Eurotopics.net

A report published by Sweden's State Council for Crime Prevention (Brå) shows that the number of reported robberies in which the victims and perpetrators are youths has more than doubled in recent years. The report also indicates that the number of cases in which the perpetrators come from a migration background is far higher than for the victims. The press voices anger at the ineffectiveness of the authorities.

The Czech Republic commemorated the playwright, civil rights activist and politician Václav Havel on the weekend. Havel, who was probably the best-known Czechoslovak and later Czech president died ten years ago. Commentators ask how his values would fit in with today's world.

In contrast to the US Federal Reserve, which is raising interest rates, the ECB is sticking to its zero interest policy for the time being. ECB chief Christine Lagarde reiterated on Thursday that the current high inflation levels were a temporary phenomenon. Instead, the ECB's Governing Council announced that it will discontinue its Pandemic Emergency Purchase Programme (PEPP) at the end of March. Many commentators take a sceptical view of the decisions.

At their last summit of the year, EU leaders have adopted a resolute stance vis-à-vis Russia. An invasion of Ukraine would entail "restrictive measures coordinated with partners," they warned. Exactly what such measures would entail remains unclear. Nevertheless, Europe's press sees the EU on the right track.

While US diplomats will boycott the Winter Olympics in China, the EU is at odds over how to proceed. French President Emmanuel Macron declared that a purely political boycott would be pointless without a sporting boycott. Most European governments agree with Macron's all-or-nothing approach, but still want Europe to participate in the Games. Europe's press examines the arguments for a half or full boycott.