Eurotopics.net

The EU has faced Poland and Hungary with an ultimatum in the dispute over the rule of law mechanism: either they drop their veto on the next EU budget or the other 25 countries will push through the coronavirus recovery fund without them. EU representatives want to see clear signs that the two countries are willing to compromise before the EU summit on Thursday. Commentators highlight the enormous implications of the row.

Britain started vaccinating its citizens against Covid-19 today and Russia vaccinated 25,000 volunteers on Monday. Other states plan to begin their immunisation campaigns as soon as possible, leaving many people in Europe facing the question of whether or not to get vaccinated. Different commentators give different answers.

France saw more mass protests this weekend against a proposed security law aimed at restricting the filming of police in action. Once again, there were violent clashes between police and demonstrators in Paris. What is driving this spiral of violence and confrontation - and how can it be stopped?

The nationalist party Alianța pentru Unirea Românilor (AUR) did surprisingly well in Sunday's election, entering the Romanian parliament after securing 8.69 percent in the Chamber of Deputies and 8.77 percent in the Senate. The party is against multiculturalism and is said to have links to the far-right scene. Commentators in Romania and Hungary examine the reasons for its success.