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Irish Independent
15 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Ireland is most expensive country in EU after Denmark as prices continue to soar
Prices here are 38pc above the EU average – we are behind only Denmark when it comes to high costs. In 2015, prices in Ireland were 28pc above the average, but since then Ireland has been getting increasingly more expensive. The findings, from the statistics agency Eurostat, will put a new focus on the Government's decision not to pay out universal cost-of-living packages in the next budget. Eurostat found that when it comes to alcohol and tobacco, prices here are the most expensive in the EU – more than double the average. Daragh Cassidy, of price comparison site said this is due to taxation and, more recently, minimum unit pricing on alcohol. When it comes to alcohol, prices here are the second-highest in the EU. Finland has the dearest. Food and non-alcoholic drink prices here are the third-highest in the EU at almost 15pc above the EU average. We are behind only Luxembourg and Denmark when it comes to what we pay for food. However, this is an improvement on recent years, as these prices were more than 21pc above average in 2020. Ireland's restaurant and hotel prices are the second-highest in the EU – Denmark's are dearest – at 29pc above the average. Communications costs are almost 40pc above average. Ireland is the third-most-expensive country for electricity, gas and fuel, with prices 17pc above the average. However, clothing prices in Ireland are 1pc below the EU average and cheaper than in Lithuania, Latvia and Poland. Mr Cassidy said Ireland will never be a cheap place to live Non-EU countries Iceland, Norway and Switzerland were also included in the research and generally have prices higher than those in Ireland. Mr Cassidy said we have known for a while that Ireland is an expensive country and these figures from Eurostat confirm that. 'There are several reasons why prices here are so high,' he said. 'These include our higher wages, a lack of competition in certain sectors, high taxation on certain goods such as tobacco, alcohol and fuel, and lower government subsidies in certain areas such as public transport and childcare compared to our European neighbours.' He said businesses are also faced with high insurance and energy costs, which then get passed on to consumers. Mr Cassidy said Ireland will never be a cheap place to live. 'And it's worth noting that many of the world's most expensive countries, such as Switzerland, Iceland and Denmark, also have some of the highest standards of living in the world,' he added. He said wages in Ireland, while high by international standards, generally do not match the salaries in those countries. At the same time, taxpayers in more expensive countries tend to get back more from their governments in terms of better and more affordable healthcare, childcare and public transport, though there have been improvements made here in recent years. Mr Cassidy called for the Government to lower the standard rate of Vat, which at 23pc is one of the highest in the world.
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Ireland is the second most expensive country in the EU
They show that Ireland is the second most expensive country in the European Union for typical goods and services. Prices here are 38pc above the EU average. We are only behind Denmark when it comes to high prices. Back in 2015 prices were 28pc above average in this country. But since then Ireland has been slowly climbing the 'league of shame' when it comes to the cost of living. The findings from the European statistics agency, Eurostat, will put a new focus on the Government's determination not to pay out universal cost-of-living packages for households in this year's Budget. Eurostat found that when it comes to alcohol and tobacco, prices in Ireland are the most expensive in the EU. They are more than double EU average. Finance expert Daragh Cassidy of price comparison site said this is due to government taxation, and more recently, minimum unit pricing on alcohol. When it comes to alcohol alone, prices here are the second highest in the EU, after Finland. Our prices are almost 198pc of the EU average, or close to double what people are paying in other European countries. Food and non-alcoholic drink prices in Ireland are the third highest in the EU, despite this country being a huge producer of agricultural produce. ADVERTISEMENT We are only behind Luxembourg and Denmark when it comes to food prices. They are almost 15pc above the EU average. However, this is an improvement on recent years, as prices were over 21pc above average in 2020. Restaurant and hotel prices are the second highest in the EU, behind only Denmark, at 29pc above average. Communications costs are almost 40pc above average. And Ireland is also the third most expensive country for electricity, gas and fuel with prices over 17pc above average. In better news, clothing prices are actually 1pc below the EU average and cheaper than in Lithuania, Latvia and Poland. Non-EU countries Iceland, Norway and Switzerland were also included in the research and generally have prices higher than Ireland's. Mr Cassidy of said we have known for a while that Ireland is an expensive country and these figures from Eurostat confirm it. 'There are several reasons why prices here are so high. 'These include: our higher wages, a lack of competition in certain sectors, high taxation on certain goods such as tobacco, alcohol and fuel, and lower government subsidies in certain areas such as public transport and childcare compared to our European neighbours.' He said businesses are also faced with high insurance and energy costs, which then get passed on to consumers. Mr Cassidy said Ireland will never be a cheap place to live. 'And it's worth noting that many of the world's most expensive countries such as Switzerland, Iceland and Denmark also have some of the highest standards of living in the world.' He said that wages in Ireland, while high by international standards, generally don't match the salaries in these countries. At the same time, taxpayers in more expensive countries tend to get back more from the Government in terms of better and more affordable healthcare, childcare and public transport — though there have been welcome improvements made here in Ireland in recent years, Mr Cassidy said. He called for the Government to lower our standard rate of VAT, which at 23pc is one of the highest in the world.
