Eurotopics.net

Berlin's partners are accusing it of putting too little pressure on Moscow. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz only considered sanctions against the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which has yet to be put into operation, after much hesitation. At the same time there are many reservations about German arms deliveries to Ukraine. Former chancellor and Rosneft supervisory board member Gerhard Schröder has now accused Kyiv of sabre rattling, which has further stoked the discussion. Commentators see various reasons why Berlin seems divided over Ukraine.

The 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing begin on 4 February. Due to Covid they will take place largely without spectators, while extensive areas around the venues have been sealed off. Many international sports officials are also staying away from the Games for political or organisational reasons. Expectations for the Games are low in Europe's press.

Former Justice Minister Christiane Taubira has won the unofficial online primaries to choose a left-wing candidate for the French presidential elections. But the candidates already nominated by the left parties are refusing to recognise the result of the "Popular Primary" organised by a citizens' initiative, and say they will continue their candidacy. The national press takes different views of popular online vote.

After the publication of a report on parties held at Downing Street during lockdown, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has given no indication that he will resign. Observers criticse that the head of the enquiry, Sue Gray, identified mistakes in leadership and judgement in government circles, but otherwise remains rather vague.

About half a year after Lithuania's decision to allow a Taiwanese diplomatic mission to open in Vilnius, the country's economy is suffering the consequences of sanctions by Beijing. The EU has launched proceedings before the WTO over the matter. In Lithuania, resentment is growing, especially among business people and opposition politicians. The national press is divided.