Eurotopics.net

November 25 has been the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women for 23 years. This year the focus is on the demonstrators in Iran. Commentators also draw attention to violence against women in the family, at work and in cyberspace.

Together with the Bank of Spain and the banking industry association, the Spanish government has negotiated a package of measures to cushion the impact of the current increase in mortgage interest rates. Around one million low-income households will receive mortgage support in a bid to avoid mass foreclosures like those in the 2008 crisis. The national press is impressed.

The British Supreme Court has ruled that the Scottish government cannot hold an independence referendum without the UK government's consent. Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon, who had promised a new referendum, reacted with disappointment but says she will accept the decision. Commentators discuss the ruling and question whether it is really such a big blow for Sturgeon's Scottish National Party.

The European Parliament has declared Russia to be a state sponsor of terrorism. The resolution, which accuses Moscow of "deliberate attacks and atrocities" against the civilian population in Ukraine, was approved by a clear majority of 494 MEPs, with 58 votes against it and 44 abstentions. Europe's press discusses the consequences.

The German national football team made a silent gesture of protest in Qatar on Wednesday before their World Cup match against Japan. The players covered their mouths in protest against Fifa's threats to impose sanctions on teams whose captain wear the One Love armband. Commentators react with scepticsm.