Eurotopics.net

In the final of the Uefa Super Cup, FC Bayern defeated FC Sevilla 2-1 on Thursday. Although the host city Budapest has recently recorded more than 100 coronavirus cases per 100,000 inhabitants within seven days, Uefa went ahead with the match, which was meant to serve as a test run for the return of spectators to stadiums. Commentators discuss the pros and cons of this experiment.

Conflict in the EU persists over sanctions against Minsk in light of the human rights violations in Belarus. While the list of those whose accounts have been blocked and who have been banned from entering the EU now comprises 40 people, Cyprus is blocking the unanimous decision necessary to put the sanctions into effect. Observers speculate about the reasons for the veto and for the lax reactions on the part of Berlin and Brussels.

The protests against Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov entered their 78th day today. The last few days have also seen several riots and clashes between demonstrators and police. The protesters are making the same demand they did at the beginning: the resignation of the government. Borisov, however, continues to refuse, mainly on the grounds that his leadership is democratically legitimate. The national press takes a different view.

Just over two weeks after the fire that destroyed the Moria refugee camp, the EU Commission presented a new asylum package on Wednesday. Europe's press is mainly focused on the planned reform of the extended Dublin system under which member states would no longer be bound to take in a certain number of refugees but could instead opt to take on tasks such as repatriation of those whose applications are rejected. Few consider this to be a viable solution.

After the death of liberal Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg shortly before the presidential election in November, US President Donald Trump can nominate her successor. If confirmed by the Senate, his decision could cement a clear conservative majority in the court. Observers examine what this would mean for the country.