Eurotopics.net

The invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops has led to a barrage of harsh sanctions against Russia. The Russian economy has not yet collapsed, however. Europe's press debates whether the measures can be tightened even more, and what the long-term consequences may be.

The war in Ukraine has not only forced millions living there to flee, it is also fuelling an exodus from Russia - the most recent prominent case being Olga Smirnova, prima ballerina of the Bolshoi Theatre, who is now in the Netherlands. According to an assessment by research website Thrivemyway, Russians have done millions of online searches for "emigration from Russia 2022" since the end of February. How will they be received in Europe?

Former Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov was arrested last Thursday in connection with investigations into corruption and then released the next day. There was too little evidence, said the Prosecutor's Office, which representatives of the government and the police, but also the media, now accuse of trying to protect Borisov.

After years of painstaking investigations, charges were officially brought against former Czech prime minister Andrej Babiš in Prague on Monday. He faces up to ten years in prison for allegedly claiming EU subsidies for the construction of the Stork's Nest conference and recreation centre for his business empire Agrofert. The reactions in Czech media vary.