The singer Dara from Bulgaria has won the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna by an unprecedented margin. Her country, which had refrained from participating for the past three years for cost reasons, will now host the event in 2027. Israel, over whose participation five countries boycotted the contest, came in second again. Europe's media examine the cultural and political importance of the musical extravaganza.
As well as friendly words about collaboration, China's head of state Xi also issued a stark warning to the visiting US president. The Taiwan issue has top priority in their bilateral relations, Xi insisted. If it was not handled properly, it could result in an "extremely dangerous situation". Trump, meanwhile, has said he has yet to greenlight a US arms package to Taiwan, describing it as a useful bargaining chip against China.
At the latest since the scaled-down military parade on 9 May, a growing number of voices are saying that Russia is struggling. Popular support for Putin appears to be waning, people are starting to whisper about a coup and Russia's military position in its war of aggression against Ukraine has deteriorated. Commentators debate whether the tide is now turning.
During the change of government last week, Hungary's new prime minister, Péter Magyar, gave a video tour of the interior of the official residence of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán – a converted Carmelite monastery – and several ministries. Magyar drew attention to the excess luxury on display, including an array of prized museum pieces.
US President Trump and Chinese President Xi have held several rounds of talks behind closed doors. Although little is known about what was discussed, both parties later emphasised their constructive cooperation. Trump spoke of friendship and a "great future". Xi said that the two countries could strengthen each other. Europe's press tries to figure out what is going on behind the scenes.
Andriy Yermak, former Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine and a close confidant of President Volodymyr Zelensky, has been remanded in custody for two months by the High Anti-Corruption of Ukraine. However, he could be released on bail for the equivalent of about 2.7 million euros. He and five other people are accused of money laundering in connection with the construction of a luxury residential complex.
After two terms in office, Jerome Powell will resign as US Federal Reserve Chair this Friday. His track record as head of the US central bank is mixed. Critics accuse him of mistakes, particularly in the fight against inflation. But when Donald Trump threatened to undermine the Fed's independence, he stood firm against the US president. Powell will be succeeded by Trump's preferred candidate, Kevin Warsh.
On Saturday, hundreds of hardcore Slavia Prague fans stormed the pitch carrying lit flares and attacked the team and fans of Sparta, their local rivals. A 3-2 lead shortly before the final whistle would have secured the league title for their club. Instead, the match was suspended and the opponents were declared the winners. Slavia must now play four home games without spectators and pay a hefty fine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that his friend, former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, could act as a mediator in the war between Russia and Ukraine. In an address after Saturday's military parade in Moscow, Putin said he could envisage the former SPD leader acting as an intermediary in talks with the European side. Commentators debate whether this is a good idea.
Despite Labour's heavy losses in local elections and demands that he step down, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer intends to remain in office. While acknowledging his responsibility for Labour's poor performance, he also emphasised that it was his duty to deliver the changes that the party had promised. But the pressure is mounting: four ministers have now resigned.
There has been huge pushback against the official participation of Russia and Israel at this year's Venice Biennale. The jury of the Golden Lion all resigned, and the EU withdrew two billion euros worth of funding. The Russian pavillion was forced to temporarily close during a protest by the feminist protest groups Pussy Riot and Femen. Voices in the press are divided.