Domestic Politics
German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced "radical measures" to contain the spread of the coronavirus by restricting all non-essential travel and closing all non-essential shops. Hence, bars, theaters, museums, cinemas, and parks will be closed, alongside a ban on "tourist travels domestically or abroad". Banks, pharmacies, post offices, and other essential establishments will remain open. [POLITICO]
Following a huge increase in coronavirus cases, Spain brought all private hospitals and healthcare providers under public control. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also declared a state of emergency, closing schools and public places for at least two weeks, while also bringing local, national, and regional police forces under the command of the Interior Ministry. [New Europe]
After the number of coronavirus cases in Sweden surpassed 1,000, with 7 deaths, the Swedish parliament announced that it will reduce the number of MPs from 349 to 55. The decision was agreed upon by all parties in order to keep the parliament running even in case many members fall ill. [TheLocal.se]
International Relations
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the European Union (EU) will close its external borders for 30 days. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen backed up his statement, saying that this measure was taken to reduce the pressure on the union's healthcare system. [Euronews]
Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde announced that Sweden will send helicopters and 150 special forces personnel to the France-led Takuba task force in Mali to help combat international terrorism. They will line up alongside France, Estonia, and the Czech Republic, who are working with the G5 Sahel nations–Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger. [New Europe]
Society
The terror group Islamic State (ISIS) advised its members to not travel to Europe in its al-Naba newsletter. It also told those who believe that they might have contracted the virus to stay away from ISIS-controlled areas. [POLITICO]
Health
Spain experienced the world's second-highest daily increase in coronavirus cases, with 1,000 new cases overnight. As a result of this 13% increase, Spain now has 9,191 cases and overtakes South Korea as the fourth-most affected country after China, Iran, and Italy. [El País]
Science &Technology
The EU announced that it will finance CureVac's coronavirus vaccine research after the European Commission approved €80 million in funding. It has emerged that US President Donald Trump offered the German biopharmaceutical company $1 billion for exclusive rights to its coronavirus vaccine research. [Euroreporter]
Image Source: POLITICO
