Eurotopics.net

Large groups of migrants tried to break through the border between Belarus and Poland on Monday, but Polish border guards forced them back using tear gas. Poland has so far rejected external help. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called on Belarus to stop the "cynical instrumentalisation of migrants" and pushed for new sanctions. Commentators demand action instead of just words.

The Bishops' Conference of France that met in Lourdes this autumn has decided to set up working groups to combat systemic abuse and sexual violence by the clergy. The Church also committed to creating a reparations body to compensate victims, involving the sale of some of its real estate assets. Commentators are impressed.

North Macedonia settled its name dispute with Greece and joined Nato under his government, but now Zoran Zaev has announced his resignation as prime minister after his social democratic party SDSM suffered a bitter defeat in local elections at the end of October. It is still not clear whether snap elections will be held. Europe's press is saddened by the move.