Eurotopics.net

The European Union is considering sanctions against Belarus over allegations of manipulation in the country's presidential election. EU Foreign Affairs Representative Josep Borrell has said the election was neither free nor fair. He also criticised brutality on the part of law enforcement authorities and the mass imprisonment of demonstrators and journalists. What steps should Brussels take?

Italy is changing its rules on drug-induced abortion. Health Minister Speranza announced on Saturday that from now on the administration of the abortion pill RU486 will be allowed up to the ninth week of pregnancy and without mandatory hospitalisation. The decision marks "an important step forward" while respecting the current legal situation, Speranza said. Representatives of Catholic associations have sharply criticised the move.

French President Emmanuel Macron has warned Iran not to interfere in Lebanon or impede the efforts to form a new government. And German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas called for extensive reforms to make foreign investment possible during a visit to Beirut. What conditions are needed to ensure a successful fresh start for the country?

Russia has become the first country to approve a vaccine against the coronavirus for general use. Sputnik V is effective and offers sustainable immunity, Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin announced on Tuesday. Scientific data on the vaccine has yet to be released. Journalists point to flaws in the test procedure and complain that the assessment of the vaccine does not focus on product quality.