Domestic Politics
Poland’s parliament is set to consider legislation that will restrict sexual and reproductive health and rights. The “Stop Abortion” bill would eliminate legal access to abortion in cases of severe or fetal anomaly, which, according to experts, accounts for 97% of abortions in Poland. The “Stop Pedophilia” bill would criminalize “anyone who promotes or approves” sexual intercourse with or even among minors. Critics warn that the latter provision of the “Stop Pedophilia” bill may impede the provision of sex education. [Human Rights Watch; Euronews]
Senior Ukrainian health officials have said that President Volodymyr Zelensky will pay $1 million in prize money to any local scientists who develop a successful coronavirus vaccine. [UNIAN]
International Relations
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned Hungary of possible legal action if executive powers to handle the coronavirus pandemic are not “proportionate, within a limited time period and democratically controlled”. [DW]
Bulgaria sent 32 tons of vegetables, meat, and dairy products to the UAE in exchange for 15 tons of protective medical gear, such as masks, gloves, and disinfectants. [SeeNews]
Health
The Czech Republic now has 5,991 confirmed coronavirus cases, with 89 new cases registered on Easter Sunday, which is the lowest figure since March 17. However, the number of tests conducted were also lower on the weekend. On Sunday, only 3,233 tests were performed, the lowest number since the end of March. [Expats.cz]
Business
Polish national airline LOT pulled out of a deal to buy German rival Condor due to industry turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Polish Aviation Group (PGL), which owns LOT, had agreed to buy Condor for 300 million euros, with the idea of creating a leading European Aviation group with more than 20 million passengers a year. [Reuters]
The European Commission expressed concern over Romania’s decision to ban agricultural exports, saying that it could impact food security. Last week, Bucharest banned the sale of goods such as wheat, corn, and sugar outside the European Union. The government intends to allow the sale of products in the EU, on the condition that buyers can prove that they are not intended for export. [Independent.ie]
Environment
The fire that broke out in the Chernobyl exclusion zone on April 4, has reached the city of Pripyat, about 3 km away from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Ukrainian emergency service said that the fire is “difficult” but called for calm, stating that all radiation levels in Kyiv were normal. [The Guardian; Anadolu Agency]
Image Source: EU Observer
Eastern Europe in Review: April 14, 2020
Read more about the latest events from Eastern Europe.
April 14, 2020
