Eurotopics.net

Brussels has offered to ease the customs controls that have been in place at the Irish Sea border since Brexit, saying it would waive those on goods explicitly destined for Northern Ireland, among other things. Britain's Brexit Minister David Frost had called for renegotiation of the Northern Ireland Protocol and threatened to suspend it entirely. Commentators advise Brussels to adopt a clear stance.

The man suspected of killing five people with a bow and arrow in Kongsberg, Norway, has confessed to the crime. Police said they had long been keeping an eye on him over fears that he might become radicalised after converting to Islam. Europe's press focuses on how democracies can best protect themselves against such attacks.

Rising energy prices coupled with the need to reduce emissions are shifting the focus back to nuclear power - and not just in France. Europe's commentators discuss whether nuclear power plants can be seen as a sustainable option under the current circumstances.

Despite numerous attempts to reunite Cyprus, which has been divided since 1974, little progress has been made on the issue. In late September UN Secretary-General António Guterres invited the leaders of the Republic of Cyprus and the Republic of Northern Cyprus (which is only recognised by Turkey) to lunch in an attempt to revive reunification talks. Commentators examine the reasons for the stalemate.

Europe's parliaments are currently discussing the budgets for 2022, with the main focus on stabilising the economy after the Covid crisis. Inflation and energy prices are rising, but at the same time Europe wants to invest in the environment, and the member states' access to the billions from the EU recovery programme is therefore contingent on compliance with pro-climate measures. Europe's press reveals the multifaceted nature of the challenges.