Eurotopics.net

More and more European countries are beginning to ease their lockdown measures. Since Saturday Spaniards are allowed to go for a walk again at certain times of the day based on age groups. And the Greeks no longer need to show a permit sent by text message when they want to venture outside of their homes. Commentators reflect on whether life will now go back to how it was before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Thirty years ago, on 4 May 1990, the parliament in Riga resolved that Latvia would break away from the Soviet Union and restore its independence. This process, which was preceded by the Singing Revolution, was recognised by the Soviet Union in September 1991, together with the independence of Lithuania and Estonia. The date gives the Latvian press pause for thought.

The airline industry has been hard hit in the coronavirus crisis. People have stopped flying, leaving airlines and aircraft manufacturers fighting for survival. Governments in many countries are now considering whether to bail out the industry. Commentators look at what's at stake in terms of jobs, passenger rights and climate protection.

North Korea's ruler Kim Jong-un has not appeared in public for more than two weeks. Particularly noticeable was his absence from the celebrations on April 15, the country's most important national holiday. Rumours are circulating that Kim is seriously ill, injured or even dead, and that his death is being hushed up to prevent a power struggle. Is something rotten in the state of North Korea?