Eurotopics.net

France has gone into lockdown for a third time despite assurances that it wouldn't, and Germany is also discussing tightening the measures again to contain the virus. Portugal, on the other hand, is hoping for a little more freedom after a tough two months. Europe's commentators describe how the pandemic continues to test people's patience and nerves.

Ten years after the last European census in 2011, parallel censuses were to be conducted again this year in all EU member states. Due to the pandemic, however, some states have postponed their census to 2022, while in others it will take place as planned. One of them is the Czech Republic, where voluntary declaration of nationality is being discussed.

The zigzagging across Europe on coronavirus restrictions continues. Some countries - like France - are tightening their measures in view of rising infection rates while others are wavering or even relaxing them - like Greece. Most of Europe's press concurs that there is only one way out now.

The EU Commission is once again suing Poland before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) over its controversial judicial law. The bloc argues that the independence of judges is being undermined.

Following the withdrawal of his party Fidesz from the EPP group, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is looking for new allies in the European Parliament. He is scheduled to meet today with the leader of Italy's Lega party Matteo Salvini and Poland's head of government Mateusz Morawiecki (PiS) to discuss the possibility of forming an alliance. Europe's press sees little chance of the right-wing parties joining forces for the time being.