Eurotopics.net

On May 9 the authorities closed the Westfleisch slaughterhouse in Coesfeld, Germany, because 191 employees had become infected with the coronavirus. This fuelled a discussion about the questionable situation of cheap Eastern European workers in Germany's agricultural and food sector, which has now become a problem for society as a whole due to the risk of infection.

The coronavirus has fundamentally changed how we live, with almost all aspects of life, including the economy, work, leisure and education being affected. Many commentators say now is the time to pause and assess the opportunities arising from the crisis and what life after the pandemic could look like.

Covid-19 has shown the people of Europe the importance of having a state with a functioning public health service, education sector, government and agencies. Most countries have coped quite well with the crisis, commentators say, and examine whether this could lead to a long-term change in the relationship between citizens and the state.

A group of around 20 members of the French Nationl Assembly, most of whom belong to Emmanuel Macron's LREM party, have announced the creation of a group they claim is more committed to environmental protection, democracy and solidarity. In the midst of the corona crisis the president is now faced with a new challenge. Will it sap his strength?

Brussels has presented recommendations for tourism in the EU this summer: member states should ensure that hygiene and physical distancing rules are observed and that contacts can be tracked. A condition for the resumption of tourism is that the risk of infection is low, there are sufficient tests, and health systems are not overstretched. Can the plan get the sector back on its feet?