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Explore, track and compare government performance across key indicators and briefings from reliable international and national sources

UpdatedNov 10

Defense

United States · Overseas deployments

~154,062

Deployed abroad · August 2026

Open fullscreen

Presence forcesOverseas sovereignty

Source: Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC), Military and Civilian Personnel by Service/Agency by State/Country (Location Country Report), Active Duty, as of August 31, 2026· Data August 2026

First data+0.2 pts vs 2022Nov 10

Pensions

United States · Pension expenditure (% of GDP)

7.3% GDP

2023

Source: BIS· Data 2023

Old age, survivors, disability, early retirementPublic and private spending, Eurostat definitionUpd. 10/2025Y-axis truncated

Deep diveNov 10

WorldArtificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence: how big is the boom?

The four cloud giants doubled their investment in a year; AI revenue is growing fast but remains far behind.

$202bnCapex of the 4 cloud giants · in Q3 2026, up 108% on a year earlier

SEC · capex Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, MetaQ1 2024 – Q3 2026

Data as of Nov 10, 2026

UpdatedNov 9

Institutional trust

United States · Leader approval

32%

Donald Trump · Président

Source: Reuters/Ipsos· Data 2026-11

Job approvalin office since January 2025

First data−0.2 pts vs Q3 2025Nov 9

Economy & public finances

United States · GDP Growth

2.5%

Q3 2026

Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis· Data Q3 2026

Upd. 11/2026

Deep diveNov 9

GermanyRecord in office

Friedrich Merz: the record in figures

Since May 2025

8 · Improved7 · Worsened4 · No judgement

Unemployment+0.4 pt3.7% → 4.1%

Public debt+2.2 pts61.2% → 63.4%

Prices+4.1%131.7 → 137.1

GDP+1.2%€915bn → €926bn

13 campaign promises kept out of 18 · 1 in part · 4 in progress

Data as of Nov 9, 2026

First data+0.6 pts vs Q3 2025Nov 9

Purchasing power & prices

United States · Inflation (CPI)

3.5%

Q3 2026

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics· Data Q3 2026

Upd. 11/2026

First data−0.2 pts vs Q3 2025Nov 9

Labour market

United States · Unemployment Rate

4.1%

Q3 2026

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics· Data Q3 2026

Share of the labour force without a job and seeking oneUpd. 11/2026

ReformStatus: In forceOct 20

South KoreaPensions

National Pension reform of 2025: contributions from 9% to 13%, replacement rate of 43%

Adopted by the National Assembly on 20 March 2025 and in force since 1 January 2026, the amendment to the National Pension Act raises the contribution rate (unchanged at 9% since 1998) by 0.5 point a year to 13% in 2033, sets the nominal replacement rate at 43% instead of letting it fall to 40% by 2028, writes the State’s guarantee of payment into the law and extends childbirth and military-service credits. It is the first parametric reform since 2007; the structural reform is left to a special committee of the Assembly.

Announced
September 4, 2024
Adopted
March 20, 2025
In force
January 1, 2026
In force
October 20, 2026

Fund depletion postponed by the reform8 years2057 → 2065

Fund depletion postponed by the reform, with fund returns raised by 1 point15 years2056 → 2071

· Contribution rate raised from 9% by 0.5 point a year: 9.5% in 2026, 10% in 2027… 12.5% in 2032, 13% from 2033; employees and employers each pay half (4.75% each in 2026, 6.5% each at the end), self-employed and voluntary members pay all of it.

Next milestone: January 1, 2027, Contribution rate rises to 10%; extended military-service and second-child credits take effect

Updated: November 5, 2026

New data−0.3 pts vs 2024Nov 9

Defense

United States · Defense spending

3.1% GDP

2025

Source: World Bank· Data 2025

Upd. 10/2026Y-axis truncated

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Economy & public finances

Purchasing power & prices

Labour market

Health

Security & crime

Immigration & integration

Housing

Pensions

Education & training

Environment, energy & climate

Social cohesion, poverty & inequality

Artificial intelligence

Demography

Briefings –See all

United StatesEconomy & public finances

Growth holds up, the deficit widens

2.5%
GDP growth: Q3 2026; 121.2% GDP
Public debt: Q2 2026; -5.8% GDP
Budget balance: 2025

Data as of Nov 7, 2026

United StatesPurchasing power & prices

Inflation hits 3.7%, the first rate rise since 2023

3.5%
Inflation (CPI): Q3 2026; 2.5%
Core inflation: Q3 2026; 322index
Food prices: Q3 2026

Data as of Nov 7, 2026

United StatesLabour market

Low hiring, low firing

4.1%
Unemployment rate (ILO): Q3 2026; 59.1%
Employment rate (15-64): Q3 2026; 61.6%
Activity rate: Q3 2026

Data as of Nov 7, 2026

United StatesHealth

The costliest healthcare in the world, a lagging life expectancy

78.7years
Life expectancy: 2018; 17.2% GDP
Health expenditure: 2024; 5.31; per 1,000
Infant mortality: Q1 2026

Data as of Nov 7, 2026

United StatesSecurity & crime

Homicides at their lowest since the 1950s

4.1; per 100k
Homicides: 2025; 1,535; per 100k
Assault & violence: 2025

Data as of Nov 7, 2026

United StatesImmigration & integration

Southern border crossings at a decades-long low

14.7%
Immigrant population share: 2025; 843.1K
Naturalisations: 2024; 1.2M
Net migration: 2025

