Eurotopics.net

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.

Isolated at home from one day to the next, millions of people in Europe are having to adapt to radically changed living conditions. France became the latest country to impose a curfew on Monday. And even where freedom of movement is not yet restricted, many people are voluntarily isolating themselves to slow the spread of coronavirus. Journalists encourage readers to make the most of the situation.

EU leaders will decide on further measures to contain Covid-19 in a video conference this Tuesday. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had proposed on Monday that entry into the EU should initially be banned for 30 days. The bloc hasn't exactly set a shining example when it comes to fighting the pandemic so far, many commentators criticise.

The progressive lockdown of many elements of daily life in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic threatens the existence of countless businesses, workers and self-employed. Eurogroup chief Mario Centeno tweeted on Monday that there would be an "energetic response" from the EU. Commentators discuss what politicians and citizens should do for the economy.