Eurotopics.net

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday. At the same time, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmyhal met with his counterparts Mateusz Morawiecki from Poland and Mark Rutte from the Netherlands. Commentators are divided as to whether this is a forward-looking closing of ranks or just PR.

Despite a 7-day incidence rate of more than 5,000 cases per 100,000 residents due to the Omicron variant, almost all Covid-related restrictions were lifted in Denmark on 1 February. Other countries such as England are also easing restrictions. Covid-19 should no longer be classified as a threat to society, it is argued. "We have passed the critical phase," said Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Europe's press is divided.

The military junta in Mali on Monday expelled French ambassador Joël Meyer and gave him 72 hours to leave the country. After taking power the junta cancelled elections planned for February and is now working with the Russian mercenaries of the controversial Wagner Group, which drew criticism from the French Foreign Ministry. Commentators call for a change of strategy.

Four years after the newspaper El País handed over a dossier containing 251 unpublished cases of sexualised violence against children by Church employees to the Pope and the President of the Spanish Bishops' Conference, the Spanish parliament has agreed to consider setting up an inquiry into the claims of abuse. The Congress of Deputies approved a petition to this effect. The national press reflects a turbulent debate.

Berlin's partners are accusing it of putting too little pressure on Moscow. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz only considered sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which has yet to be put into operation, after much hesitation. At the same time there are many reservations about German arms deliveries to Ukraine. Former chancellor and Rosneft supervisory board member Gerhard Schröder has now accused Kyiv of sabre rattling, which has further stoked the discussion. Commentators see various reasons why Berlin seems divided over Ukraine.