Data as of Nov 7, 2026

United StatesHousing

Mortgages above 7%, a frozen housing market

154index
Property price index: Q2 2026; 65.5%
Home ownership rate: Q3 2026; 340.9K
Housing construction: Q3 2026

Data as of Nov 7, 2026

United StatesPensions

Social Security: reserves projected to run out in late 2032

7.3% GDP
Pension expenditure (% of GDP): 2023

Data as of Nov 7, 2026

United StatesEducation & training

High spending per student, average results

5.4% GDP
Education expenditure: 2021; 19.3KEUR
Spending per student: 2021; 502points
PISA 2025 ranking: Science · 13th of 91 · 2025

Data as of Nov 7, 2026

United StatesEnvironment, energy & climate

Emissions rise again as climate rules are rolled back

4,781MtCO2e
GHG emissions: 2024; 9.1%
Renewable energy share: 2025; 330; gCO2/kWh
Electricity carbon intensity: 2024

Data as of Nov 7, 2026

United StatesSocial cohesion, poverty & inequality

The richest fifth takes 52% of income

41.8index
Gini index: 2024; 21.1%
Child poverty: 2023

Data as of Nov 7, 2026

United StatesJustice

The highest incarceration rate in the developed world

1.3M
Prison population: 2023

Data as of Nov 7, 2026

United StatesTransport & mobility

Fewer road deaths, a slower shift to electric

12.7
Road mortality: 2023; 1,753MtCO2e
Transport emissions: 2022

Data as of Nov 7, 2026

United StatesDefense

A third of the world's military spending

3.1% GDP
Defense spending: 2025; 954.4BUSD
Military spending (USD): 2025; 14BUSD
Arms exports: 2025

Data as of Nov 7, 2026

United StatesInstitutional trust

Trust in Washington down to 17%

Data as of Nov 7, 2026

Deep dives –See all

WorldArtificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence: how big is the boom?

The four cloud giants doubled their investment in a year; AI revenue is growing fast but remains far behind.

SEC · capex Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, MetaQ1 2024 – Q3 2026

Data as of Nov 10, 2026

United StatesRecord in office

Donald Trump: the record in figures

2nd term (since 2025)

Unemployment0.0 pt4.1% → 4.1%

Public debt+2.5 pts123.4% → 125.9%

4 campaign promises kept out of 17 · 3 in part · 3 in progress · 7 not kept or abandoned

Data as of Nov 9, 2026

United StatesEconomy & public finances

Where do the US deficit and debt come from?

Federal revenue and spending since 1960, item by item: health, retirement, taxes, interest and customs duties.

20152025

Data as of Oct 27, 2026

FranceRecord in office

Emmanuel Macron: the record in figures

Since 2017

Unemployment−1.1 pt9.6% → 8.5%

Public debt+18.6 pts100.5% → 119.1%

7 campaign promises kept out of 21 · 6 in part · 3 in progress · 5 not kept or abandoned

Data as of Nov 8, 2026

GermanyRecord in office

Friedrich Merz: the record in figures

Since May 2025

Unemployment+0.4 pt3.7% → 4.1%

Public debt+2.2 pts61.2% → 63.4%

13 campaign promises kept out of 18 · 1 in part · 4 in progress

Data as of Nov 9, 2026

United KingdomRecord in office

Andy Burnham and the Labour government: the record in figures

Since July 2024

Unemployment+0.5 pt4.2% → 4.7%

Public debt+3.5 pts98.8% → 102.3%

5 campaign promises kept out of 19 · 1 in part · 13 in progress

Data as of Nov 9, 2026

JapanRecord in office

Sanae Takaichi: the record in figures

Since October 2025

Unemployment−0.2 pt2.6% → 2.4%

Prices+2.2%112.0 → 114.5

6 campaign promises kept out of 12 · 6 in progress

Data as of Nov 9, 2026

ChinaRecord in office

Xi Jinping: the record in figures

Since 2012

Unemployment+0.1 pt4.6% → 4.6%

Public debt+65.6 pts33.0% → 98.6%

10 campaign promises kept out of 20 · 3 in part · 3 in progress · 4 not kept or abandoned

Data as of Nov 9, 2026

European UnionPensions

Pensions: what the figures say

Pension expenditure, exit age and normal retirement age, older workers’ employment and the income of people aged 65+ in Europe; the COR’s French trajectory to 2070.

Eurostat · spr_exp_pens2024

Data as of Oct 30, 2026

FranceEconomy & public finances

Where do France’s deficit and debt come from?

Public revenue and spending since 1995, item by item: pensions, health, tax cuts and a comparison with neighbouring countries.

20152025

Data as of Oct 25, 2026

GermanyEconomy & public finances

Where do Germany’s deficit and debt come from?

German public revenue and spending since 1995, item by item, and a comparison with France on the same accounts.

20152025

Data as of Oct 27, 2026

ItalyEconomy & public finances

Where does Italy’s public deficit come from?

Italian public revenue and spending since 1995, item by item, and a comparison with France on the same accounts.

20152025

Data as of Oct 30, 2026

SpainEconomy & public finances

Where does Spain’s public deficit come from?

Spanish public revenue and spending since 1995, item by item, and a comparison with France on the same accounts.

20152025

Data as of Oct 30, 2026

United KingdomEconomy & public finances

Where do the UK’s deficit and debt come from?

UK public revenue and spending since 1995, item by item, and a comparison with France on the same accounts.

20152025

Data as of Oct 27, 2026

TurkeyEconomy & public finances

Where does Turkey’s public deficit come from?

