Eurotopics.net

"We are experiencing a turning point. And that means that the world after this point will no longer be the same as the world before it." These words said by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz a year ago in the face of the war against Ukraine raised many expectations in Europe. Would Germany end its restraint in military matters, change its policy towards Russia and reposition itself as a leading Western power? Commentators remain sceptical.

The attempted suicide of two 12-year-old twins in the town of Sallent in Catalonia - presumably as a result of bullying - has shocked Spain. One of the children died and the other was seriously injured after jumping from a third-floor apartment. Authorities have reported a surge in suicides since the outbreak of the Covid pandemic. For commentators, the case highlights the growing problem of mental illness among Spain's adolescents.

After three years of backing and forthing, the UK and the EU have reached an agreement on the Northern Ireland Protocol. The current rules make trade between Britain and Northern Ireland, which continues to be part of the EU market, more difficult. Under the new agreement, customs regulations will only apply to goods destined for the Republic of Ireland. Reactions in Europe's press are for the most part positive.

The EU has adopted its tenth package of sanctions against Russia. A veto by certain member states over details of the package had prevented it from coming into force as planned on the symbolic anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Commentators take a critical look at their impact of the sanctions.