Eurotopics.net

After verbally and physically attacking the staff at a restaurant in Bratislava and causing damage to the premises, Slovakian Environment Minister László Sólymos has announced his immediate resignation. Despite his outburst Slovakia's press is entirely behind him.

With winters getting warmer real snow is becoming increasingly rare in the Alps. Ski races often require the creation of artificial snow pistes in a complicated process that leaves a white track surrounded by brown, snowless areas. In mountainous Switzerland, where skiing is very popular, a debate has broken out about whether the sport has a future in these times of climate change.

The Latvian Building Inspectorate has been investigating the state of residential buildings in ten municipalities, including the largest cities in the country. The alarming result: most buildings show damage requiring expensive repairs, but the revenues from rent are often insufficient to cover such measures, while apartment owners only finance repairs in their own homes. Latvian media call for a change of attitude.

Lithuanian investigators have recently discovered that cardboard producer Grigeo Klaipėda has been releasing untreated wastewater directly into the Caronian Lagoon for years. The scandal has also revived anger over Vilnius water supply company Vilniaus Vandenys pouring unprocessed plastic waste into the Neris River for years. Will these scandals lead to changes in the country?

Shortly before two regional elections in Italy Luigi Di Maio has resigned as leader of the Five Star Movement. He intends to remain in his post as foreign minister, however. European media discuss the reasons for the surprise move and examine the repercussions for the governing coalition in Rome.