European Union

According to Unesco, 1.5 billion children and adolescents around the world are currently not allowed to go to school because of the corona pandemic. Forced to stay at home, they have been deprived of most of their daily activities and learning opportunities. Journalists examine how negative effects on the psyche and wellbeing of children, parents and teachers can be avoided.

Instead of imposing a nationwide curfew as expected, Erdoğan on Tuesday announced a "Campaign of National Solidarity", calling on citizens to make donations to all those who lose their jobs as a result of the corona pandemic. Critics fear that the money will end up mostly in the pockets of pro-government companies. Turkish media are divided along the usual lines in their assessment of the measure.

Romania's healthcare system was suffering from brain drain even before the corona crisis. Now the country is also suffering from massive shortages of protective equipment. Local media report that medical staff are refusing to work in some hospitals. Is this understandable or irresponsible? National media take different views.

Following concerns regarding a shortage of labour in the agri-food sector, the Commission has issued new practical advice to ensure that seasonal workers can travel to work in critical occupations.

The German government has rejected parliament proposals to ease restrictions on the construction of new wind turbines, exposing deep divisions in one of Europe's pioneering nations for renewable energies. EURACTIV Germany reports.

Reducing methane emissions is a top priority for companies operating along the entire gas value chain. The EU Methane Strategy can further assist the gas industry in this mission.

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen told Italy on Thursday (2 April) that European nations were ready to help it deal with the coronavirus after initially focusing on "their own home problems".

The coronavirus pandemic has led to a flood of disinformation: Fictitious numbers of infection, ineffective treatments or false insider information. The Austrian author and digital expert Ingrid Brodnig, who monitors such cases, explains to EURACTIV Germany how and why coronavirus created a breeding ground for disinformation.

Margaritis Schinas, the European Commission vice-president in charge of "promoting our European way of life", told MEPs on Thursday that the month-long travel restriction for almost anyone hoping to enter the European Union will be extended. "You are all familiar with the measures we took to restrict travel into the European Union for a month. I think the situation compels us to renew these restrictions," he said.

The outbreak of the coronavirus has led to fake news and disinformation spreading, which hamper efforts to contain the pandemic.

Source : © European Union, 2020 - EP