@stefanor Thanks for the explanation.
I have a one liner workaround now: ``` virtualenv -p /usr/bin/python3 venv/py3 --verbose --no-download && . venv/py3/bin/activate && python3 -m pip install --upgrade 'setuptools; python_version >= "3.6"' 'setuptools<51.3.0; python_version < "3.6" and python_version >= "3.0"' pip wheel && python3 -m pip list ``` Which uses the bundled pip, wheel and setuptools initially but then upgrades pip, wheel and setuptools using environment markers to ensure the supported version is installed. I do question the EOL argument. Xenial 16.04 is nearly at the end of standard support yes, but there will be many users continuing to use Xenial 16.04 with ESM for another five years. -- You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu Bugs, which is subscribed to Ubuntu. https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1912248 Title: virtualenv on xenial: easy_install syntax error To manage notifications about this bug go to: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/python-virtualenv/+bug/1912248/+subscriptions -- ubuntu-bugs mailing list ubuntu-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-bugs
