Eurotopics.net

A documentary produced by a Danish TV station about the conditions for dementia patients in nursing homes in the city of Aarhus has caused shock and outrage nationwide. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described it as "heartbreaking" and said that the main problem was a lack of resources. Danish newspapers want to see the issue of elderly care at the top of the political agenda.

The Hajj began on Tuesday, shortly before the Islamic Eid al-Adha or Feast of the Sacrifice, under strict regulations and with only around 1,000 pilgrims, all from within Saudi Arabia. In normal times more than 2.5 million Muslims from all over the world travel to Mecca to pray and eat together during the pilgrimage. Commentators explain how the coronavirus pandemic is changing the Hajj and the Sacrifice Feast.

The British government launched a campaign on Monday to help citizens lose weight. Among other measures, advertising for high-fat and sugary food on television and the Internet will be banned before 9 pm. Covid-19 is another factor behind the Better Health campaign, as people who are overweight are often worse affected. But the package of measures is still controversial.

Quarantines, travel warnings, tests - many countries are taking measures to reduce the risk of infection from holidaymakers returning from overseas and tourists. Holidays in the coronavirus era are also a tricky issue for commentators: is it okay to travel abroad, and which protective measures are appropriate?

The US announced in June that it would withdraw troops from Germany. Now it has presented concrete plans: a total of 11,900 soldiers currently stationed in the country are to be relocated as soon as possible. In addition, the United States European Command is to move to Belgium. Not all observers take a negative view of the news.