Eurotopics.net

Freedom of travel within the Schengen area has been largely restored at the start of this week, with just a few restrictions remaining as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. June 14 also marked the 35th anniversary of the signing of the Schengen Agreement. Commentators seize the occasion to celebrate and take stock of Europe's freedom of travel and the easing of restrictions.

New coronavirus infection rates are declining across Europe, the borders of the Schengen area are reopening, and economic and social life is resuming with stringent hygiene regulations in place. Commentators take stock of what the pandemic has taught us.

Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling is being accused of transphobia on social media after she mocked an article on Twitter calling for a fairer world for "people who menstruate". Is biological sex a reality? And should people be allowed to decide their own gender identity? A fierce debate has broken out in the UK.

Two major issues have apparently been gnawing away at Sweden's self-confidence in recent weeks. After taking a different approach to other states in the coronavirus pandemic, the country is now being isolated and left out of plans for relaxing travel restrictions. And although the murder of Olof Palme is now considered solved, the perpetrator, who emerged as a suspect early on in the investigation, is now dead. Journalists ponder Sweden's claims and reality.