Turkish public revenue and spending since 2008, by type, and a comparison with France on the same statistics.

20152023

Data as of Oct 30, 2026

CanadaEconomy & public finances

Where does Canada’s public deficit come from?

Canadian public revenue and spending since 1995, by type, and a comparison with France on the same accounts.

20152025

Data as of Oct 30, 2026

MexicoEconomy & public finances

Where does Mexico’s public deficit come from?

Mexican public revenue and spending since 2003, by type, and a comparison with France on the same accounts.

20152024

Data as of Oct 30, 2026

BrazilEconomy & public finances

Where does Brazil’s public deficit come from?

Brazilian public revenue and spending since 2010, item by item, and a comparison with France on the same statistics.

20152023

Data as of Oct 30, 2026

JapanEconomy & public finances

Where do Japan’s deficit and debt come from?

Japanese public revenue and spending since 2005, item by item, and the story of a debt that went from 63% to over 200% of GDP.

20152024

Data as of Oct 27, 2026

South KoreaEconomy & public finances

Where does South Korea’s public deficit come from?

South Korean public revenue and spending since 1995, item by item, and a comparison with France on the same accounts.

20152025

Data as of Oct 30, 2026

AustraliaEconomy & public finances

Where does Australia’s public deficit come from?

Australian public revenue and spending since 1999, item by item, and a comparison with France on the same statistics.

20152025

Data as of Oct 30, 2026

Compare countries

GDP growth · China vs United States

Open comparison →

China
4.5 %
2026
United States
2.3 %
2025

Reform tracker –See all

United StatesEconomy & public finances

« One Big Beautiful Bill Act » (Public Law 119-21): tax cuts, Medicaid and SNAP changes, higher debt limit

The 2025 budget reconciliation law, signed on 4 July 2025, makes the 2017 tax cuts permanent, adds temporary deductions for tips, overtime and seniors, raises the cap on the state and local tax deduction, adds work requirements to Medicaid and SNAP, phases out several clean-energy tax credits, funds immigration enforcement and defense, and raises the federal debt limit by $5 trillion. The CBO estimates it adds $3.4 trillion to deficits over 2025–2034 relative to its January 2025 baseline. Known as the « One Big Beautiful Bill Act », it has no official short title: the Senate struck it before passage.

In forceProvisions take effect on staggered dates, from 2025 to 2030 and beyond.

Updated: November 3, 2026

United StatesJustice

First Step Act of 2018: federal prison and sentencing reform

Signed on 21 December 2018, the First Step Act lets federal prisoners earn time credits (10 to 15 days per 30 days of recidivism-reduction programmes, assigned by a risk assessment tool (PATTERN)) toward home confinement or early supervised release. It also cuts some mandatory minimum sentences for repeat drug offences, broadens the « safety valve », makes the 2010 Fair Sentencing Act retroactive and bans restraints on pregnant prisoners. It applies to the federal system only, not to state prisons.

In forcePhased implementation: risk tool released in July 2019, time-credit rule in force since January 2022, revised in 2026.

Updated: November 3, 2026

United StatesDefense

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119-60): $890.6 billion authorized, acquisition reform, troop floors in Europe and Korea

The annual defense authorization law for fiscal year 2026 (1 October 2025 – 30 September 2026), signed on 18 December 2025, authorizes $890.6 billion for national defense programs within the Armed Services Committees’ jurisdiction, $8 billion above the President’s request. It sets active-duty end strengths, rewrites defense acquisition around « portfolio acquisition executives », writes the « Golden Dome for America » missile defense policy into law, extends Ukraine aid authority to 2029, bars funds from reducing U.S. forces in Europe below 76,000 or in South Korea below 28,500 before a certification, and repeals the 1991 and 2002 Iraq war authorizations. An authorization act does not appropriate money: the funds themselves were provided by the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026, enacted on 3 February 2026.

In forceAuthorizes appropriations for fiscal year 2026 (to 30 September 2026); the money itself comes from appropriations acts. Many provisions amend permanent law.

Updated: November 3, 2026

BrazilEconomy & public finances

Income tax reform: zero tax up to R$ 5,000 a month and a minimum tax on high incomes (Law 15.270/2025)

Law No. 15.270 of 26 November 2025 amends Brazil’s personal income tax. Since January 2026, a tax reduction cancels the monthly tax on taxable income up to R$ 5,000 and phases out between R$ 5,000.01 and R$ 7,350. To offset the cost, profits and dividends above R$ 50,000 a month paid by one company to one resident individual bear a 10% withholding, dividends sent abroad a 10% withholding, and individuals with total annual income above R$ 600,000 owe a minimum tax rising to 10%, settled from the 2027 annual return. Submitted by the government in March 2025, the bill was passed by the Chamber of Deputies on 1 October and by the Senate on 5 November 2025. Several of its dividend provisions are challenged before the Supreme Federal Court.

In forceThe monthly reduction and the 10% withholding on dividends apply from January 2026; the annual reduction and the minimum tax apply to income of 2026, settled in the 2027 annual return.

Updated: November 10, 2026

RussiaEconomy & public finances

VAT increase from 20% to 22%, 2026

Federal Law No. 425-FZ of 28 November 2025 raises Russia’s standard rate of value added tax (НДС) from 20% to 22% from 1 January 2026, while keeping the 10% reduced rate on socially significant goods (food, medicines, children’s goods). The Ministry of Finance, which proposed it in September 2025 as part of the budget package, says the measure is aimed first of all at financing defence and security. The same law lowers the income threshold above which businesses on the simplified tax system (УСН) must pay VAT, from 60 million roubles to 20 million; a law of July 2026 keeps that threshold at 20 million for several more years. The Bank of Russia attributes January 2026’s jump in prices mainly to the pass-through of the VAT increase, which it describes as a one-off.

