Eurotopics.net

The Dutch government has agreed on a package of measures for 2023 to compensate for the loss of purchasing power in the country due to high inflation, in particular for citizens with lower incomes. Among other measures, an increase in the minimum wage and higher taxes on assets and wealth are planned. The national press welcomes the initiative but also voices doubts.

After Mikhail Gorbachev's death on Tuesday a fierce debate has broken out about his historical legacy. Russian state media blame the former leader for the collapse of the Soviet Union. Other commentators lament that the opportunities opened up by the Nobel Peace Prize laureate were wasted.

Thanks to EU mediation Serbia and Kosovo have reached a partial agreement in the dispute over mutual recognition of documents for crossing the border between the two countries: from now on, Kosovar citizens may travel to Serbia with their ID documents while Kosovo continues to accept Serbian papers. No agreement was reached on car registration plates, however. The press still sees plenty of potential for conflict.

In future it will take longer and be more difficult and more expensive for Russian citizens to obtain a Schengen visa. The EU foreign ministers agreed to suspend the 2007 visa facilitation agreement, meaning that a complete halt to the issuing of tourist visas is off the table for the time being. Commentators criticise the compromise solution.

Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis has once again rejected calls for his resignation over the wiretapping scandal. He still refuses to explain the wiretapping, saying he knew nothing about it. Commentators also discuss the scandal also against the backdrop of next year's elections.