Local Germany
12-06-2025
- Business
- Local Germany
Five hard truths about starting out as a freelancer in Germany
You've given away any clothes that aren't in shades of black, practiced pounding schnitzels paper-thin and are religiously avoiding anything spicier than black pepper. In short, you're ready for your new life as a freelancer in Germany. Working as a freelancer in Germany isn't all rosy. Complications lurk around every corner, from tricky visas to an endlessly complex tax system. Here are five things you need to know about being a freelancer in Germany. Obtaining a freelance visa can be tough EU citizens do not need a visa to live and work in Germany. Non-EU citizens wishing to freelance in Germany can apply for the Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur freiberuflichen Tätigkeit , or freelance visa. Citizens of a few countries can enter Germany visa-free and apply for the visa within the country. The rest will need to apply at a German consulate in their home country. But getting a freelance visa can be tricky. To be approved, you'll need to prove that you meet certain requirements, including that: Your work will benefit the local economy – in practice, that you have German clients or employees. You earn enough to support yourself – in Berlin, that means your rent + health insurance + €563 Your qualifications are recognised if you work in a regulated profession like law or healthcare You have a pension plan if you are over 45 The relatively stringent requirements are a barrier to many seeking to freelance in Germany. You must also ensure that you continue to meet the requirements when it comes time to renew your visa. READ ALSO: What not to do when you are freelancing in Germany Taxes are no joke Do you know your Freiberufler from your Gewerbe ? Are you ready to calculate your Einkommensteuer-Vorauszahlungen ? Advertisement German bureaucracy is famously fiendish. But it can be especially so for freelancers. Many aspects of the tax system are set up with the assumption that workers are full-time employees. Being a freelancer means negotiating additional layers of bureaucracy, including guessing how much you are likely to earn in the first and second years of work (to determine whether you have to charge your clients VAT or not) and submitting pre-payments every quarter based on how much you think you will earn. READ ALSO: Everything you need to know about paying taxes in Germany You'll also need to determine whether you are a Freiberufler (freelancer) or Gewerbe (self-employed), as the two have different tax implications. Then there's the matter of filing your taxes correctly, including deductions and expenses. The process can be so complicated for freelancers, especially if they work with clients abroad, that many simply hire a tax adviser to do it on their behalf. Be aware that finding a Steuerberater is a mission in itself – many are overbooked and even if you do find one, they do not come cheap. A good rule of thumb is to assume that 50 percent of your net income isn't yours. Set it aside and don't touch it until you've paid off all the taxes you owe. Advertisement Housing can be a nightmare for freelancers The housing market in many German cities is increasingly dysfunctional. In Berlin, Munich and other cities popular with expats, many locals and foreigners find it nigh-on impossible to secure a proper contract at a decent price. Some (your correspondent very much included) bounce between sublets for months or years until they find a permanent home. READ ALSO: 'Always be vigilant' - Expert tips for finding an apartment in Berlin Unfortunately, this problem can be exacerbated by being a freelancer. Many landlords favour applicants with a stable income and look down on people not in full-time employment. Be prepared to spend months living in a WG (shared flat) while you hunt for your own apartment. Heath insurance is pricey Freelancers in Germany pay 100 percent of their health insurance contribution, whereas most employers pay half. In addition, the cost scales differently from taxes. In practice, this means that many freelancers, especially those on low incomes, spend a large proportion of their income on health insurance, regardless of whether they are on private or public health insurance. Options such as low-cost 'expat insurance' are much cheaper but offer only limited coverage. Some creatives can apply to join the Künstlersozialkasse (Artists' Social Insurance Fund) , which pays half of the cost – though applications typically take months to be approved. Advertisement This system can come as quite a shock to people from countries with universal healthcare, where most of the costs are borne out of general taxation. And there's no chance to opt out of the system – being insured is a legal responsibility. Local clients often require German English speakers can get by fairly easily in daily life in Germany, especially in big cities. But it's another story entirely on the job market. Depending on your profession, you may find it tough to find local clients if you don't speak at least professional German. Of course, requirements vary by profession: many tech companies work in English, but more traditional fields like healthcare or engineering will often require a good grasp of the language. Having local clients can come in useful, especially for a visa application. For more on freelancing in Germany visit our dedicated section. But it's not all bad... Don't let the difficulties put you off. Freelancing in Germany comes with meaningful upsides. You'll have easy access to clients across the EU. Germany's big cities are creative business hubs where you can network with potential clients. And while bureaucracy can be painfully cumbersome, Germany offers extensive legal protections in the case of non-payment of contracts and for protection of your intellectual property. Share your own experiences of freelancing in Germany in the comments below. Are there any downsides or upsides I missed?
Local Italy
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Local Italy
Is this the end of the road for Italy's citizenship reform?
