No air conditioning is fine. For places like Switzerland or Northern Italy where they can definitely afford it, it's obviously a deliberate choice and I respect that. But why, why, why would bug screens then not be on windows by default?
It's a far right propaganda talking point. They are constantly pushing the narrative that the EU has no air con, doesn't serve you water or ice in restaurants etc, etc. A common statement is that there were more deaths in EU from the lack of AC than gun deaths in the US (False). In actual fact this summer in Europe was the hottest on record since records began. Europe is the fastest warming continent on the planet by a large margin and it's fully due to the climate crisis. Those European countries at higher latitudes simply never had a need for AC until this summer. Furthermore in the EU recorded heat related deaths include death by misadventure (e.g. swimming in a quarry to cool off and then drowning), deaths of outdoor workers such as road construction workers succumbing to heat stroke, hikers, the elderly that were incapable of taking countermeasures etc. In short, often those well away from their homes. But the idea is to paint a picture that Europoors are mismanaging basic infrastructure, can't afford AC etc.
Meanwhile in the US seemingly without any irony, the AC is cranked up to the max and the climate crisis worsens. But "durr hurr, it's not me, my V8 and my AC that's causing it, look CHINA". BTW, China is THE global leader per capita in the transition to renewable energy. One of reasons this current Trump inflicted oil crisis isn't worse is because China has reduced it demand for oil as a result of it's rapid transition to green energy.
I have no idea what their agenda is but it is very Anti-Europe and seems to be pushing for us to crank up the AC too. It's a definite propaganda bot farm or something. We Europoors couldn't get enough of Ranch dressing during the World Cup remember? Mmmm Ranch that sophisticated, exotic cuisine that we just don't have in Europe. If only we could have AC, water, ice and ranch.
I've never been charged for tap water - bottled water yes, but you can ask for tap water. Ditto the ice thing - apparently it's more recent, but you can ask for ice pretty much anywhere (I don't particularly like ice and I have to ask for drinks without, it's default with things like soda.)
I have never been charged for water in Europe unless I've specifically selected a branded bottle or agreed to it when it was proposed and I've been to almost every country in Europe. Yes the tourist trap area restaurants will try to push bottles on you. With respect to tap water, it's typically available on request for free. You simply have to ask for it. In many European countries such as Spain, Portugal, France, UK, Hungary etc it's mandatory by law to provide free tap water in restaurants. In other countries such as Sweden, Norway, Ireland, Switzerland, Iceland etc, it's customarily free on request. Europe is not one country though.
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u/OmegaTheta 8h ago
No air conditioning is fine. For places like Switzerland or Northern Italy where they can definitely afford it, it's obviously a deliberate choice and I respect that. But why, why, why would bug screens then not be on windows by default?