Eurotopics.net

After the Bundestag elections the first exploratory talks have now begun between the potential governing parties. The question of who will be the next chancellor remains open. Commentators are nonetheless busily speculating on the consequences of the election for their own countries and Europe. Most don't expect many changes - but not all see this as a good thing.

Romania recorded more than 11,000 new SARS-CoV-2 infections on Tuesday, its highest number since the start of the pandemic. Bulgaria and Romania have the lowest vaccination rates in the EU, with just over one-fourth of the population fully immunised. The country's media says the government's unconvincing and sluggish pandemic management is to blame.

In response to shortages of petrol and foodstuffs, the British government plans to ease visa regulations for lorry drivers. The UK will issue 5,000 temporary visas for lorry drivers and and 5,500 for poultry processing workers. Commentators say misguided and delayed political decisions are to blame for the current situation.

There was a lot of anger in Paris when Australia let a planned submarine deal collapse two weeks ago. Now Macron has reason to smile once more. Despite high government debt, Greece is purchasing three French frigates as part of a 'strategic partnership'. Greece's press is ambivalent about the deal.

Since Belarus began allowing migrants to cross the border into Lithuania and Poland, the situation in the border area has steadily deteriorated. In Lithuania, asylum seekers are protesting the poor living conditions, and several people were found dead in the area between Poland and Belarus a few days ago. The Lithuanian press is divided over how to deal with the migrants.