Eurotopics.net

Joe Biden has completed 100 days in office as US President. While at the start of his term he focused on getting the Covid crisis under control, now he is making waves with government investment schemes, tax hikes, climate policy and foreign policy statements. Europe's media assess his initiatives on the basis of credibility and aptness.

The European Parliament on Thursday approved the introduction of EU Covid-19 certificates, which are intended to facilitate travel this summer. The member states, which are expected to align the certificates with their own national vaccination certificates and systems, are discussing the details of the scheme in the European Council. Commentators avidly discuss whether the document could result in discrimination against those who haven't been vaccinated.

The Socialist Party under Prime Minister Edi Rama has won the election in Albania and can now continue to govern with an absolute majority. According to the country's Central Election Commission, the Socialists received about 49 percent of the vote. International observers and Albanian media report incidents of pressure being put on officials and potential vote buying in the run-up to the election.

In Greece, the governing party Nea Dimokratia has decided to grant immunity from prosecution to all those dealing with and making decisions aimed at tackling the pandemic. Under the new provisions scientists, politicians and civil servants who work in committees set up to deal with coronavirus-related issues cannot be prosecuted for statements or decisions made in the course of these activities. The move has been met with fierce criticism.