Eurotopics.net

Cases of measles increased almost fivefold in 2017. The WHO is raising the alarm and blaming people's refusal to be vaccinated. This refusal poses a major threat to global health, also because diseases that had virtually been eradicated are on the rise again. Journalists echo the warning.

After the British House of Commons rejected both a no-deal exit and the guarantee of an open border in Ireland Theresa May has called for renegotiations on the Brexit, a demand rejected by EU leaders so far. Behind the scenes, however, all the options are under discussion. Europe's press examines the consequences of the EU remaining firm or showing flexibility.

Germany plans to take all its coal-fired power plants off the grid by 2038. Europe's press discusses if and how that can work.

Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg has confirmed plans to merge the Whatsapp, Instagram and Facebook Messenger chat services by 2020. This will mean that messages can be exchanged between the different services. A step that is likely to be greeted by many users raises the ire of commentators.

The Dutch coalition government has agreed to grant asylum to around 600 migrants under the age of 18 and their families. They will receive permanent residency permits even if they have no right to asylum. With this compromise solution the four coalition parties have averted a government crisis. Decisions on asylum issues often leave a bitter aftertaste, commentators write.