Eurotopics.net

After being forced to postpone the negotiations due to coronavirus, the EU and Britain are resuming the efforts to define their post-Brexit relations this week. London does not want to extend the transitional period for leaving the EU which is scheduled to end on 31 December. Media discuss whether this is a responsible position in view of the current battle against the repercussions of the pandemic.

Lombardy is the beating heart of Italy's economy but it is currently one of the regions hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic at a global level. On Saturday alone, 94 percent of new SARS-CoV-2 infections in Italy were registered there. The Italian press examines the reasons.

In many European countries, school pupils have been taught online at home for several weeks because schools were closed in the efforts to fight the pandemic. But not all children have a computer of their own, or even access to the Internet. European media stress that this has exacerbated social inequalities, but also urge caution in the process of reopening schools.

The coronavirus crisis is making it even more difficult for asylum-seekers to reach Europe. Italy and Malta have closed their ports to private sea rescue vessels and a ship belonging to aid organisation SeaEye carrying 150 refugees has been waiting for twelve days to enter a European port. Is the pandemic serving as an excuse for blocking access to Europe, or are there good reasons for stringent measures?

The international hotel booking website booking.com is requesting millions of dollars in state aid due to the corona crisis. According to media reports the company deliberately neglected to create reserves in order to keep its share price at an artificially high level. Journalists in the Netherlands, where the company has its headquarters, are seething with anger.