Over the past few days, the following topics attracted our attention:
Germany Approved the EU Digital Identity Wallet
Magyar Linked the Unrest in France to Immigration; Macron to the Far Left
Denmark’s CO₂ Targets: Care Homes Restrict Meat for the Elderly
Germany Approved the EU Digital Identity Wallet
On 15 October, the German Bundestag passed the Digital Identity Act, which provides the legal basis for the EU Digital Identity (EUDI) Wallet. Germany’s scheme will launch on 2 January 2027 under the name d-you. The Act eases the exchange of biometric data between authorities that issue passports and ID cards. It also lowers the age for using the digi-ID from 16 to 13 and lets citizens opt out of providing a biometric photograph, according to Reclaim the Net.
The Act was passed with the votes of the CDU/CSU and the SPD; the AfD, the Greens and the Left voted against it. The government stressed that the digital ID remains voluntary and will not replace existing methods of identity verification. It regards the wallet as the first reliable and secure electronic ID for mobile devices. The government also argues that automatic transfer of biometric photographs will save time and simplify identity checks, since such data exchange between passport and ID-card authorities was previously prohibited. The bill still requires approval from the Bundesrat (the Council of the Federal States), followed by the Chancellor, the relevant minister and the President.
The German Bundestag has approved the Digital Identity Act, which lays the groundwork for the introduction of the EU digital ID and digital wallet. Photo: European Commission/Wikimedia Commons.
Under EU rules, very large online platforms must accept the digital wallet, but Germany requires more platforms to accept it. The EU has repeatedly confirmed that the wallet is voluntary and that pseudonymous use should be possible. In Germany, however, the pseudonym function will not be ready when the wallet is rolled out.
According to the Left party, which opposed the bill, a pseudonym function must be available from the first day of operation. The coalition has instead decided that the function will be introduced “at the earliest opportunity” after launch. The Left also criticised the lowering of the age limit to 13 and described the law as a possible prelude to a social-media ban on young people, which the party rejects. It further insisted that companies must receive from the digital register only the data they are legally entitled to request, and that this check must not fall on individual users. The Greens viewed the automatic data exchange as problematic, arguing that the law lacks adequate safeguards against misuse and fails to guarantee genuine security or voluntariness. The AfD warned that the digital wallet is likely to be used far beyond administrative services, but it must not become compulsory.
Critics contend that Germany’s digital-ID framework is largely inadequate and lacks sufficient safeguards. As a result, the system could either fail or primarily benefit large technology companies. They also note that the parts designed to expand the use of the digital ID are already operational, while privacy protections are only promised for some unspecified time in the future.
Magyar Linked the Unrest in France to Immigration; Macron to the Far Left
According to Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar, the recent protests in France, which turned violent, are linked to immigration, and stricter immigration measures are therefore justified. His critics believes the Prime Minister is merely seeking to exploit the unrest, as the majority of demonstrators were French citizens, reports Euronews.
The protests in France have been going on for several weeks, starting when students demonstrated against the education system, including dilapidated school buildings and a shortage of teachers. At the weekend they were joined by protesters against the high cost of living, but in several French cities the protests turned violent. Rioters broke into shops, stole goods, set fire to cars and buildings – including the historic town hall in Limoges – and vandalised property.
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar linked these violent riots to mass immigration, drawing a distinction between peaceful protest and vandalism. He argued that the violence justified the government’s tougher immigration policy. “Seeing this senseless destruction and unjustified violence, perhaps it is now clear to everyone why Hungary takes the toughest possible stance on migration,” wrote Magyar, adding a video showing buildings on fire. He stated that Hungary has no intention of easing its efforts to protect its borders or changing its immigration policy. He noted that the majority of European countries have finally woken up and want a stricter approach to immigration, referring to the recent summit of European leaders. “The Europe we all love is in serious trouble today. We also have a responsibility to help preserve our continent as the most wonderful place for our grandchildren,” Magyar concluded.
Hungary’s left-wing figures have sharply criticised Magyar’s remarks. Left-wing activist and Budapest City Councillor András Jámbor accused the Prime Minister of trying to exploit the unrest in France for political gain. He was outraged that the Prime Minister had failed to address the people’s legitimate demands and the unjustified violence, but instead referred to the events in terms of immigration. Jámbor explained that whilst some protesters might have an immigrant background, the protests in France were about much more than that.
US President Donald Trump blamed immigration even more directly, writing on social media: “France is burning! The immigration of people from an entirely different world, people with hatred in their hearts, has shattered that once great country.” He has been joined by US Vice-President JD Vance, who also blamed immigration for the violence and wrote: “Western liberals imported the Third World into France and other countries in the name of diversity and compassion. They ignored fundamental questions of assimilation and compatibility. They were told it would lead to this and they didn’t listen.” Vance hopes that France will put a stop to this madness before even more is set alight.
French President Emmanuel Macron, on the other hand, focused on the far left rather than immigration. In a speech delivered on Sunday, Macron explained that the violence and vandalism were instigated by far-left agitators, whom many of the perpetrators had joined. According to the President, nothing justifies violence, and he asked: “How can French people do this to France?” He emphasised the need to distinguish between peaceful protesters with legitimate demands and those who destroyed, smashed and looted, and promised uncompromising action against the latter.
From Monday into Tuesday, France imposed curfews in several major cities, which will be extended if necessary or supplemented by additional curfews. Authorities have pledged to deploy the military on the streets for the coming weekend.
Denmark’s CO₂ Targets: Care Homes Restrict Meat for the Elderly
Care homes in Copenhagen serve beef to the elderly much less frequently – at most once or twice a month – because higher meat consumption conflicts with climate targets and risks exceeding CO₂ limits. More fruit and vegetables are offered instead as part of a climate-conscious diet, but many elderly residents reject them, according to B.T.
Copenhagen’s food and meal strategy aims to cut CO₂ emissions from public meals, including in care homes. An analysis of the city’s strategy shows that the proportion of meat has fallen. Beef is sometimes refused even when requested for a birthday meal. On average, beef is served only twice in four weeks, and in some homes just once. Staff are reportedly reluctant to serve it any less frequently than this at present, as this could already have a negative impact on residents’ satisfaction and nutrition.
However, residents do not wish to take part in this climate-shift and still prefer meat on their plates. Staff are trying to address this concern by avoiding terms such as ‘vegetarian’, ‘beans’ and the like. Instead they offer dishes described as “green cutlet,” hoping the wording will make the food more acceptable.
Jens-Kristian Lütken, the city’s health and care mayor, said: “It is truly a heart-rending situation they are being put in because of a stubborn political goal to reduce CO₂ emissions at any cost. It is madness.” He wants care homes exempted from the climate requirements, but there is currently no majority for this on the city council. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has also spoken out, calling it a lack of respect for the elderly’s right to decide for themselves. “This shows a lack of empathy and an inability to understand lived experience. And it is completely disproportionate. People living in care homes, who have worked hard for our country, must of course be allowed to eat meat,” she said. In her view, the fight against climate change must not come at the expense of older people’s right to self-determination; solutions should be found elsewhere.
In the roughly 42 care homes run by Copenhagen that prepare their own meals or receive them, meat accounted for 13.6 per cent of food purchases in 2025, down from 16 per cent in 2021.
"Care Homes Restrict Meat for the Elderly". Do the politicians really believe meat is increasing emissions of CO2 (net) or is this a way to empty care homes sooner? If the cows don't eat the grass, when it decays it will produce either CO2 or methane, though I agree that CAFOs are bad and polluting.
Just wait until those digital IDs are stolen by a criminal gang. Someone will be AI working on a scheme right now to gain entry as early as possible.