European Union

After weeks of negotiations between employers and trade unions, the Spanish government has passed a decree that regulates working from home. Among other provisions it stipulates that companies must pay the costs incurred by employees when purchasing equipment and furnishings for the home office. The national newspapers are divided on whether the decree is an effective and well-considered measure.

New records set every day, anxious warnings from politicians and scientists: the coronavirus infection rates are rising rapidly once again in almost all European countries. As governments try to counteract this trend with stricter rules, the first countries have reimposed lockdowns. Commentators discuss what has changed since spring, and whether there is really no alternative to tough measures.

A heated debate has broken out in Lithuania about commercials for the telecommunications company Telia featuring basketball stars Darjuš and Kšyštof Lavrinovič. The two brothers were convicted of participating in a gang rape in 1998. Commentators discuss the role model function and the potential for deterrence and rehabilitation.

In the aftermath of the fire in Moria, Athens has not brought any refugees from the island of Lesbos apart from 400 unaccompanied minors, but instead set up a temporary tent camp for them. Germany has announced its willingness to take in more than 1,600 refugees from Greece, and France has said it will take several hundred. Commentators in other countries appeal to the conscience of their governments.

The 6th edition of the EUROPEAN CYBERSECURITY FORUM will be held on 28–30 September online. This year’s CYBERSEC leitmotif - “Together Against Adversarial Internet” and the mission of the forum enhance cooperation of like-minded countries to secure digital transformation.

Spain v Commission
State aid
The Spanish tax system applicable to certain finance lease agreements entered into by shipyards constitutes an aid scheme

Landesbank Baden-Württemberg v SRB
Economic policy
The General Court annuls the decision of the Single Resolution Board on the calculation of the 2017 ex-ante contributions to the Single Resolution Fund and declares that Delegated Regulation 2015/63 is unlawful in part

A study published on Wednesday by the EU Fundamental Right Agency found that a quarter of Roma and Travellers in western Europe cannot afford heating or healthy food - while up to 20 percent of their children go to bed hungry. Consequently, life expectancy of these communities is 10 years below the general population. Next month, the European Commission will present a new Roma strategy for equality.