European Union

While the corona pandemic is rapidly spreading in Europe and the US, the Chinese leadership appears to have the virus under control in the country thanks to drastic measures. China's economy has suffered substantial losses but the country is now presenting itself as an adviser and even donating medical equipment to Europe. Commentators examine the long-term political ramifications.

So far the countries of Africa and South America have been far less affected by the corona pandemic than the wealthy North. As of Tuesday there were only about 350 recorded infections across Africa. Experts see the infrastructure built up during and after the Ebola epidemic of 2014 as one potential explanation for this. But commentators are nonetheless worried.

In Russia, the package of constitutional amendments - including the possibility for Putin to remain in office - has been swiftly approved by the Federation Council, all regional parliaments and also by the Constitutional Court in an expedited procedure. Now the people are to have their say on the reform in a referendum due to be held on April 22. But the corona crisis has put a big question mark over whether the vote should take place as planned.

A number of measures have been taken by both states and private individuals around the world to combat SARS-CoV-2: travel, production and transport have been greatly restricted. In many places negative environmental influences have already been significantly reduced. But commentators don't believe the measures can stop climate change in the long term.

Airlines, bus companies and train operators could be brought under public ownership by the UK government in order to preserve transport links during the coronavirus outbreak, a minister suggested on Tuesday (17 March).