European Union

Former British prime minister Tony Blair has warned in a commentary piece that other countries may leave the EU, and called for a new referendum on Brexit. Some commentators are annoyed by the former leader's refusal to accept that the UK wants to leave the EU. Others advise the Labour Party to pay close attention to Blair's arguments.

Poland published data about convicted sex offenders online at the start of the year. A database provides the name, information about the place of birth and whereabouts and photos of roughly 800 offenders. Commentators discuss whether such a database should be made public.

The rapper of Algerian origin Boef has been banned from performing at festivals after he insulted young women, describing them as whores. Radio broadcasters have also announced that they will stop playing his songs. Are the boycotts justified?

France's President Macron wants to counter the spread of fake news by imposing stricter controls on social media and other online platforms and thus expose who is behind certain web content. In addition, professional journalism organisations are to propose a clear code of professional ethics. Is the president's approach against fake news justified?

The EU Commission filed a complaint against Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary before the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg on Thursday over their refusal to take in refugees under the EU's mandatory quota system. This will only harden the battle lines, Czech commentators fear.

Slovenia implemented its new and controversial maritime boundary with Croatia in the Bay of Piran at the turn of the year. Croatian fishermen have for the most part avoided the disputed area in the first days of the new year for fear of being fined.