Eurotopics.net

French President Macron wants to crack down on radical Islamism in his country. "What we need to fight is Islamist separatism," said Macron during a visit to the Paris suburb of Les Mureaux. He spoke out in favor of banning fundamentalist associations that disregard French values and laws. He also wants to take action against "ghetto formation" and "recapture" problem areas. Can it work?

Portugal and Spain are adopting different strategies for rebuilding their economies after the coronavirus crisis: while Spain plans to use both the loans and the grants provided by the EU recovery fund to boost its economy, Portugal has opted to use the grants but not the loans. Journalists in both countries express approval and doubts about the approach of their respective government.

Shortly after returning to the White House from hospital, US President Donald Trump removed his mask to pose for cameras. He also sent a message on Twitter telling people: "Don't be afraid of Covid". The virus is now spreading among members of his staff. The president's behaviour continues to fuel controversy.

Fratelli tutti (All Brothers) is the name Pope Francis has given to his third encyclical. In his most recent work he outlines his vision of better politics and enhanced solidarity. The pandemic has forced us to be concerned "for everyone, rather than for the benefit of a few", the pontiff argues. Commentators discuss the meaning of the text in a social context.