Eurotopics.net

President Katerina Sakellaropoulou had officially announced that sea rescuer and government critic Iasonas Apostolopoulos was to be awarded an Order of the Phoenix for his humanitarian work on 24 July, the day marking the restoration of democracy in Greece. Now, however, he has been removed from the list of honourees without explanation. What's behind the move?

A number of European states have already taken the first steps in the direction of privileges for those who have been vaccinated and even compulsory vaccination, provoking major protests. Europe's press discusses whether compulsory vaccination is fair and what the alternatives could be.

In Tunisia, the Islamist Ennahdha party has called for early elections after President Kais Saied deposed Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi on Sunday and susended the work of the parliament. Saied's move came after protests in several cities last week against the government's management of the coronavirus crisis. Commentators fear the flagship country of the Arab Spring could drift towards autocracy once more and say Europe is also partly to blame.

Since the US and Nato troops began their withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban have been expanding their sphere of influence and have recaptured more than 160 of the country's 400 districts since the start of May. According to the UN, in May and June alone 2,392 civilians have been wounded or killed in the process. Commentators discuss the future role of the Taliban and other political powers in the region.

Privileges for those who have been vaccinated or even compulsory vaccination - a number of European states have already taken the first steps in this direction. Some commentators see this as an abrogation of fundamental rights. Others, however, point out that compulsory vaccination could ultimately lead to more justice.