Eurotopics.net

The EU and G7 states introduced a price cap of 60 dollars (57 euros) per barrel for Russian oil on Monday. In conjunction with the partial embargo on oil imports to the EU, the measure is aimed at making it more difficult for Russia to finance its war against Ukraine. A spokesman for the Kremlin said his country had prepared for this eventuality. The press is at odds over the effectiveness of this strategy.

Latvia has withdrawn the broadcasting licence of Russian TV station Dozhd, which had moved from Russia to Riga, on the grounds that it is endangering national security. Dozhd, which has so far been considered critical of the Kremlin, had presented a map showing Crimea as part of Russia, and in a live broadcast news moderator Alexey Korestelev expressed his hope that the station had been able to help Russian soldiers with equipment. Dozhd fired Korostelev and apologised - but to no effect.

With the onset of winter and Russia's strategy of attacking Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, the war of aggression against Ukraine has entered a new phase. Looking beyond the daily news, commentators in Europe's press reflect on the latest developments and the overall outlook.

A health reform passed by the Greek government majority is meeting with fierce criticism from large sections of society and in particular the doctors' associations. They fear the creeping privatisation of the public health system. The national press also takes a critical view of the reforms.

The price cap of 60 dollars (57 euros) per barrel for Russian oil decided by the EU and G7 countries applies as of today. The aim is to prevent Russia from being able to cushion the impact of a simultaneous embargo on seaborne oil imports to the EU and to prevent oil prices from exploding. Can the measures have the desired effect?