Details of the framework agreement to end the war, which the US and Iran intend to sign in Geneva on Friday, have not yet been made public. The two sides have presented slightly different versions of the content. There are open questions regarding the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's nuclear programme and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon. The press sees numerous pitfalls.
The UK plans to follow Australia's example and ban children and youths under the age of 16 from using social media platforms. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced that the regulation is to come into effect at the start of next year and that the government will resist pressure from tech companies to stop the measure. Commentators raise doubts about whether the prime minister will be able to implement the ban, and how effective it would be.
The Fifa Men's World Cup has begun and the first matches have been played. A record 48 teams are competing in more than 100 games held across the three host nations, Mexico, Canada and the US, with the final taking place on July 19. Commentators observe that many of the organisers' decisions are at odds with the values that sport is supposed to embody. But football fever has nevertheless taken hold.
A majority of nearly 55 percent of Swiss voters rejected a proposal to cap the country's population at ten million in a referendum held on Sunday. Launched by the right-wing populist Swiss People's Party (SVP), the 'No to a Switzerland of 10 Million' initiative proposed restricting the number of refugees admitted to the country once a certain population threshold is reached and, under certain circumstances, also ending the freedom of movement agreed with the EU.
British forces have intercepted an oil tanker in the English Channel that appears to belong to Russia's shadow fleet. Russia uses the vessels to evade Western sanctions and generate revenues from oil shipments which are then used to fund the war against Ukraine. The British media praise the move, not only for its impact on Russia.
Romania needs a new prime minister after Ilie Bolojan of the National Liberal Party (PNL) was ousted by a vote of no confidence. Bolojan had announced his intention of naming his successor. However, President Nicușor Dan appointed a second candidate at the weekend, Adrian Veștea, without consulting the parties, after it became clear that the first candidate would be unlikely to secure a majority. Romania's media call for an end to the president's unilateral moves.
With a valuation of around 1.8 trillion US dollars, the space technology company SpaceX is going public today, June 12. Founder and majority shareholder Elon Musk – already the richest person in the world by far – is expected to become the first ever trillionaire. The staggering figures provoke some admiration and a lot of consternation in Europe's press.
After ten years of negotiations and preparations, the Common European Asylum System comes into force today. The system is meant to centralise data collection, distribute the burden more fairly among EU member states and limit immigration overall – for example by setting up centres for fast-track asylum procedures at the EU's external borders. Media reactions are for the most part sceptical.
The rape and murder of 11-year-old Lyhanna has sparked a wave of outrage in France. Despite the fact that her alleged killer had been reported to the police on several occasions in the past, the judicial authorities failed to take action. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin is now rushing to have 70,000 cases of sexual violence against minors reviewed.
The Estonian Parliament has passed a law that fundamentally changes its Penal Code on sexual offences after total of 69 members of parliament voted in favour with only 8 against. The basic principle of the 'yes model' is that sexual contact without clear consent is considered rape. This brings Estonian law into line with the Istanbul Convention on preventing violence against women.
Last Sunday marked the 100th day of the US and Israel's war against Iran. Despite the agreed ceasefire, military clashes between Washington and Tehran continue to occur. In addition, Lebanon remains a flashpoint where Israel and Hezbollah are engaged in fierce fighting. Commentators paint a grim picture of the situation in the Middle East.