Eurotopics.net

Since the start of the year Britain has had a ministry for loneliness. Now it has presented its first measures: doctors will be able to prescribe social activities for patients and postal workers are to keep an eye out for people who may be affected. Is one the loneliest number? And if so, why?

The conservative European People's Party passed a resolution on the weekend in which it reaffirms its commitment to protecting EU values and preserving democracy. However, at the behest of the Hungarian ruling party Fidesz the term 'liberal democracy' was dropped from the text. Certain Hungarian media see the result as a half-hearted declaration while others see it as a hopeful sign.

In Estonia a heated debate has broken out about the UN migration pact. Voices in the parliament are complaining that the country was not included in its preparation. The pact is due to be signed in a month but President Kersti Kaljulaid has now called into question Estonia's willingness to approve it. Views on the debate in Estonia exemplify those being voiced in other countries, too.

The EPP has chosen German CSU politician Manfred Weber as its lead candidate for the European elections. With this decision Weber edged out the Finn Alexander Stubb and stands a good chance of becoming the next EU Commission president. While some see Weber as spearheading the EU's fight against populism, others fear his appointment will mean the end of the EU as we know it.

EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn has called for the membership talks with Turkey, which have been on hold for months, to be ended. He said that EU membership for the country was not realistic "in the foreseeable future" and that a strategic partnership between the EU and Ankara should be the new goal. Would this be a sensible step?