Eurotopics.net

The German Bundestag and Bundesrat have approved an amendment to the Infection Protection Act in a fast-track procedure. A new paragraph lists concrete protective measures that can be put in place, such as bans on events, travel and contact restrictions and is loosely worded in order to keep the option open for further potential measures. The amendment is also intended to make it easier for courts to judge the legality of coronavirus rules.

Like other islands on the EU's external border, the Canary Islands are now also turning into a migration hotspot: more and more people are arriving there from the coast of Africa, and the local authorities are having trouble coping. Some 2,000 refugees are crowded together at the Arguineguín port in Gran Canaria. Many of them sleep on the ground and are given nothing to eat but sandwiches. Local residents and the media have dubbed the area where the migrants are gathered the "dock of shame".

The veto imposed by Hungary and Poland on the EU's long term budget from 2021 to 2027 is causing a flurry across Europe, also because it will block the billions from the coronavirus recovery fund. The financial crisis in many countries could help push through the rule of law mechanism, some commentators believe. Others see the bloc's identity and values hanging in the balance.

According to the terms of the ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenia must hand over the first of several areas to Azerbaijan on Sunday. The agreement stipulates that both parties will be allowed to keep those areas in which they currently have control - which for Armenia means heavy losses. Observers discuss how best to ensure stability in those areas that are left under Armenian control.

Turkey's president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Tuesday announced far-reaching economic and judicial reforms aimed at stabilising the legal situation and improving the investment climate. The Turkish economy has experienced a huge slump in 2020 and the lira has also plunged in value. Commentators discuss what reforms Erdoğan is referring to and which ones would really be attractive for the country.