Eurotopics.net

The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared coronavirus a global health emergency on Thursday as the virus continues to spread, with almost 10,000 confirmed cases worldwide and 213 deaths. Several European countries have also registered their first cases. Commentators assess the impact of virus - and fear thereof.

US President Trump presented a Middle East peace plan on Tuesday. The proposal calls for a two-state solution with parts of East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital. At the same time, the legality of Jewish settlements in the West Bank would be accepted and Jerusalem would be recognised as the Israeli capital. Commentators ask whether there is any scenario in which the plan could be feasible.

The European Parliament is due to vote today on the new EU Commission, which will then in all likelihood commence its activities on December 1. Europe's press outlines the challenges von der Leyen's team faces and mulls over how they can be met.

The transport authority responsible for transport in Greater London revoked Uber's licence for the British capital on Monday citing safety concerns. Uber plans to appeal the decision. While some praise the authority for acting responsibly, others say it's just propping up an old monopoly.

In the Czech Republic, the public prosecutor's office has launched a formal investigation into the killings of refugees on the western border of the former Czechoslovakia. Three men are being prosecuted: the ex-Communist Party Secretary General Miloš Jakeš (97), the former prime minister of Czechoslovakia Lubomír Štrougal (95) and former interior minister Vratislav Vajnar (89). The press sees this as a move towards justice finally being done.

More and more companies are luring consumers with sales offers on Black Friday and Cyber Monday before the Christmas shopping season actually begins. Commentators take a critical look at the shopping frenzy mentality that is often encouraged by e-commerce.