Eurotopics.net

In view of growing numbers of migrants reaching the Greek islands from Turkey, Athens has announced plans to build floating fences. In a first step a three-kilometre barrier that protrudes half a metre out of the water and is lined with flashing lights will be erected off Lesbos. The cost is estimated at half a million euros. Commentators are unimpressed by the idea.

Fierce protests broke out in the Romanian village of Ditrău after a local bread factory hired two bakers from Sri Lanka, with protesters calling for measures to stop the "migrant influx". According to media reports the two men have already left the area after being threatened. The regional press condemn the incident but call for understanding for the deep-rooted fears behind the hostility to foreigners.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared coronavirus a global health emergency on Thursday as the virus continues to spread, with almost 10,000 confirmed cases worldwide and 213 deaths. Several European countries have also registered their first cases. Commentators assess the impact of virus - and fear thereof.

US President Trump presented a Middle East peace plan on Tuesday. The proposal calls for a two-state solution with parts of East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital. At the same time, the legality of Jewish settlements in the West Bank would be accepted and Jerusalem would be recognised as the Israeli capital. Commentators ask whether there is any scenario in which the plan could be feasible.

Britain will officially leave the EU tomorrow, Friday. The European Parliament voted in favour of the Brexit law by a large majority on Wednesday, after which MEPs said their goodbyes - accompanied in some cases by tears - to their British colleagues. Europe's press discusses what form relations between the UK and the EU will now take.