Eurotopics.net

Italy's government has expanded the lockdown of 15 provinces in the "red zone" in the north to the whole country in a bid to stop the spread of the new coronavirus. All public institutions are closed and all sport events have been cancelled. The death toll has climbed to more than 460. Commentators say the country's citizens also share responsibility for this drastic step.

Oil prices plunged by around 30 percent on Monday - the sharpest drop since 1991. In addition to the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus this was primarily the result of a dispute between Saudi Arabia and Russia, which were unable to agree on a reduction in production volumes at a meeting of the oil-producing countries (Opec+). Is a price war a good idea in these times of crisis?

Ten days ago the Republic of Cyprus closed four border crossing points to Northern Cyprus. The government in Nicosia said the measure was aimed at protecting citizens from coronavirus. The Council of Ministers is due to decide today, Tuesday, whether to reopen the crossings after the closure sparked protests on both the Turkish-Cypriot and Greek-Cypriot sides. What are the real motives for the closure?

People took to the streets around the world on Sunday, International Women's Day, to demand equal rights for women in business, family and society. Some commentators emphasise the achievements of the movement so far, while others are disillusioned with the slow pace of progress.

For more than a week now Greek police have been using tear gas and water cannons against refugees and migrants who have gathered on the Greek-Turkish border in the hope of entering the EU after Turkey opened its border. Voices in Europe's press call on Brussels and the individual EU member states to come up with sensible strategies.