It was always a long shot. But many of The Local's readers had their fingers crossed that there might be a chance of a Yes vote in the closely-watched referendum this week on whether Italy should cut the wait for those applying for citizenship through residency. Non-EU nationals must live in Italy for 10 years before they can start the application process, and usually have to wait several more years for it to be processed. The waiting time to apply would have been reduced to five years under the referendum proposal, putting Italy in line with other major European countries including Germany and France. But, as expected, voter turnout was too low, which meant that the referendum result was declared invalid. There's a minimum threshold, or quorum, of 50 percent for the vote to count. Turnout was 30.6 percent, slightly lower than polls predicted. This is nothing unusual in an Italian referendum. Participation has been historically low and falling for decades. As the results came in, there were renewed calls for sweeping changes to the country's referendum laws. There have long been calls for lowering the quorum from 50 to 40 percent, or eliminating it altogether. But, without this threshold, how would the vote have gone? Of the votes cast this time, 65 percent were in favour of changing the law on citizenship. While high enough for a positive result, this was lower than the percentage who voted in favour of the other four referendum questions (on workers' rights), which was 87 to 89 percent, reflecting divided public opinion. The leftwing opposition parties who backed the referendum said that it had sparked public debate on an issue that no one had been talking about. They could, in theory, put similar proposals to parliament in future. However, they'd be unlikely to get far while the ruling coalition government enjoys a majority in both houses. The government is strongly opposed to easing citizenship rules in any way. Senior ministers made it clear ahead of the vote that they didn't want the quorum to be reached, urging voters to 'stay home' or 'go to the beach'. The failure of the referendum was widely reported as a victory for Meloni, who had appeared at a polling station on Sunday to announce to reporters that she would not be voting. Her government's stance shouldn't surprise anyone. In March it abruptly forced through changes to the law on eligibility for Italian citizenship by descent, applying a two-generational limit. Last year, it quashed proposals to extend citizenship to young people who complete their education in Italy. As long as Meloni's government remains in power, any changes that would make the lives of foreign nationals in Italy easier seem a remote possibility. The proposal to cut the waiting period from 10 years to five originally came from Italiani senza cittadinanza (Italians Without Citizenship), a grassroots movement highlighting obstacles faced by would-be applicants. They say they'll continue to campaign on the issue. For those who plan to apply for citizenship via residency in the next few years, the wait continues.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Italy votes on citizenship reforms that could open doors for immigrants
Italians headed to the polls on Sunday and Monday to vote in a national referendum that could make it easier for immigrants to apply for Italian citizenship. The proposal aims to cut the required residency period from 10 years to five. But the result depends not just on votes — it hinges on whether enough people show up to cast them, according to a report by The New York Times. For the referendum to be valid, over 50% of eligible voters must participate. A simple majority is then needed for the law to pass. With voter turnout in past referendums low, observers are unsure whether that threshold will be met. If approved, the change would allow nearly 1.5 million foreign residents to apply for citizenship, including about 300,000 minors. The proposal is opposed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her right-wing coalition. Progressive parties are backing the change. As per the report by NYT, the referendum comes at a time when Italy, long a nation of emigrants, is now home to many immigrants from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. However, Italy still has one of the strictest citizenship laws in Europe . Non-EU immigrants can apply for citizenship only after 10 years of uninterrupted residency. Children born in Italy to immigrant parents must wait until they turn 18 and prove continuous residency from birth. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Supporters say the current law leaves many people living and working in Italy without full rights. 'They pay taxes, they abide by the laws, but they are not politically included,' said Maarten Vink, director at the Global Citizenship Observatory. 'In a democracy, that's not a good principle.' Live Events You Might Also Like: India & Italy agree to deepen ties in aerospace, agri, energy transition The referendum also highlights changing views in Italian society. Fioralba Duma, an activist from Albania who has lived in Italy most of her life but is not a citizen, told NYT, 'It's a pivotal moment for how Italy sees itself and how it wants to build its future.' Opponents of the measure argue it would make citizenship too easy to obtain. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini called it 'dangerous' and said it would extend citizenship 'indiscriminately.' Low voter turnout could be the biggest hurdle. In 2022, only 20% of voters participated in another referendum. 'The citizens have stopped voting,' said Michele Ainis, a constitutional law professor at Roma Tre University. The vote also includes four other questions related to labour laws. However, many say public awareness of the referendum is low. Activists have accused Italy's public broadcaster, Rai, of providing limited coverage, though Rai claims it offered more coverage than for the 2022 vote. You Might Also Like: Mount Etna erupts: Is it safe to travel to Italy, and will airlines offer compensation for cancelled flights? Adding to the complexity, many immigrants and those with immigrant roots who support the change will not vote — because they are not yet citizens. Prime Minister Meloni has said she will go to the polls but will abstain from voting. Other politicians opposing the referendum have said they will not vote at all. Results are expected after polls close Monday afternoon. You Might Also Like: Mount Etna erupts: Tourists urged to heed safety warnings
