Eurotopics.net

The UK and the EU are currently not on good terms with each other. Several unresolved aspects of the post-Brexit agreement are causing additional problems in the dispute over Covid-19 vaccine shortages. Vaccine exports from the EU are being closely monitored and could be banned, while checks of goods at the border with Northern Ireland are proving highly contentious. Commentators call for de-escalation.

The EU Commission has called on the governments in Hungary, Poland and Slovenia to stop undermining press and media freedom. There had been "further worrying developments" in these three countries in recent months, Vera Jourova, the European Commission's Vice President for Values and Transparency, told the EU Parliament on Wednesday. Commentators from Poland and Slovenia agree.

In the context of the Corona crisis, the birth rate has plummeted in many European countries as well as in the USA and China, among others. In Spain, for example, there were 22.6 percent fewer births in January compared to the previous year, and in France 13 percent. Commentators ponder what could help and refer to the opposite trend in poorer countries with concern.

US talk show icon Oprah Winfrey's interview with Prince Harry and Meghan is still making waves in Europe's press. The couple talked about racism, pressure from the palace, and the young duchess having suicidal thoughts. Commentators discuss whether this latest shakeup will turn the British against their monarchy.

The European Parliament has lifted the immunity of Carles Puigdemont and two other Catalan MEPs. They now face extradition to Spain and charges of sedition and misusing public funds. Until now the Belgian judiciary had refused to allow the extraditions. The press has different takes on what could - and should - happen next.