Eurotopics.net

US diplomats have negotiated a five-day ceasefire in northern Syria with the Turkish government. Under the agreement the Kurdish militia YPG is to leave the security zone Turkey is seeking to establish and Turkey is to end its offensive in the region. Some commentators are sceptical about what US President Trump is hailing as a great success.

On Wednesday thousands of people protested in several cities across Poland against a bill that proposes imprisonment for teachers who teach sex education. The proposal was initiated by abortion opponents who are committed to "protecting children and adolescents from sexual corruption." Poland's commentators are as divided as its society.

Thousands of people in Barcelona protest daily against the Spanish Supreme Court ruling in which leaders of the Catalan independence movement were sentenced up to thirteen years in prison. A general strike and blockades are set for Friday. The conflict has reached an impasse, in which other European countries can be drawn into, commentators observe.

Two weeks before the deadline the EU and Britain have agreed on a new Brexit deal under which Northern Ireland will be part of the UK's customs territory but will be subject to EU single market regulations. The House of Commons will vote on the deal on Saturday. Europe's media discuss what comes next.

For a long time the negotiations between the UK and the EU were stalled. But shortly before the EU summit that begins this Thursday Prime Minister Johnson claims a deal has been reached. The most recent proposals for a deal foresee Northern Ireland continuing to follow EU single market regulations after Brexit. Is this the solution?