Eurotopics.net

As a member of the Schengen Area, Switzerland is obliged to contribute to securing the EU's external borders. In September its parliament approved annual payments of 61 million Swiss francs to Frontex. However activists are opposing the funding for the border protection agency, which has been accused of illegal pushbacks, and now hope to overturn the decision by referendum. What can this achieve?

The heads of state and government gathered at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow have kicked off the event with urgent appeals. The US promised to adhere to its climate targets. Germany made the case for global carbon pricing and India said it was aiming to become climate neutral by 2070. For Europe's press, it is clear that the time for statements of intent is now over.

Although France and Britain have agreed to further talks in their dispute over fishing licences after Brexit, there is still no sign of an agreement. Commentators warn against allowing the situation to escalate and call for international mediation.

Around 65 percent of EU citizens are now fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. But the rates vary widely from country to country, and even those states with comparatively high vaccination rates are barely reaching levels necessary to contain the Delta variant. Europe's press discusses the causes and appropriate measures to deal with vaccination scepticism and opponents.