Eurotopics.net

The year began on an optimistic note: although Europe was in the midst of the second Covid wave, an end to the pandemic seemed within reach thanks to several newly approved vaccines. One year on, new variants are driving up infection rates to record levels even in countries with high vaccination uptake, and uncertainty prevails. Commentators take stock of the damage inflicted by the virus but also point to encouraging signs.

On 25 December 1991, the Soviet flag was taken down from the roof of the Kremlin and replaced by the tricolour flag of the Russian Federation. The end of the USSR followed the collapse of its economy, the secession of many states and an attempted coup against Gorbachev and his perestroika. Thirty years on, historians still disagree about the causes. Commentators take stock.

What do we want for Christmas and 2022? Authors from Poland, Slovenia and Italy have penned their own personal wish lists.

Biden and Xi will shake hands and end their trade war, Russia will withdraw its troops from the Ukrainian border and hand Crimea back to Ukraine, and the global community will implement measures to curb global warming? The coming year is hardly likely to bring these positive developments, commentators fear, making much gloomier predictions.