Eurotopics.net

The EU on Tuesday announced its mandate for the post-Brexit negotiations that will define the bloc's future relations with the UK. The negotiations are due to start at the beginning of March. One major bone of contention is the possibility of border controls between Northern Ireland, which is to remain closely aligned with the regulations governing the Republic of Ireland and EU regulations, and the rest of the UK. Commentators anticipate a long and tough struggle.

The Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and the Catalan President Quim Torra began talks on Wednesday aimed at resolving the Catalan conflict. The discussion focused first of all on formalities such as the frequency of meetings and the venues where they should take place. Expectations for the talks voiced in the Spanish press vary.

Coronavirus continues to spread, with the number of registered cases in Italy having risen to more than 320. Many observers fear the epidemic will also cause major economic damage due to production losses, disrupted supply chains and a decline in consumption. Others sense opportunities amid the dangers.

Greek police used tear gas on the islands of Lesbos and Chios on Tuesday night to disperse demonstrators who are protesting the construction of new, closed camps for refugees. The local inhabitants want newly arrived migrants to be taken directly to the mainland once they are registered. An unrealistic demand?