Eurotopics.net

Just over a week has passed since Ukraine's allies - including Germany - concentrated and expanded their military support for the country in its fight against Russia. Diplomatic efforts to end the war have for the most part been put on hold. A group of German intellectuals has now expressed grave concerns about this in an open letter to Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Europe's press discusses the arms build-up and German sensitivities.

NGO Reporters Without Borders published its 20th World Press Freedom Index to mark World Press Freedom Day yesterday. The ranking takes into account factors such as media legislation, violence against media professionals and monopolisation. Europe's press seizes the opportunity for a good look in the mirror.

Local elections take place in the UK on Thursday. Northern Ireland will also elect a new regional parliament on the same day. Polls put the nationalist Sinn Féin party, which already won the elections in the Republic of Ireland in 2020, in the lead. Is the reunification of Northern Ireland and the Republic in sight?

Following a meeting of EU energy ministers on Monday, the bloc has moved one step closer to an oil embargo against Russia: Germany's Economic Affairs Minister Robert Habeck said he believes an agreement is very likely despite the scepticism of member states such as Hungary. The oil import ban would be part of a new EU sanctions package. Commentators have mixed views on whether the measure will be effective.