As we reach the midpoint of 2025, a series of new laws and regulations are set to take effect in Norway this July, marking significant changes across various sectors. Among the most notable is the amendment to the penal code, which now explicitly requires active consent for sexual activities, either through words or actions. This change, championed by numerous organizations over the years, shifts the legal framework from 'no means no' to 'only yes means yes,' reflecting a broader societal push towards clearer boundaries and protections.

Another critical update involves the transparency of political donations, putting an end to anonymous contributions to political parties. This move has drawn particular attention due to the activities of the organization Action for Conservative Election Victory (ABV), which attempted to donate to several right-wing parties without disclosing its backers. Only the Progress Party chose to accept these funds, highlighting the contentious nature of political financing and the need for greater openness.

Young adults aged 25 to 28 will now benefit from reduced dental care costs, joining their younger counterparts who already enjoy such discounts. This policy adjustment means that a dental bill of 2000 kroner will now cost a 28-year-old only 500 kroner, easing the financial burden on this demographic. Additionally, the VAT on water and sewage fees will be reduced from 25% to 15%, offering relief to households across the country at a time when these fees are rising sharply due to maintenance backlogs and new EU requirements.

These reforms come at a pivotal moment, addressing long-standing issues and adapting to evolving societal norms. From enhancing personal autonomy and privacy to making essential services more affordable, the changes reflect a comprehensive approach to governance and public welfare. As these laws take effect, their impact on Norwegian society will be closely watched by both citizens and policymakers alike.

The UK government has announced sweeping changes to its asylum system, eliminating automatic settlement rights and family reunification for refugees granted protection in Britain. Prime Minister Keir Starmer outlined the reforms ahead of his attendance at the European Political Community Summit in Copenhagen, where he will co-chair discussions on innovative approaches to tackling illegal migration. The fundamental policy shift represents the government's attempt to balance protection for genuine refugees with stronger border controls.

Under the new system, migrants granted asylum will no longer receive automatic resettlement rights or the ability to bring family members to join them in the UK. The government suspended new family reunion applications at the beginning of September as part of these changes, with Home Office figures showing almost 21,000 refugee family reunion visas were issued in the year to June 2025. The vast majority of these visas had been granted to women and children seeking to join family members already in Britain.

The reforms aim to create what the government describes as a "fairer system where the route to settlement should be longer, and be earned via contribution to the country." Prime Minister Starmer emphasized that "there will be no golden ticket to settling in the UK—people will have to earn it." The changes are designed to reduce what officials term "pull factors" that they believe encourage migrants to attempt dangerous Channel crossings rather than seek protection in other safe countries they pass through.

These policy announcements come alongside preparations for additional measures, including potential army-built migrant camps to replace costly hotel accommodations. Logistics teams with experience building barracks in war zones are developing plans to quickly establish facilities on government land. The government views providing less comfortable housing as a key deterrent to stopping record numbers of small boat crossings, with cross-government efforts being ramped up to close migrant hotels ahead of the previous 2029 deadline.