Friedrich Merz has headed Berlin's Black-Red ruling coalition for a year now. Promising rapid reforms, the Chancellor deliberately sought to set himself apart from the previous government, the so-called 'traffic-light' coalition, which appeared to be stuck in a rut. Europe's press debates to what extent he has fulfilled the high expectations in his first year and what tasks lie ahead.
The conviction that Europe must take charge of its own defence is growing ever stronger. Russia's attack on Ukraine, the Kremlin's constant threats and the gradual but inexorable withdrawal of the US as a security guarantor are driving member states to rearm. Commentators take stock of Europe's defence capabilities.
More than 40 leaders convened at the European Political Community (EPC) summit in the Armenian capital of Yerevan on Monday and Tuesday to discuss the future of Europe in light of the wars in Iran and Ukraine. With the looming prospect of US troops withdrawing from Germany, there was a general agreement that the continent needs to take more responsibility for its own security.
In France, a parliament inquiry report calling for sweeping cuts to the funding and number of public broadcasters has caused a furore. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has rejected the demands and findings put forward by the committee's rapporteur, far-right MP Charles Alloncle. France's press is also divided on the topic.
In the run-up to the scaled-down military parade in Moscow, the situation appears to be deteriorating for President Vladimir Putin. According to intelligence reports, he is said to be spending most of his time in bunkers for fear of assassination or coup attempts. And even pro-Kremlin pollsters are reporting a decline in support. Commentators point to mounting pressure and speculate on where this might lead.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon has announced his candidacy in the 2027 presidential election. The co-founder of the far-left party La France Insoumise is now entering the race for the fourth time, after bids in 2012, 2017 and 2022. The press analyses his chances and his potential for challenging the far-right Rassemblement National.
Romania's parliament is voting today on a motion of no confidence that could spell the end for the coalition government. The far-right opposition group AUR tabled the motion together with the Social Democrats (PSD), who were part of the ruling coalition until recently. They accuse Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan of the National Liberal Party of imposing excessive austerity measures. The country has one of the highest budget deficits in the EU.
Donald Trump has announced a reduction in the US's military presence in Germany. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth specified that 5,000 troops would be withdrawn, but the US President has since insisted that the number would be much higher. The announcements came after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz voiced criticism of Washington's strategy in the Iran war.
Russia will hold its annual military parade on 9 May commemorating the victory against Nazi Germany in 1945. The Ministry of Defence has announced that this year's parade will take place with no military hardware, citing the "current operational situation" and concerns about drone attacks from Ukraine.
After a knife attack on two Jewish people last Wednesday in London, the British government has allocated 25 million pounds to protect Jewish institutions. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the government was treating the issue as an "absolute priority". The number of antisemitic attacks in Britain has surged since the start of the Gaza war after 7 October 2023.
Former President Rumen Radev's Progressive Bulgaria (PB) party won a clear majority in the parliamentary elections in Bulgaria on 19 April. Observers describe Radev as pro-Russian and speculate that he might take on Viktor Orbán's role as troublemaker within the EU. The Bulgarian media, however, is less certain about how Radev play his cards.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced that it will withdraw from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) on 1 May 2026. For Opec, this means losing the world's third-largest oil producer. No longer bound by the cartel's agreements, UAE will be able to massively ramp up production. Commentators examine the implications for oil prices and the balance of power among the major oil-producing nations.