Eurotopics.net

EU leaders will decide on further measures to contain Covid-19 in a video conference this Tuesday. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had proposed on Monday that entry into the EU should initially be banned for 30 days. The bloc hasn't exactly set a shining example when it comes to fighting the pandemic so far, many commentators criticise.

The progressive lockdown of many elements of daily life in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic threatens the existence of countless businesses, workers and self-employed. Eurogroup chief Mario Centeno tweeted on Monday that there would be an "energetic response" from the EU. Commentators discuss what politicians and citizens should do for the economy.

Spain's King Felipe VI has renounced his personal inheritance from his father Juan Carlos I and cut the former monarch's annual stipend from the royal budget. The move came after an investigation was launched into an offshore fund set up by Juan Carlos. The move is being interpreted as a break between the king and his father - but will Felipe be able to rescue the royal family's prestige?

Across Europe, borders are being sealed off, schools are being closed and events are being banned. Italy, Spain and other countries have even imposed curfews. Britain, on the other hand, has held back with drastic measures. The plan there is to allow the population to become infected in a bid to achieve herd immunity. A deadly strategy?