International Relations
Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz held a videoconference with several leaders of “smart” countries to discuss easing lockdown restrictions, stimulating the economy, and keeping the outbreak under control. Kurz said that the countries included Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Denmark, Czech Republic, and Greece, all of whom “reacted quickly and intensively and so have come through the crisis better than others”. [The Local]
Health
On Sunday, Italy and Spain, the two worst-affected countries in Europe, announced their plan to further ease lockdown measures. Italy will reopen “strategic” businesses, such as companies that export to other countries, by next week. Spain, on the other hand, will permit individual physical activity and interaction with people from the same household. [Politico]
Swedish Deputy Prime Minister, Isabella Lovin, warned that overly harsh coronavirus lockdown measures could risk “fatigue” and cause a “counter-reaction” from citizens. Sweden continues to adopt a unique strategy of taking less restrictive measures and allowing schools, bars, restaurants, and shops to remain functional. Sweden also permits gatherings of up to 50 people. [Politico]
Society
Following allegations of acts of brutality and racism committed by the French police during the COVID-19 outbreak, violence broke out this week in Paris’ northern suburbs. Videos on social media platforms showed cars and trash cans being set on fire, along with the police struggling to control the crowds. [CNN]
According to Italy’s national anti-mafia prosecutor, several Italian mafia bosses were released from prison under a new regulation aimed to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 in correctional facilities. [CNN]
Business and Finance
In response to the economic stagnation caused by the pandemic, Castellino del Biferno, a small town in Italy, is minting its own money to safeguard the local economy. Every two weeks, businesses will return the “Ducati” banknotes to the town council in exchange for the corresponding amount in euros. [Euronews]
On Friday, after an erroneous study that suggested smokers may be less likely to contract COVID-19, the French Ministry of Health cracked down on the sale of nicotine products. According to the newly issued decree, pharmacies will be prohibited from selling more than a one-month supply of nicotine products. [Euronews]
Law
The Dutch Supreme Court ruled that euthanasia will be allowed on patients with severe dementia, even if the patient no longer expresses their consent to it. This follows the court’s decision, in 2019, to acquit a doctor for euthanising a woman with Alzheimer’s, as she had requested the procedure before her condition deteriorated. [The Guardian]
Image Source: Politico
Western Europe and Scandinavia in Review: April 27, 2020
Read more about the latest events from Western Europe and Scandinavia.
April 27, 2020