In forceApplies to supplies made from 1 January 2026; the 10% reduced rate is unchanged.

Updated: November 10, 2026

GermanyEconomy & public finances

2025 debt brake reform and the €500bn infrastructure and climate neutrality fund

The constitutional amendment of 22 March 2025 exempts from the debt brake the defence and security spending above 1% of GDP, gives the Länder as a whole a structural borrowing margin of 0.35% of GDP and allows a special fund of up to €500bn, financed by borrowing outside the debt brake, for additional investment in infrastructure and climate neutrality by 2045. The SVIKG act set up the fund from 1 January 2025: €100bn for the Länder, €100bn for the Climate and Transformation Fund, investments approved until the end of 2036.

In forceThe SVIKG act of 30 September 2025 applies retroactively from 1 January 2025; the acts on the Länder share and on the Länder borrowing margin followed on 23 October 2025.

Updated: November 5, 2026

European UnionEconomy & public finances

EU economic governance reform of 2024: the new fiscal rules

Three acts of 29 April 2024, in force since 30 April 2024, rewrote the Stability and Growth Pact. Each Member State now commits to a four- or five-year medium-term fiscal-structural plan built around a single indicator, net expenditure, whose path is set by the Council. The 3% of GDP deficit and 60% debt reference values stay; adjustment can be spread over up to seven years in exchange for reforms and investment, and every Member State must have an independent fiscal institution.

In forceBoth regulations apply directly from 30 April 2024; Member States had until 31 December 2025 to transpose the directive.

Updated: November 5, 2026

CanadaEconomy & public finances

One Canadian Economy Act (Bill C-5): internal free trade and fast-tracked national interest projects

Passed in three weeks and assented to on 26 June 2025, the act has two parts. Part 1, in force since 1 January 2026, deems goods, services and workers that meet provincial or territorial requirements to meet comparable federal ones. Part 2, the Building Canada Act, lets the federal cabinet list « national interest projects » for five years: their federal approvals are deemed favourable and grouped into a single document. Two projects were listed in October 2026, including a West Coast oil pipeline.

In forceBoth parts in force: the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and its regulations since 1 January 2026, the Building Canada Act since 26 June 2025.

Updated: November 5, 2026

AustraliaEconomy & public finances

Redesign of the « Stage 3 » income tax cuts (2024) and the 2026-2027 top-ups

The « Stage 3 » income tax cuts legislated in 2018 and 2019 under the Coalition were to apply, from 1 July 2024, a single 30% rate from A$45,000 to A$200,000. On 25 January 2024 the Albanese government announced a redesign, passed on 27 February 2024: from 1 July 2024 the 19% rate falls to 16%, the 32.5% rate to 30%, and the 37% and 45% thresholds rise to A$135,000 and A$190,000. A 2025 act lowers the first rate again, to 15% since 1 July 2026 and 14% from 1 July 2027.

In forceIn force with the first rate at 15% for 2026-27; the More Cost of Living Relief Act 2025 already sets it at 14% from 2027-28.

Updated: November 5, 2026

IndiaPurchasing power & prices

GST rate rationalisation (« GST 2.0 »), 2025

On 3 September 2025 India’s GST Council, which brings together the Union and the States, replaced the four main rates of the goods and services tax (5, 12, 18 and 28%) with a standard rate of 18% and a merit rate of 5%, plus a special 40% rate for a few « sin » and luxury goods, into which the compensation cess is merged. The new rates apply since 22 September 2025; tobacco products and pan masala followed on 1 February 2026, when the compensation cess on them was withdrawn. The government puts the net revenue cost at about ₹47,700 crore; States such as Kerala fear a larger loss for themselves.

In forceFully in force: bidi at 18%, pan masala, other tobacco products, cigarettes and nicotine inhalation products at 40%, valued on the retail sale price; compensation cess set at nil on these goods.

Updated: November 5, 2026

ArgentinaLabour market

Labour Modernisation Act (Law 27,802)

Law 27,802, passed by Congress on 27 February 2026 and published on 6 March 2026, rewrites dozens of articles of the Employment Contract Law and several other labour laws. It changes the basis and ceiling of severance pay, creates Labour Assistance Funds (FAL) financed by a monthly employer contribution offset by a cut in social security contributions, allows hour banks, requires a minimum service of 75% during disputes in essential services, and creates incentives to register new hires and regularise undeclared employment. Most articles applied from publication; the FAL is scheduled for 1 December 2026 and other provisions for 2027 and 2028.

In forceUnless otherwise provided, the articles apply from publication (article 217). The Labour Assistance Fund was set for 1 June 2026, then postponed to 1 December 2026; some contribution changes and repeals take effect on 1 January 2027, others on 1 January 2028.

Updated: November 10, 2026

MexicoLabour market

The 40-hour working week: a gradual cut from 48 hours (2026 reform)

A constitutional reform published on 3 March 2026 writes into article 123 of the Constitution a working week of 40 hours, and its implementing reform of the Federal Labour Law, in force since 1 May 2026, sets the timetable: the legal maximum stays at 48 hours in 2026, then falls by two hours on 1 January of each year, to 46 hours in 2027, 44 in 2028, 42 in 2029 and 40 in 2030, with no cut in wages or benefits. Overtime, paid double, is capped at 12 hours a week by 2030 (9 hours in 2026 and 2027), plus at most 4 hours a week paid triple; workers under 18 may not work overtime. Employers must also record each worker’s working hours electronically, under rules from the Labour Ministry applying from 1 January 2027.

