Eurotopics.net

Starting April 1, everyone who buys a smartphone or hard drive in Latvia will have to pay a one-off media fee of a few euros. The Latvian Ministry of Culture initiated this legal amendment in December to generate additional income for the music industry, which has been hard hit by the pandemic. Commentators take a dim view of the move.

Swiss citizens voted by a slim majority for a ban on face coverings on Sunday. In future, Muslim women will not be allowed to wear burqas or niqabs in public. Protesters and hooligans who hide their faces will also face fines. Such bans apply in several European countries. Europe's press is at odds over the decision.

In a television interview with US talk show host and icon Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made serious allegations against the British royal family. The young duchess talked about racism, pressure from the palace, and having suicidal thoughts. Europe's press draws various conclusions.

The withdrawal of the Hungarian ruling party Fidesz from the EPP group in the European Parliament last week marked the end of years of wrangling. Viktor Orbán's party announced its move even before the group cast its vote on new statutes which would have meant Fidesz's exclusion. Commentators discuss what comes next.