Eurotopics.net

The controversial plans for expanding London's Heathrow Airport got a boost on Wednesday. The Supreme Court overturned the ruling of a court of appeal according to which the construction of a third runway would violate the Paris climate protection agreement. The airport operator is now allowed to apply for the expansion. Commentators are at odds over whether this is a good idea.

With Christmas just around the corner, many European countries are seeing a surge in infection rates and tightening their coronavirus restrictions. But irrespective of these rules, it is the people who will decide through their behaviour whether the Christmas holidays aggravate or improve the situation, the commentators say.

The EU Commission wants to make the Internet fairer and more consumer-friendly with its proposed Digital Services Act. EU Vice President Margrethe Vestager and Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton presented the regulation package, which is aimed at limiting the power of tech giants and regulating competition, on Tuesday. Europe's press is divided in its response: some commentators are enthusiastic while others are sceptical.

Joe Biden was formally elected as the next president of the United States by members of the electoral college on Monday. The following day, the Republican senate majority leader Mitch McConnell also congratulated Biden on his victory. Donald Trump, however, still refuses to recognise the election results. Commentators fear that the election battle is not yet over.