Germany

The Netherlands has recorded its first drop in international student enrolment in nearly two decades. New figures from Nuffic show a slight decline driven mainly by fewer students from Germany and China, even as technical programmes continue to attract more foreign talent.

Germany will introduce a tax on sugary beverages in 2028 to fight obesity and fund healthcare initiatives. The decision follows a significant political shift and mirrors similar financial measures being planned in the Netherlands.

Germany’s leadership has joined a growing international movement to curb children's access to social media due to developmental concerns. This shift could provide the necessary momentum for the Netherlands and the wider EU to establish a firm, enforceable minimum age for digital platforms.