In forcePublished in the Official Journal (evening edition) and in force the same day; it sets the yearly timetable of the reduction and of the overtime cap.

Updated: November 10, 2026

IndiaLabour market

The four labour codes (2019-2020)

Parliament adopted the Code on Wages in August 2019, then the Industrial Relations Code, the Code on Social Security and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code in September 2020. Together they replace 29 central labour laws: a minimum wage for all employments above a national floor wage, prior government permission for lay-offs, retrenchment and closure only from 300 workers, a first legal framework for gig and platform workers, « inspectors-cum-facilitators » instead of inspectors. The four codes came into force on 21 November 2025; the central rules were notified on 8 May 2026 and a few States and Union Territories were still finalising theirs in mid-2026.

In forceIn force, rules still being completed: central rules notified on 8 May 2026; a few States and Union Territories were still pre-publishing or finalising theirs in July 2026, the repealed laws’ rules continuing to apply where consistent with the codes.

Updated: November 6, 2026

United KingdomLabour market

Employment Rights Act 2025

The Act of 18 December 2025 (chapter 36), introduced in October 2024 as the Employment Rights Bill, overhauls UK employment law: day-one paternity and parental leave, statutory sick pay from the first day of sickness, a qualifying period for unfair dismissal cut from two years to six months, restrictions on « fire and rehire », a right to guaranteed hours for zero-hours workers, the repeal of most of the Trade Union Act 2016 and a new Fair Work Agency. It comes into force in stages from December 2025 to 2027.

In forcePartly in force, in stages: the trade union measures applied two months after Royal Assent, followed by sick pay, day-one leave and the Fair Work Agency in April 2026; unfair dismissal (January 2027), fire and rehire (planned for March 2027) and zero-hours contracts (date not set) are still to come.

Updated: November 5, 2026

GermanyLabour market

2026 reform of basic income support for jobseekers: from Bürgergeld to Grundsicherungsgeld

The act of 16 April 2026, wanted by the CDU/CSU-SPD coalition, reshapes the basic income support for jobseekers (SGB II) introduced as « Bürgergeld » on 1 January 2023. Since 1 July 2026 the benefit is called « Grundsicherungsgeld »: job placement takes priority, a breach of duties cuts the standard rate by 30% for three months, three missed appointments in a row can end the entitlement, the one-year asset grace period is abolished and housing costs are capped from the first day. The standard rate itself is unchanged (€563 a month for a single adult in 2026).

In forceThe new youth-support provisions of Book III of the Social Code follow on 1 August 2027.

Updated: November 5, 2026

South KoreaLabour market

« Yellow Envelope Act »: amendment of articles 2 and 3 of the Trade Union Act

Law No. 21045 of 9 September 2025 amends articles 2 and 3 of the Trade Union and Labor Relations Adjustment Act. Whoever substantially and specifically controls a worker’s working conditions (typically a principal contractor towards subcontracted workers) becomes an employer within that scope; industrial disputes may cover business decisions that affect working conditions; courts must split damages for strikes worker by worker. Passed twice and vetoed twice (2023, 2024), the text was adopted on 24 August 2025 and has been in force since 10 March 2026.

In forceThe new limits on damages apply to losses arising from 10 March 2026; an employer’s waiver of liability also covers earlier losses.

Updated: November 5, 2026

JapanLabour market

Work Style Reform: the legal cap on overtime (2018 act)

The Work Style Reform act of 6 July 2018 wrote into the Labour Standards Act, with penalties, a cap on overtime: 45 hours a month and 360 a year as a rule, and never more than 720 hours a year, less than 100 hours in a month and 80 hours on average over two to six months, holiday work included for the last two. It applied from April 2019 in large firms and April 2020 in small ones; road drivers, construction and doctors only came under it in April 2024, with special ceilings: up to 960 hours a year for drivers and 1,860 for some doctors. Since October 2025 the government has been reviewing working-time rules; no change to the cap has been adopted.

In forceFully in force: construction under the general rule (disaster recovery excepted from the monthly limits), drivers capped at 960 hours a year, doctors at 960 or 1,860 hours a year depending on their hospital.

Updated: November 5, 2026

FranceLabour market

2023 Full Employment Act: France Travail and automatic registration of RSA recipients

The law of 18 December 2023 replaced Pôle emploi with France Travail on 1 January 2024 and created a « network for employment ». Since January 2025, recipients of the RSA minimum income, young people supported by local youth agencies and disabled people supported by Cap emploi are automatically registered with France Travail and sign a single « commitment contract », with in principle at least 15 hours of activity a week. A graduated « suspension-remobilisation » sanction applies since 1 June 2025. The Constitutional Council struck down the data-sharing provisions and issued interpretation reservations.

In forceDecree no. 2025-478 of 30 May 2025 introduces the « suspension-remobilisation » sanction for everyone registered with France Travail.

Updated: November 3, 2026

CanadaHealth

Canadian Dental Care Plan and the interim Canada Dental Benefit

Federal dental coverage for residents without dental insurance and with an adjusted family net income below $90,000, with no co-pays below $70,000. It started with an interim benefit for children under 12 (Dental Benefit Act, November 2022), then the Canadian Dental Care Plan, an administrative programme of Health Canada announced in Budget 2023 ($13.0bn over five years). Enrolment opened by age group from December 2023 and to every eligible resident in May 2025.

