Eurotopics.net

The Berlin Corona demonstration in which tens of thousands of people took part at the end of August drew attention from across Europe. A week later, thousands of people also took to the streets in Rome and Zagreb in protest at the pandemic measures. Commentators discuss the sources of the protesters' frustration and lack of understanding and ask how they should be addressed.

Tensions between Berlin and Moscow are growing after the attack on Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Both sides have accused each other of delaying the investigations. In Germany the possibility of discontinuing construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which is almost complete, is being discussed. Is this the only viable course of action?

The EU and UK are due to meet for the eighth round of negotiations on their post-Brexit relations this week. In the run-up to the meeting, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has threatened to break off the talks altogether if no agreement is reached by 15 October. He has let it be known that a no-deal Brexit would also be a positive outcome for the British. Commentators, however, point to enormous disadvantages for Britain and Ireland.

In the investigation into the murder of journalist Ján Kuciak in Slovakia, the businessman accused of being behind the killing has been acquitted. Justifying its surprise decision, the court said there was not sufficient evidence that Marian Kočner commissioned and paid for the murder of the investigative journalist in February 2018. Europe's commentators alternate between disappointment and praise for the stable rule of law in Slovakia.

In a surprise development in the investigation into the murder of journalist Ján Kuciak in Slovakia, the businessman accused of being behind the killing has been acquitted. The court said there was not sufficient evidence that Marian Kočner commissioned and paid for the murder of the investigative journalist in February 2018. Europe's commentators alternate between bitter disappointment and hopes that the change initiated in Slovakia will be irreversible.