Eurotopics.net

European leaders were unable to settle the dispute over Hungary's and Poland's veto of the EU budget on Thursday. The two countries are resisting the plan to apply the rule of law mechanism in the distribution of EU funds and coronavirus aid and now have the backing of Slovenia. For Europe's media, this could spell the end for one of the bloc's key principles.

Switzerland will vote on November 29 on a popular initiative known as the Responsible Business Initiative (KVI) which sets out standards for Swiss-based companies with respect to environmental and human rights and extends their liability for abuses of these rights, also in their operations outside the country. Commentators from Switzerland and abroad are divided on whether this approach is suitable for achieving the declared objectives.

Erdoğan has called for a permanent two-state solution for Cyprus. "There are two peoples and two separate states in Cyprus," he said during a visit to Nicosia and the coastal district of Varosha. So far, efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus question have revolved around a reunification between the two separate parts of the island.

Estonia's Minister of Education Mailis Reps (Estonian Centre Party) has apparently been abusing the perks of her ministerial post to reduce her family workload. According to research carried out by Õhtuleht newspaper, her driver and other employees at the ministry have been looking after her six children on a regular basis for years. Reps also reportedly went on holiday to Croatia in a bus owned by the ministry. Single parent or not - the Estonian media take the minister to task.

The British government is planning to lift the coronavirus restrictions now in force for five days over Christmas. Up to four households will be allowed to celebrate together indoors, according to the plan. This would then be followed by a 25-day lockdown in January, according to the formula "One day of relaxation, five days of lockdown".