More than 300 missiles were launched from Iran, with 99% of them shot down or intercepted by Israel and its allies. Iran launched its attack after an Israeli strike on its consulate building in Syria killed 13 people.

From our sponsors
Advertisement
Advertisement