Eurotopics.net

The Bishops' Conference of France that met in Lourdes this autumn has decided to set up working groups to combat systemic abuse and sexual violence by the clergy. The Church also committed to creating a reparations body to compensate victims, involving the sale of some of its real estate assets. Commentators are impressed.

North Macedonia settled its name dispute with Greece and joined Nato under his government, but now Zoran Zaev has announced his resignation as prime minister after his social democratic party SDSM suffered a bitter defeat in local elections at the end of October. It is still not clear whether snap elections will be held. Europe's press is saddened by the move.

Covid infection rates are on the rise once again in many European countries. In Austria, new rules that go into effect on Monday mean that only those who can provide proof of vaccination or recovery will be allowed to enter public places such as bars and restaurants and use services such as hairdressers. In Italy, the vaccination, recovery or test rule is now compulsory - even in the workplace. Europe's press continues to debate about how to contain the fourth wave.

The second week of the UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow has just begun and declarations of intent by political leaders must now take concrete form if they are to have any effect. On Saturday hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets to show their frustration at the lack of results. Commentators also list a host of reasons why an agreement seems unlikely.