European Union

France's National Assembly has approved the introduction of the health passport. However, the vaccination and testing obligations are less restrictive than the government had previously planned. Macron described those who do not want to be vaccinated as irresponsible and selfish. Many accuse the president of exploiting the pandemic to expand his power.

In a surprise move, Tunisian President Kais Saied deposed Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi on Sunday, also announcing that the work of parliament would be temporarily suspended. Official business will be conducted by him in conjunction with Mechichi's successor, who has yet to be appointed, Saied announced. Media examine the origins of the crisis and call on Europe to help the country.

As the US and Nato troops withdraw from Afghanistan, the Taliban are expanding their sphere of influence and have recaptured more than 160 of the country's 400 districts since the beginning of May. According to the UN, 2,392 civilians were wounded or killed in May and June alone in the process. Commentators discuss how and with whom the stability of the region can be guaranteed.

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic Europe has been discussing the long-term impact the crisis could have on work and life, and whether working from home, for example, should be the rule - at least for those who can do their work from home. This could be between 20 and 40 percent of the workforce, depending on the country. After more than a year, commentators give a clear yes to telework.

China, Russia and India are among countries resisting a timeline to phase out coal power generation, leaving it to leaders to resolve the impasse later this year. EURACTIV's media partner, Climate Home News, reports.

The EU called on Tuesday on Lebanon political leaders to form a government without delay, following the nomination of businessman Najib Mikati as prime minister. "It is now of crucial importance that a credible and accountable government is formed in Lebanon without delay, one that is able to address the severe economic and social crises the country is facing," the EU said in a statement.

The US decided not to lift travel restrictions for visiting EU nationals, given the spike in Covid-19 infections.

At least 57 migrants died in a shipwreck off the Libya coast on Monday, according to the UN's International Organization for Migration. "According to survivors brought to shore by fishermen and the coast guard, at least 20 women and two children were among those who drowned," said IOM spokesperson Safa Msehli, in a tweet.

The European Commission has requested 23 EU member states - including France, Italy, Spain and Poland - to explain their delay in transposing EU copyright rules into national law, as the deadline for enacting EU rules was 7 June 2021. The EU executive sent on Monday letters of formal notice, the first step of infringement proceedings, to the group of countries. They have now two months to respond.

The European Commission and national consumer authorities, led by Dutch and Belgian agencies, asked Google on Monday to be more transparent in the way it presents search results of flights and hotels, making clear when payments influence such rankings. Google Flights and Google Hotels results are expected to display final prices, including fees or taxes. The multinational is expected to communicate improvements within two months.

The EU on Monday urged Tunisian authorities to respect the country's rule of law, after the president sacked the government and shut down the parliament with the help of the army, Reuters reported. "We call on all Tunisian actors to respect the constitution, its institutions and the rule of law," an EU commission spokesperson said, urging authorities to avoid any further violence to preserve the stability of the country.