Eurotopics.net

For the second weekend in a row, tens of thousands have demonstrated in Russia against Navalny's imprisonment, corruption and the absence of the rule of law. The security forces have cracked down brutally on the demonstrations, arresting over 5,000 people across the country. While some commentators believe the protests will fizzle out, others see signs of a turning point.

The European border agency Frontex is withdrawing from Hungary for the time being in reaction to Budapest's refusal to implement a ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ). The court ruled in December that Hungary's asylum system was illegal, citing unlawful practices such as pushbacks of refugees to Serbia. But according to commentators Frontex's initiative won't make much of a difference.

Tensions are easing in the row between the EU and Astrazeneca after the vaccine manufacturer announced that it would deliver more doses by the end of March, although this will still only be half of the amount originally envisaged. Commentators harshly criticise the EU's procurement policy and call for fundamental changes.

Thousands of people have gathered to protest against tighter abortion legislation and the government in recent days. Last Wednesday a Supreme Court ruling came into effect under which abortion is legal only in cases when the pregnancy is a result of a criminal act when the woman's life or health is at risk.

Tensions seem to be easing in the dispute between the EU and vaccine manufacturer Astrazeneca. On Wednesday, company boss Pascal Soriot stated that no agreement had been reached on fixed delivery quantities, drawing angry contradictions from Brussels. On Thursday evening the company partially reversed its delivery cuts. Commentators see clumsiness on Brussels' part as the main cause for the dispute.