Eurotopics.net

As the vaccination programmes progress and increase immunity, hopes of an end to the restrictions and a return to normality are also growing. But the pandemic has opened up wounds that will continue to hurt even after infection rates have been brought under control in our part of the world, Europe's press notes.

Russian authorities have designated the independent news website Meduza a "foreign agent". This means among other things that from now on the website, which reports on Russia in Russian but is based in Latvia, must indicate its status as a foreign agent in every report it publishes. Many of its advertising clients are pulling out, prompting the outlet to ask readers for donations. Commentators see the measure as part of a new Kremlin strategy.

World Press Freedom Day has been celebrated on May 3 every year since 1994. This year several organisations and politicians have pointed out that the situation for media professionals and their recipients in Europe and across the globe has deteriorated in many places, also in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Europe's press takes stock.

In Austria, the high rate of serious acts of violence against women by (ex-)partners has led to protests in recent months. The country has already registered nine cases of femicide this year; in the most recent one a 35-year-old woman was shot dead, presumably by her ex-partner. In 2020, there were a total of 31 femicides. A summit has now been held to discuss measures to protect women and girls. The country's press stresses the role of prevention.

After three days, the Cyprus talks in Geneva have ended without any results. There was not enough common ground between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides even for a formal start to new negotiations, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said. Despite the lack of progress he said he wanted to make a new attempt at talks in the near future. The press is at a loss.