Eurotopics.net

The British government has plans for a new immigration law to apply after Brexit. Visas for work migrants would be limited to one year unless they earn more than 30,000 pounds (roughly 33,000 euros), in which case they would receive a five-year visa. Some commentators say the legislation would increase exploitation of foreign workers. Others see the plans as a step towards a fairer system.

The EU has agreed on a law that would ban single-use plastic products starting 2021. Negotiators from the EU Commission, the EU Parliament and the EU states have agreed on the details of the legislation with the help of which cotton buds, plastic utensils and straws are to be banned. For commentators the law is a step in the right direction.

In the Danske Bank money laundering scandal Estonian police have arrested ten former employees of the bank. Estonian prosecutors ordered them to be detained on suspicion of knowingly transferring suspect money. Estonian media are jubilant that the first arrests have been made but hope this is just the beginning.

The EU has again approved the introduction of significantly tougher limits for CO2 emissions by 2030. The emissions levels of new cars are to be 37.5 percent lower in 2030 compared to 2021. The car industry has criticised the new rules. Commentators see the manufacturers' complaints about the move as the usual lobbying, but also call for more financial incentives for eco-friendly vehicles.

In the face of a government crisis and the opposition's announced intention of holding a vote of no confidence, Belgium's Prime Minister Charles Michel has announced that he plans to offer his resignation to the king. The country is slipping back into the times when its parties blocked each other, some Belgian media fear. Others, however, see a positive side to Michel's move.