Eurotopics.net

Germany partially closed its borders with Austria and the Czech Republic on the weekend due to concerns about the spread of new coronavirus variants. Only people working in Germany or visiting close relatives are allowed to cross the border, and they must provide proof of a negative coronavirus test and self-quarantine once they are in the country. While some commentators criticise the tone of the debate, others stress the need for regional measures.

The British government has announced a new initiative aimed at protecting freedom of speech at universities. Among other things, people who have been denied participation in panel discussions are to be able to appeal the decision. The creation of a post called "free speech and academic freedom champion" with a supervisory function is also planned. Is there really a need for such an initiative to defend opinions that are comparatively conservative in a university context?

On 15 February 1991, when it was clear that the Warsaw Pact was coming to an end, the then presidents of Poland (Wałęsa), Czechoslovakia (Havel) and Hungary (Antall) met in Visegrád, Hungary with the objective of forming a new alliance and joining the EU and Nato together. In recent times the V4 have formed a tight bloc in the EU, particularly in the area of migration policy. The press takes stock of the alliance's relevance in today's context.

Albin Kurti of the left-wing nationalist Vetëvendosje ("Self-Determination") party has won the snap election in Kosovo with 48 percent of the vote. The long-standing ruling party PDK, which emerged from the civil war militia UÇK, secured just 17 percent. Commentators voice doubts that Kurti will be able to make good on his election promise of ending the rampant corruption in the country.

The EU Commission has presented the New European Bauhaus initiative. The idea is to combine design with sustainability, barrier-free access and investment, and help deliver the European Green Deal. The EU Climate Law is to be passed in the spring, although many points of the legislation remain contentious. Commentators explain what the EU should bear in mind when pushing ahead with its ambitious plans.