Eurotopics.net

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has come under intense pressure in recent days following reports of Christmas parties that allegedly took place last year during the lockdown at the British seat of government. Now a photo has emerged that purportedly shows Johnson himself - flanked by colleagues - taking part in a Christmas online quiz. Europe's press avidly discusses the potential consequences of the scandal.

What observers in Bosnia and Herzegovina had warned of is now happening: the parliament of the Serb constituent Republic of Srpska in Banja Luka has decided to secede and wants to withdraw from the national army as well as from the central government's judicial and tax system within six months. Is a war looming?

Poland commemorates today the imposition of martial law by the country's last communist leader, General Wojciech Jaruzelski, on 13 December 1981, in a bid to end the demonstrations by the Solidarność democracy movement. While some national commentators recall the repercussions of the decision, others compare the situation in Poland today to that of 40 years ago.

Romania recently received 1.85 billion euros from the EU's Covid recovery fund. The disbursement of 7.2 billion euros to Hungary and 40 billion to Poland, however, is still under review and will probably not be completed this year. Romania's press voices growing concern that payments to Bucharest could also be suspended in view of deficits in the rule of law there.

The EU wants to phase out climate-damaging energy sources. However, particularly on the issue of nuclear power the member states face huge challenges and are pulling in opposite directions. The debate has intensified as northern Europe is hit by a cold spell and the new German government presents its ambitious climate policy. Europe's press asks questions and struggles for answers.