Eurotopics.net

Currently unable to compete in most sports due to the war on Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian athletes can now hope to take part in the 2024 Summer Olympics under a neutral flag. IOC chief Thomas Bach has declared that it is contrary to the Olympic Charter to exclude athletes because of their nationality. Europe's press takes up the debate.

The EU Commission presented its Green Deal Industrial Plan on Wednesday. The goal is to boost the competitiveness of Europe's industry against that of China and the US. The measures include relaxing the rules on state aid for manufacturers of batteries, wind turbines, solar cells and hydrogen, as well as plans to reallocate unused funds from the Covid recovery budget, accelerate approval for green projects and promote trade agreements.

The "only yes means yes" rape law came into force in Spain last May, but its interpretation by some judges has led to the retroactive reduction of sentences for more than 270 sex offenders and the release of around twenty offenders from prison. After fierce criticism, especially from the right, the Socialist government has announced plans to amend the law. Commentators welcome the move.

Hundreds of thousands of people are taking part in the biggest industrial action in Britain for more than a decade. Over a million people in France have demonstrated against the planned pension reform. Concerns about rising living costs, affordable housing and adequate health care are on the rise across Europe. How do commentators assess the situation in their countries?

A heated debate has erupted over whether Europe is moving towards direct participation in the Ukraine war after several Western countries took the decision to supply battle tanks to Ukraine. While the Kremlin has declared that the West is increasingly acting like a warring party, Berlin and Paris have denied that the arms deliveries mean they are participating in the war. Commentators give their own assessments.