Déjà vu in the EU | The Guardian

It's a new year, but it's the same big stories

From the climate to Ukraine, the new year feels the same as the old year Happy new year and welcome to the first This is Europe newsletter of 2023. Although you could be forgiven for thinking – as Sweden steps into the EU's rotating presidency for the coming six months, and Croatia finally joins both the euro and the Schengen zone – that bar the calendar, nothing very much has changed. The first headlines of the year have, sadly, born a depressing resemblance to many of those from 2022: after a summer that proved western Europe's hottest on record, swathes of the continent have now experienced unprecedented winter warmth. At least eight countries recorded their hottest January day ever, with temperatures up to 15C higher than usual. One scientist called it "the most extreme weather event in European history"; needless to say, it did the continent's ski slopes no good at all. Russia's senseless war on Ukraine continued, with Moscow cynically marking the new year with a fresh barrage of missile strikes, Volodymyr Zelensky hoping against hope for victory, and Kyiv's frontline soldiers decorating a small tree with fake grenades. And there was a distinct sense of déjà vu as EU member states - despite promising to cooperate more after the first wave of the pandemic – struggled once more to come up with a coordinated response to the Covid-19 wave engulfing China. Perhaps unsurprisingly given its experience of the virus three years ago, Italy imposed its own mandatory checks on arrivals from China after half the passengers from the world's most populist country landing at Milan airport tested positive. But just as in 2020, the rest of the bloc resisted pressure to follow suit, with officials in Berlin in particular generally more cautious about the need common border controls – despite scientists arguing pan-EU measures were vital if only for public trust. To Beijing's annoyance, Spain and France subsequently decided to demand a negative Covid test of passengers arriving from China, by Wednesday EU officials meeting in Brussels were expected to recommend mandatory pre-departure testing. Health commissioner Stella Kyriakides said experts had "converged on action" including pre-departure testing, intensified monitoring of plane wastewater and increased surveillance of Covid-19, adding that "unity remains our strongest tool". Let's hope, unlike three years ago, it stays that way. Thanks for reading – please scroll down for more highlights on other Europe stories from the last week, and visit our Ukraine live blog to keep up to date on the war there. And as ever, your feedback is always welcome at europenow@theguardian.com. Until next time, Jon Henley Europe correspondent Editor's picks European Union / Croatia takes final steps into EU with open border and euro switch Ready to govern? / How Germany's Green party transformed its reputation The age of extinction / Hunters go home empty-handed on first day of Sweden's biggest wolf cull 'Not all traditions are good' / Lethal accidents deepen French hunting divide 'Battle for the nation's soul' / Norway faces debate about gas and oil wealth Opinion & analysis Why am I learning Ukrainian? Because language is political for the country I've grown to love Charlotte Higgins Zelenskiy and Putin signal desire to break war's deadlock in new year Dan Sabbagh Ukraine is in the headlines now. But a whole new world of conflict is about to erupt Simon Tisdall This was the year France dodged a Marine Le Pen-shaped bullet. Again Jonathan Meades Brexit update Brexit Undone? / UK ministers pledged to match EU funds after Brexit. How's that going? Against protocol / Brexit Northern Ireland protocol 'perhaps a bit too strict', says Varadkar Gibraltar / Spain 'ready for any scenario' as talks with UK falter Life, arts & culture 'Constructive discussions' / British Museum in talks with Greece over return of Parthenon marbles 'A trend is starting' / France leading way in alcohol-free drinks boom Iceland / Is Iceland's language a Norse code – or legacy of Celtic settlers? Eurovision 2023 / Chief says Russia ban stands for 'ultimate values of democracy' 'This is a new level' / Germany calls for fireworks ban after attacks on rescue services Dinner for One / European New Year's Eve TV staple to get prequel treatment In pictures 'My heart beats up here' / Greece's nomadic herders on life in the hills – a photo essay For hundreds of years the Vlach herders in Greece and the Balkans have moved livestock to high mountain pastures for the summer months. But their numbers are dwindling as their arduous existence is threatened by soaring costs … as 2023 begins, we have a small favour to ask. A new year means new opportunities, and we're hoping 2023 gives rise to some much-needed progress. Whatever happens, the Guardian will be there, providing clarity and independent reporting around the world, 24/7. As a reader-funded news organisation, we rely on ongoing support from those who are in a position to pay for news. This vital support means millions who can't afford to pay, can continue to read quality reporting. More than 1.5 million supporters, from 180 countries, now power us financially – keeping us open to all, and fiercely independent. Will you make a difference and support us too? Whether you give a little or a lot, your funding will power our reporting for the years to come. Support the Guardian from as little as $1 – it only takes a minute. If you can, please consider giving a regular amount each month or year. Thank you. 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