Eurotopics.net

The crisis meeting in Brussels on Monday between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Charles Michel has ended without results. Erdoğan was seeking more support for measures to look after refugees and backing for Turkey's operations in Syria. Press commentaries reflect disappoinment with both Ankara and the EU.

A number of measures have been taken by both states and private individuals around the world to combat SARS-CoV-2: travel, production and transport have been restricted. In many places negative environmental influences have already been significantly reduced, albeit perhaps only in the short term. Commentators examine why so far the climate crisis hasn't driven us to take similar steps.

Lithuania is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its independence today. On March 11, 1990, the Baltic country broke away from the Soviet Union - the first of the Soviet Republics to do so. Lithuania's commentators examine whether there really is cause for a festive mood.

The effects of the coronavirus are not limited to those who are infected or directly at risk. Restricted freedom of movement threatens people's economic livelihood and overcrowded hospitals even pose a risk to patients' lives. Commentators wonder whether Europe's healthcare systems are prepared for the epidemic and call on states to be generous with welfare benefits.