Eurotopics.net

As the US and Nato troops withdraw from Afghanistan, the Taliban are expanding their sphere of influence and have recaptured more than 160 of the country's 400 districts since the beginning of May. According to the UN, 2,392 civilians were wounded or killed in May and June alone in the process. Commentators discuss how and with whom the stability of the region can be guaranteed.

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic Europe has been discussing the long-term impact the crisis could have on work and life, and whether working from home, for example, should be the rule - at least for those who can do their work from home. This could be between 20 and 40 percent of the workforce, depending on the country. After more than a year, commentators give a clear yes to telework.

In France, 160,000 people demonstrated against new coronavirus restrictions on the weekend, and there were also large demonstrations in Italy and Greece. Athens and Paris have imposed compulsory vaccination in the health sector, while in Italy cinemas and restaurants and in France shopping centres and public transport are to be open only to those who have been vaccinated or tested. But the protests are not so much about concrete measures, says Europe's press.

Until last week, the public's attention in the race for the chancellorship in Germany was mainly focused on the Green party's top candidate Annalena Baerbock. Then the flood disaster struck and CDU candidate Armin Laschet attracted attention by laughing at a memorial service for the victims. However commentators do not see eye to eye on whether the cards will now be completely reshuffled for the federal election in two months' time.