Eurotopics.net

After passing the "Only yes means yes" sexual consent law, Spain is now debating a ban on pimping and the purchase of sexual services. Under a new draft law submitted by the ruling Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), punters would face a fine or even imprisonment if they pay for sex with minors or a woman in precarious circumstances. The habitual use of premises for prostitution is also to be prohibited.

A year and a half after the storming of the US Capitol on 6 January 2021, the committee investigating the events presented initial findings in public hearings: part of the blame was placed on former president Donald Trump regarding the question of whether he incited his supporters to attack by alleging election fraud. Commentators are concerned about democracy in the United States.

After several unproductive telephone calls between London and Brussels the British government has, as it had threatened to do, introduced a bill that suspends certain parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol. Under the new legislation, a fast-track procedure will apply to goods entering Northern Ireland at customs check points between the two islands, and Northern Irish companies will also be able to choose whether to apply British or EU standards.

The signals from Ankara are becoming increasingly aggressive: neighbouring Greece, it alleges, is arming certain Aegean islands in breach of international law. During a major military exercise last week, President Erdoğan warned of serious consequences. Athens is rejecting Turkish territorial claims, but is attempting to avoid an escalation. Commentators from the two countries assess the tensions.