Eurotopics.net

A documentary produced by a Danish TV station about the conditions for dementia patients in nursing homes in the city of Aarhus has caused shock and outrage nationwide. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described it as "heartbreaking" and said that the main problem was a lack of resources. Danish newspapers want to see the issue of elderly care at the top of the political agenda.

The Hajj began on Tuesday, shortly before the Islamic Eid al-Adha or Feast of the Sacrifice, under strict regulations and with only around 1,000 pilgrims, all from within Saudi Arabia. In normal times more than 2.5 million Muslims from all over the world travel to Mecca to pray and eat together during the pilgrimage. Commentators explain how the coronavirus pandemic is changing the Hajj and the Sacrifice Feast.

The British government launched a campaign on Monday to help citizens lose weight. Among other measures, advertising for high-fat and sugary food on television and the Internet will be banned before 9 pm. Covid-19 is another factor behind the Better Health campaign, as people who are overweight are often worse affected. But the package of measures is still controversial.

The EU is to take out 450 billion euros in loans for the recovery programme proposed by the EU Commission. To finance the debt new taxes are foreseen, including a digital tax for Internet companies and taxes on plastic waste and CO2 consumption. Europe's media discuss whether the plan is economically sound and how the money should be allocated.

French President Macron announced a multi-billion-euro aid package for his country's crisis-stricken automotive industry on Tuesday. The goal is to save hundreds of thousands of jobs in the sector and make driving more environmentally friendly. Among other things purchases of electric cars by private buyers and companies are to be subsidised. Will the plan work?