Japan lowers the age of adulthood from 20 to 18, with the changes coming into effect in 2022. The revision to Japan's civil code means that 18-year-olds will be able to marry without their parents' consent, apply for credit cards and loans, and transgender people will be able to have their new gender officially recognised. The change causes confusion and concern regarding the kimono industry and Coming of Age Day. (The Guardian)
Cardinal Pietro Parolin addresses participants in the Second Holy See – Mexico Conference on International Migration. The Vatican Secretary of State assesses the current political climate, calls for the humane treatment of migrants and discusses the “primary right” to live with dignity in one’s home country. (Holy See Press Office)
The value of the euro falls by one percent after the European Central Bank announces it expects to halve net bond purchases to €15 billion per month from October to December, then end "quantitative easing" by the close of the year, while not raising interest rates. (CNBC)(Reuters)
AT&T completes its acquisition of Time Warner. The announcement comes two days after a judge ruled that the deal does not violate antitrust laws. (CNN)
The Senate of France approves a bill to reform the SNCF railway company. The French state writes off €35 billion of SNCF's €47 billion debt, but remains the sole owner of the joint-stock company with two subsidiaries: operator SNCF Mobility and infrastructure manager SNCF Network. (International Railway Journal)(Reuters)