Eurotopics.net

As of March the European Commission wants to resume the policy of having refugees to the EU who first set foot in Greece transferred back there. This part of the Dublin Regulation was suspended in 2011 because Greek reception centres didn't conform with international standards. Athens is still not prepared for such a move, some commentators warn. Others believe there won't be any transfers even if the plan goes ahead.

UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has voiced harsh criticism of Iran and Saudi Arabia. In a video published by the British daily The Guardian he accused the countries of waging proxy wars in the Middle East with tragic consequences for the populations there. Officially Britain is a close ally of Saudi Arabia. The British press praises his frank words but feels they should be followed by deeds.

Sweden's Social Democratic minority government plans to extend its domestic ban on the purchase of sexual services and also criminalise such transactions abroad. Not only Swedes but also foreigners living in Sweden who buy sex abroad would be punishable under the law. Swedish commentators are unanimous in their criticism of the measure.

A member of the transitional team of US president elect Donald Trump has been fired for posting fake news on Twitter. There were more false news stories than serious reports on Facebook in the run-up to the US elections, according to Internet media company Buzzfeed. Commentators discuss how to counteract fake news.

Latvia's president has signed an education law allowing schools to dismiss teachers who are disloyal to the country and its constitution. The government hopes this will curb Russian influence in the country's Russian-language schools. Is Latvia making a laughing stock of itself or is this the right way to combat Russian propaganda?

The resignation of Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi after the failed referendum in Italy has been delayed. At the request of President Mattarella, Renzi is to remain in office until parliament passes the budget for 2017. Some commentators are delighted that voters clearly rejected Renzi's reform. Others fear a new phase of political instability.