Eurotopics.net

The easing of lockdown measures to contain Covid-19 is bringing a little normality back into daily life in many European countries. Shops are open once more, children are returning to schools, and there are fewer restrictions on outdoor activities. Commentators describe how the human factor is causing problems and surprises in this readjustment phase.

China's leadership plans to pass a new security law for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Thursday. Among other things the law prohibits secession, foreign influence and insurgent activities. Protests have already taken place in Hong Kong. Must Europe rethink its relations with China? And is the US support for the protests counterproductive?

Denmark, the Netherlands, Austria and Sweden are opposing the reconstruction plan put forward by Merkel and Macron, which includes debt mutualisation among EU states. On the weekend the four states presented a counter-proposal that puts a two-year limit on coronavirus emergency aid and foresees cheap loans rather than grants for the worst-hit states. Is this a more sensible plan?

With the lockdown regulations due to be further relaxed in Hungary this Monday, the social consequences of the coronavirus crisis are now coming into focus. According to official figures 56,000 people in the country lost their jobs in March, and more than half of its companies suffered a drop in turnover of at least 30 percent. Hungarian media discuss how to help marginalised groups.

A country of new opportunities and a radical break with corrupt elites was what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky promised before he took office. The political newcomer arrived at his inauguration on foot, seemed relaxed and approachable, and took selfies. Shortly thereafter in a controversial decision he dissolved parliament, where he'd lacked a majority. Commentators take stock a year later.

Germany plans to invest nine billion euros in Lufthansa to get it through the coronavirus crisis. The state will take a 20-percent stake in the group but the rescue plan also provides for loans and silent partnerships in the airline. The state's stake will not be large enough to directly block decisions. Commentators nevertheless debate whether this intervention goes too far.