In forceFully rolled out: all remaining eligible residents, in particular uninsured adults aged 18 to 64, can apply since May 2025.

Updated: November 5, 2026

European UnionImmigration & integration

EU Pact on Migration and Asylum (2024)

Ten EU acts adopted on 14 May 2024 and applied since 12 June 2026 overhaul asylum and migration rules: mandatory screening of irregular arrivals at the external borders (up to seven days), a common asylum procedure with a mandatory border procedure (up to 12 weeks), a reformed Eurodac database, new rules on which Member State is responsible for an application and a permanent solidarity mechanism. The first Annual Solidarity Pool, for 2026, sets 21,000 relocations and €420 million of financial contributions as reference numbers.

In forceApplicable after the two-year transition; Eurodac biometric data on beneficiaries of temporary protection only from 12 June 2029.

Updated: November 5, 2026

Saudi ArabiaHousing

Law of Real Estate Ownership by Non-Saudis: foreigners may buy property in designated zones

Issued by Royal Decree No. M/14 of 19 Muharram 1447 AH (14 July 2025) after its approval by the Council of Ministers on 8 July 2025, and published in the official gazette Umm Al-Qura on 25 July 2025, the law replaces the 2000 regime on real estate ownership by non-Saudis. It came into force on 22 January 2026, 180 days after publication. Non-Saudi individuals, companies and non-profit entities may own property within geographic zones set by the Council of Ministers; a legally resident foreigner may also own one home outside those zones, except in Makkah and Madinah, where individual ownership is reserved for Muslims. The Real Estate General Authority (REGA) levies a fee of up to 5% on the value of non-Saudis’ dispositions, set at 2% in Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah by the implementing regulation and the zones approved on 23 June 2026.

In force180 days after publication in the official gazette (article 15). The geographic zones and the implementing regulation were approved later, on 23 June 2026.

Updated: November 10, 2026

United KingdomHousing

Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 and the 1.5 million homes target

The Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 (Royal Assent on 18 December 2025) speeds up consent for major infrastructure, allows regulations letting English councils set their own planning fees, allows the government to require planning decisions to be delegated to officers or committees, creates a « Nature Restoration Fund » in which developers pay a levy to Natural England instead of mitigating site by site, and reforms compulsory purchase and grid connections. It is phased in by commencement regulations. The government presents it as a pillar of its milestone of 1.5 million new homes in England over this Parliament; MHCLG estimates 437,900 net additional homes from 9 July 2024 to 20 September 2026.

In forcePartially in force: the Nature Restoration Fund (Part 3), legal-challenge limits, development corporations and part of the compulsory purchase reform apply from 18 February 2026; other provisions follow by commencement regulations (infrastructure consent July 2026, strategic planning November 2026).

Updated: November 5, 2026

AustraliaHousing

National Housing Accord and Housing Australia Future Fund: 1.2 million homes in five years

Announced in the October 2022 federal Budget, the National Housing Accord commits the federal, state and territory governments to a housing supply target, raised by National Cabinet on 16 August 2023 to 1.2 million new well-located homes over five years from 1 July 2024. Its main legislative instrument, the Housing Australia Future Fund Act 2023 (Royal Assent on 28 September 2023, in force since 1 November 2023), sets up a $10 billion fund whose returns finance social and affordable housing through the agency Housing Australia. Together with the Accord facility, the programme now targets 40,000 social and affordable homes by 30 June 2029; as at 30 June 2026, 1,529 of them were complete.

In forceCommencement fixed by proclamation (F2023N00456). The five-year Accord period itself starts on 1 July 2024.

Updated: November 5, 2026

ChinaPensions

Gradual increase of the statutory retirement age (2025)

A decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, adopted on 13 September 2024 and in force since 1 January 2025, raises the statutory retirement age over 15 years: from 60 to 63 for men, and from 55 to 58 and from 50 to 55 for women, depending on their previous statutory age. From 2030 the minimum contribution period for a monthly basic pension rises from 15 to 20 years, and workers may retire up to three years earlier or later under a flexible scheme.

In forcePhase-in over 15 years; the retirement-age provisions of the two 1978 interim measures cease to apply

Updated: November 10, 2026

South AfricaPensions

Two-pot retirement system: one-third of contributions accessible before retirement, two-thirds preserved

Since 1 September 2024, contributions to South African retirement funds are split: one-third goes into a savings component that members can draw on once per tax year (at least R2,000, taxed at their marginal rate) without leaving their job, two-thirds into a retirement component preserved until retirement. Savings built up before that date stay in a vested component under the old rules, from which a one-off seed of 10% (at most R30,000) was moved into the savings component. The reform rests on the Revenue Laws Amendment Act 12 of 2024 and the Pension Funds Amendment Act 31 of 2024; SARS reported 2.4 million approved withdrawal tax directives by 31 January 2025.

In forceIn force as amended by Act No. 6 of 2025 (assented to on 19 December 2025, Government Gazette No. 53916 of 24 December 2025), with most changes deemed to apply from 1 September 2024.

Updated: November 10, 2026

South KoreaPensions

National Pension reform of 2025: contributions from 9% to 13%, replacement rate of 43%

In forceIn force as amended on 20 October 2026: from 1 January 2027 the military-service credit covers the whole service period (instead of 12 months at most) and the credit for a second child rises from 12 to 15 months.

