European Union

In view of growing numbers of migrants reaching the Greek islands from Turkey, Athens has announced plans to build floating fences. In a first step a three-kilometre barrier that protrudes half a metre out of the water and is lined with flashing lights will be erected off Lesbos. The cost is estimated at half a million euros. Commentators are unimpressed by the idea.

Fierce protests broke out in the Romanian village of Ditrău after a local bread factory hired two bakers from Sri Lanka, with protesters calling for measures to stop the "migrant influx". According to media reports the two men have already left the area after being threatened. The regional press condemn the incident but call for understanding for the deep-rooted fears behind the hostility to foreigners.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared coronavirus a global health emergency on Thursday as the virus continues to spread, with almost 10,000 confirmed cases worldwide and 213 deaths. Several European countries have also registered their first cases. Commentators assess the impact of virus - and fear thereof.

US President Trump presented a Middle East peace plan on Tuesday. The proposal calls for a two-state solution with parts of East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital. At the same time, the legality of Jewish settlements in the West Bank would be accepted and Jerusalem would be recognised as the Israeli capital. Commentators ask whether there is any scenario in which the plan could be feasible.

The withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU on 31 January 2020 will signal a series of changes in the way the Parliament is set up.

Source : © European Union, 2020 - EP

The withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU on 31 January 2020 will signal a series of changes in the way the Parliament is set up.

Source : © European Union, 2020 - EP

Committee and political group meetings, Brussels

Source : © European Union, 2020 - EP

"A new dawn for Europe" - Op-ed article by Presidents David Sassoli, Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen

Source : © European Union, 2020 - EP

"A new dawn for Europe" - Op-ed article by Presidents David Sassoli, Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen

Source : © European Union, 2020 - EP

The Spanish government announced Thursday that a meeting between Spain's president, Pedro Sánchez, and Catalan leader Quim Torra, scheduled for next week, has been postponed following the announcement of a snap election in Catalonia. "The sooner the snap election is held and the new government is formed, the sooner we will begin dialogue," the government said in a statement. The Catalan Republican Left (ERC) described the delay as "absolute irresponsibility".

The former president of Ukraine sat down with EURACTIV warned that without the elusive ceasefire the loss of Ukrainian lives continues.