Eurotopics.net

The EU has responded to London's plans to override certain elements of the Brexit withdrawal agreement with an ultimatum. If the British government does not withdraw its proposed legislation by the end of September, the EU will refuse to continue negotiations on a trade deal. Commentators discuss what the two sides are afraid of losing - and what not.

In the dispute over gas in the eastern Mediterranean, French President Macron on Thursday described Ankara's behavior as "intolerable" and declared that Turkey was no longer France's partner in the region. About a month ago the French army increased its naval presence in the region and relocated fighter bombers to Cyprus. Journalists are critical of Macron's stance.

A huge fire has destroyed most of the Moria refugee camp in Greece, leaving thousands of inhabitants homeless. More than 12,000 asylum seekers were living in the camp, which was designed to accommodate 2,800 people and had recently recorded its first cases of coronavirus. Commentators see the disaster as a further symbol of Europe's failure on migration policy and call for immediate action.

Restrictions on social contact, uncertainty in planning, new rules for work: after months of pandemic most people still face restrictions in their daily life. And as far as the number of infections is concerned, the indications are that the situation is worsening again almost everywhere. Europe's press reflects on how people can remain optimistic, patient and disciplined.