Eurotopics.net

The appointment of a new General Council of the Judiciary in Spain, which is responsible for guaranteeing the independence of the judiciary and filling key judicial posts, has been blocked for more than two years because the major parties could not agree on joint candidates. Now the government under Pedro Sánchez wants to change the procedure so that a simple majority instead of the previous three-fifths majority is sufficient.

EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier announced in a tweet on Monday that the EU was ready to intensify free trade talks with London, "on all subjects, and based on legal texts." The negotiations thus look set to continue after they had appeared to be on the verge of collapse. But will this be enough for an agreement to be signed by the end of the year?

In view of the sharp rise in the number of coronavirus infections across Europe, many governments have reintroduced stricter containment measures. While many commentators find the discussion about the pros and contras of restrictions no longer appropriate, others voice dismay over contradictory rules and regulations.

Stricter coronavirus measures will be reintroduced in Ireland starting Wednesday night. Shops must close, and indoor gatherings between members of different households are forbidden. Schools and kindergartens will remain open, however. Taoiseach Micheál Martin announced in a televised address that the restrictions would initially apply for six weeks. The press is divided.