Updated: November 5, 2026

FrancePensions

2023 pension reform: legal retirement age raised to 64

The law of 14 April 2023 gradually raises the legal retirement age from 62 to 64 and speeds up the increase in the required contribution period. The 2026 social security financing act shifted this phase-in by one generation for pensions starting from 1 September 2026.

SuspendedPhase-in shifted by one generation; set to resume in 2028 unless the law changes again

Updated: October 31, 2026

AustraliaEducation & training

Social media minimum age of 16 (2024 Act and 2026 enforcement Act)

Since 10 December 2025, platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X and YouTube must take « reasonable steps » to prevent Australians under 16 from holding an account. Children and parents face no penalty: the obligation and fines fall on platforms, up to 150,000 penalty units (A$49.5m) for a company, doubled by a 2026 Act.

In forceIn force as strengthened by Act No. 83 of 2026: maximum penalties doubled and new investigation powers for the eSafety Commissioner.

Updated: November 5, 2026

TurkeyEnvironment, energy & climate

Climate Law No. 7552 and the Turkish emissions trading system (ETS), 2025

Türkiye’s first climate law, adopted by the Grand National Assembly on 2 July 2025 (242 votes to 141) and in force since its publication on 9 July 2025, sets the legal framework for fighting climate change « in line with the green growth vision and the net-zero emission target » (2053). Its main instrument is a national emissions trading system (ETS) run by the Climate Change Presidency: since the ETS regulation of 27 August 2026, a pilot phase covers 2026 and 2027 emissions of large installations in electricity generation, cement, iron and steel, aluminium and fertilisers, with 100% free allocation.

In forceResmî Gazete No. 32951; under its article 19 the law enters into force on the date of publication. The ETS starts with a pilot phase before full application.

Updated: November 10, 2026

CanadaEnvironment, energy & climate

Removal of the consumer carbon price (federal fuel charge), 2025

Since 1 April 2025 the federal fuel charge (the « consumer carbon price » in force since 2019, $80 (Canadian) per tonne in 2024-25) has been set at zero, and households received a final Canada Carbon Rebate in April 2025. The Making Life More Affordable for Canadians Act (royal assent on 12 March 2026) removes it from law; the repeal of Part 1 of the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act as a whole takes effect on 1 April 2035. Industrial carbon pricing (Part 2, output-based pricing system) remains.

In forceRemoved from law by S.C. 2026, c. 2 (provisions deemed in force from 1 April 2025); the repeal of Part 1 as a whole takes effect on 1 April 2035.

Updated: November 5, 2026

United KingdomSocial cohesion, poverty & inequality

Abolition of the two-child limit in Universal Credit (2026)

Since April 2017, the child element of Universal Credit (and of Child Tax Credit until it closed in 2025) was paid for at most two children, with exceptions. Announced in the Budget of 26 November 2025, the Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Act 2026 abolishes this limit for assessment periods starting on or after 6 April 2026. In April 2026, 478,120 households with 1.7 million children were not receiving the element for at least one child. The OBR puts the cost at £3.0bn in 2029-30; the government expects 450,000 fewer children in relative poverty in 2029-30.

In forceApplies to Universal Credit assessment periods starting on or after 6 April 2026, in Great Britain and Northern Ireland; applied automatically to existing claims.

Updated: November 5, 2026

ItalySocial cohesion, poverty & inequality

Differentiated autonomy act for ordinary-statute regions (Calderoli act, 2024)

Law no. 86 of 26 June 2024 sets the procedure by which an ordinary-statute region can obtain extra powers from the State under article 116(3) of the Constitution, through an agreement (intesa) approved by Parliament. In December 2024 the Constitutional Court struck down or rewrote several provisions: only specific functions justified by subsidiarity can be transferred, and the delegation to set the essential levels of services (LEP) fell. In January 2025 it declared the repeal referendum inadmissible. In October 2026 the government approved agreements with Liguria, Lombardy, Piedmont and Veneto on four matters; the four bills are before the Chamber of Deputies.

In forcePartially struck down: transfers limited to specific functions justified by subsidiarity; the delegation and procedures for setting essential levels of services (LEP) annulled. Parliament has not amended the text since.

Updated: November 5, 2026

IndonesiaJustice

Indonesia’s new Criminal Code (KUHP, Law No. 1 of 2023)

Promulgated on 2 January 2023 and in force since 2 January 2026, Law No. 1 of 2023 replaces the criminal code inherited from the Dutch colonial administration. It adds supervision and community service to the main penalties, asks judges to avoid prison where possible for minor cases, turns the death penalty into an alternative penalty with a 10-year probation, and recognises « living law » in society. It also contains contested offences (attacks on the honour of the President, insulting state institutions, adultery, cohabitation). It came into force alongside a new Criminal Procedure Code (Law No. 20 of 2025) and a law adjusting criminal penalties (Law No. 1 of 2026). In August 2026 the Constitutional Court struck down articles 240 and 241 and limited complaints under articles 218 and 219 to the President and Vice President.

In forceIn force, without the offence of insulting the government or a state institution (articles 240 and 241, decision 282/PUU-XXIII/2025).

Updated: November 10, 2026

FranceJustice

Justice orientation and programming act 2023-2027

The act of 20 November 2023 sets the payment appropriations of the « Justice » budget mission (excluding pensions) from €9.58bn in 2023 to €10.75bn in 2027, 10,000 net job creations including 1,500 magistrates and 1,800 court clerks, and authorises a rewrite of the Code of Criminal Procedure by ordinance. An organic act passed alongside reforms the status of magistrates. The 2025 and 2026 budgets fell short of the path; the 2027 finance bill exceeds it.

