In the early spring of 2020, Europe became a hotspot of the Covid-19 pandemic that first broke out in China. Most countries responded with restrictions that brought massive changes to people's everyday lives. Commentators in Europe's press recall how Covid - and the countermeasures - changed life and society with effects that are still being felt to this day.

Russia has agreed in principle to the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in the war in Ukraine. "The idea itself is correct and we certainly support it, but there are issues that we need to discuss," Putin said, stressing the need to "eliminate the original causes of the crisis". He added that the continued presence of the Ukrainian army in the Kursk region was a key obstacle.

The EU Commission has reacted swiftly to US tariffs of 25 percent on imports of steel and aluminium from Europe and announced plans to impose tariffs on 26 billion euros worth of US imports, including bourbon whiskey, jeans, motorbikes, boats and peanut butter, as of 1 April. In reaction to the announcement, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs of up to 200 percent on wine and champagne from the EU.

As Russia's war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, all eyes are on how it will react to the joint peace proposal presented by Washington and Kyiv. A high-level US delegation is heading to Moscow to negotiate a deal this week. Meanwhile, on Wednesday Putin visited the front in Kursk, where Russian troops are reclaiming territory occupied by Ukraine. Europe's press takes stock of the situation.

Greenland is on track for a change of government: the opposition centre-right Demokraatit party came first in the parliamentary elections with 30 percent of the vote and is now likely to lead a coalition government. The Naleraq Party, which is pushing for independence as soon as possible, made significant gains, securing 24.5 percent. The parties of the left-wing coalition which is currently in power trailed behind in third and fourth place.

The conservative minority government in Portugal has collapsed after a motion of confidence put forward by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro failed to secure the required majority. New elections are now likely to be held in May. Montenegro is accused of conflicts of interest in connection with a consultancy firm owned by his family. Commentators offer different perspectives on the crisis.