Eurotopics.net

After a break of more than two months Germany's Bundesliga is resuming play - the first top football league to do so in Europe. But football as we know it is not yet an option: the stands are empty, interviews are conducted at a distance and hugs and high-fives are forbidden. Fan organisations are criticising the spectatorless 'ghost games' and sports commentators also seem to be divided on the issue.

From the beginning, Sweden refrained from adopting tough measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Its borders and primary schools have remained open and there are no restrictions on leaving home. However in view of the rising mortality rate critical voices are growing louder, also in Sweden. The divided opinions on the approach are reflected in the media.

Russian authorities have reacted angrily to media reports that Russia's comparatively low Covid-19 mortality rate was the result of skewed numbers. Now, official data appears to support the criticism, but it remains unclear whether the numbers were deliberately manipulated or simply the result of careless recording. What to make of the affair?

The EU Commission has brought a lawsuit against Austria before the European Court of Justice over a new provision in the former's child benefit system which has been in force since 2019. Under the new rule, non-Austrian EU nationals living in Austria receive reduced benefits if their children live in their home country and the cost of living is lower there. According to the Commission this is discriminatory and violates EU law. The press sees good arguments on Vienna's side.

In the ongoing process of easing coronavirus restrictions, several European countries have agreed to reopen their borders immediately or in the near future. The European press welcomes this, but some commentators call for clearer criteria and, in the event of future outbreaks, more cooperation in the phase when borders are being closed.