In forceAfter a partial censure by the Constitutional Council (decision no. 2023-855 DC of 16 November 2023). Several provisions take effect later: most criminal procedure changes on 30 September 2024.

Updated: November 3, 2026

GermanyDefense

Military Service Modernisation Act (« new military service »)

Fifteen years after compulsory call-up was suspended in 2011, the act of 22 December 2025, in force since 1 January 2026, brings back military registration: men born from 2008 must fill in a questionnaire and are again subject to a medical examination (« Musterung »), while service itself stays voluntary. It writes into law a growth path to 460,000 soldiers by 2035 (up to 260,000 active, at least 200,000 reservists); if it is not met, only a new act of the Bundestag can order a needs-based conscription.

In forceQuestionnaire and medical examination compulsory for men born from 2008; military service itself remains voluntary, no compulsory call-up has been ordered.

Updated: November 5, 2026

JapanDefense

Japan’s defence buildup: the 2022 security documents and their financing act

On 16 December 2022 the Cabinet adopted three security documents: Japan will acquire counterstrike capabilities, spend about ¥43 trillion on its defence buildup over fiscal 2023-2027 and bring defence and related spending to 2% of GDP in fiscal 2027. A 2023 act, later amended, finances part of it through non-tax revenue, a dedicated fund and new defence surtaxes. The government says the 2% level was reached in fiscal 2025, two years early, and is revising the three documents in 2026.

In forceIn force with the tax chapters added in 2025 and 2026: 4% defence special corporate tax for business years starting on or after 1 April 2026; the 1% income surtax follows from 2027.

Updated: November 5, 2026

FranceDefense

Military programming act 2024-2030 and its 2026 update

The act of 1 August 2023 sets the armed forces’ resources for 2024-2030: €413.3bn of programmed needs, including €400bn of payment appropriations for the « Défense » budget mission, rising from €47.2bn in 2024 to €67.4bn in 2030. The act of 16 August 2026 updated it, adding €36bn over 2026-2030 for an updated total of €435.7bn.

In forceIn force as updated by Act no. 2026-791 of 16 August 2026: +€36bn over 2026-2030, updated total of €435.7bn.

Updated: November 3, 2026

ItalyInstitutional trust

The « premierato » constitutional reform: direct election of the Prime Minister

The Meloni government’s constitutional bill would have the President of the Council of Ministers elected directly, for five years and at the same time as Parliament, with a nationwide seat bonus guaranteeing a majority to the lists linked to them; it also ends the appointment of senators for life by the head of State. The Senate approved it at first deliberation on 18 June 2024. As of 5 November 2026 it is still before the Constitutional Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Deputies, which held hearings until July 2025: the Chamber must still approve it, then both chambers must vote on it a second time, at least three months after their first vote.

Under debatePassed by the Senate at first deliberation; before the Chamber’s Constitutional Affairs Committee since 19 June 2024 (hearings until July 2025, no vote recorded as of 5 November 2026). A first deliberation by the Chamber, then a second deliberation by each chamber, are still required.

Updated: November 5, 2026

European UnionArtificial intelligence

EU Artificial Intelligence Act (2024) and its 2026 « Digital Omnibus » amendment

Regulation (EU) 2024/1689, in force since 1 August 2024, regulates AI according to risk: eight practices banned since 2 February 2025, rules for general-purpose AI models since 2 August 2025, obligations for high-risk systems, transparency duties, fines of up to €35m or 7% of worldwide turnover. Regulation (EU) 2026/1744 (« Digital Omnibus on AI »), in force since 27 July 2026, postponed the high-risk obligations to 2 December 2027 and 2 August 2028 and added a ban on « nudification » apps and AI-generated child sexual abuse material from 2 December 2026.

In forceApplies from 2 August 2026, including the transparency duties of Article 50 and the Commission’s fines on general-purpose AI model providers; the high-risk requirements follow the dates set in 2026 (December 2027 / August 2028).

Updated: November 5, 2026

IndiaArtificial intelligence

Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and its 2025 Rules

Assented to on 11 August 2023, India’s general data protection law sets the rules for processing digital personal data: consent or « legitimate uses », duties for « data fiduciaries », rights for individuals, a Data Protection Board and penalties of up to ₹250 crore (₹2.5 billion) per breach. It also exempts State bodies notified by the government and rewrites a personal-information exemption of the Right to Information Act. The Rules notified on 13 November 2025 phase it in: the Board first, consent managers one year later, most obligations eighteen months later.

In forcePartially in force: the Data Protection Board and Rules 1, 2 and 17 to 21 apply from 13 November 2025; consent managers (Rule 4) one year after publication; notice, security, breach, children’s data, rights and appeals (Rules 3, 5 to 16, 22 and 23) eighteen months after publication.

Updated: November 5, 2026

JapanDemography

Children’s Future Strategy and the child-rearing support levy

Adopted by the Cabinet on 22 December 2023 to reverse the fall in births « before the 2030s », the Children’s Future Strategy sets an « acceleration plan » of about ¥3.6 trillion: child allowance without income cap and up to high-school age, ¥100,000 pregnancy benefit, leave benefit worth 100% of take-home pay. The act of 12 June 2024 finances part of it with a new levy collected with health insurance premiums since April 2026, rising to about ¥1 trillion in fiscal 2028.

In forceCollected from April 2026 premiums (deducted from May pay for employees); uniform employee rate of 0.23% in fiscal 2026, half paid by the employer.

Updated: November 5, 2026