Eurotopics.net

After tensions between Greece and Turkey escalated into threatening military gestures, Ankara has suspended its exploratory drilling for gas in the eastern Mediterranean. The Turkish drilling ship 'Oruc Reis' has returned to the port of Antalya and Greece has withdrawn several naval vessels. According to media reports, talks have already begun between Ankara and Athens. The media nod their approval.

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.