Eurotopics.net

Latvia is launching a covid tracing app for tracking chains of infection today - the first EU state to do so. The state-run app is based on a new programming interface jointly developed by Google and Apple in the the pandemic. Commentators are divided about whether the app will bring Latvia's citizens more health and freedom.

The EU Commission has proposed a 750 billion-euro reconstruction plan in a bid to alleviate Europe's economic crisis. Of this sum, 500 billion euros are earmarked for the member states as aid grants and 250 billion as loans. The plan is to be financed through joint debt. Will it settle the dispute over Europe's response to the coronavirus crisis?

Twitter has subjected two messages from Donald Trump to a fact check - with a negative result: the two tweets in which the president described mail-in ballots as "manipulation" were labelled with warnings on Tuesday. Trump then threatened to close social networks if they suppress free speech. Commentators see grounds for criticism on both sides.

On Tuesday evening Hungary ended the state of emergency which had allowed Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to rule by decree since the end of March. The EU Commission had taken a critical view of the move. While the pro-government press is satisfied, opposition media see no cause for relief.

To make up for the cancellation due to coronavirus of the traditional military parade marking the anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany on 9 May 1945, President Putin has announced plans to hold a parade on June 24 instead. Russia's media still fear the virus and warn against holding such a major event in the current situation.