European Union

Monday, 22 November

Source : © European Union, 2021 - EP

Monday, 22 November

Source : © European Union, 2021 - EP

Austria has become the first EU country to announce mandatory Covid vaccination for all, which will apply from 1 February 2022 at the latest. After that date, the roughly one-third of the population that has so far refused to be vaccinated will face heavy fines. With almost 1,000 Covid cases per 100,000 inhabitants, Austria currently has one of the highest infection rates worldwide. Europe's press is divided on the issue of mandatory vaccination.

Demonstrations against tighter Covid restrictions in several European cities including Rotterdam, Vienna and Zagreb turned violent on the weekend. In Brussels, police used water cannons and tear gas when an initially peaceful demonstration of 35,000 people escalated. Europe's press fears a complete breakdown of social consensus and discusses positive examples.

In the wake of large-scale deployment of Russian troops on the eastern Ukrainian border, Nato is increasingly concerned about the possibility of a Russian winter offensive. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned Moscow last week to refrain from "any further provocations or aggressive actions". Europe's press is divided over whether a repeat of the 2014 scenario is imminent.

Tennis star Peng Shuai has been missing since she accused China's former vice premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault. After a growing number of athletes and politicians voiced concern, Chinese state media shared videos purporting to show her at a children's tournament and in a restaurant on the weekend. But the tennis association WTA is not convinced. What will be the fallout?