Uncertainty hangs over Russia's annual military parade held in Moscow on 9 May to celebrate the victory over Nazi Germany. In view of Ukraine's increasingly successful drone strikes across Russia's territory, the parade is taking place without its usual display of military hardware. Commentators see this as a sign of vulnerability and draw very different conclusions.
Gyula Balásy, a media boss with close ties to Fidesz, offered on Monday to hand over his companies to the Hungarian state for free. Under Viktor Orbán, these companies received numerous lucrative government contracts, among other things for Orbán's campaigns. Although Balásy claims his motivation is to safeguard the jobs of his approximately 500 employees, he is also under investigation on suspicion of embezzlement and money laundering.
Romania's liberal government led by centre-right Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan was brought down by a vote of no confidence on Tuesday. Shortly afterwards, the leu – the national currency – weakened against the euro and Romania's interest rates on international loans increased. Rating agencies have also warned that they may further downgrade Romania's credit rating, and EU funding, which is tied to reforms, may be withheld. The press voices consternation.
Sir David Attenborough turns 100 today. His nature documentaries have captivated audiences since the early 1960s, and the charismatic Briton has inspired millions of viewers with his passion for plants, animals and the ecosystem. In the UK, he is revered as a "national treasure". The press congratulates him with reflections on beauty and fragility.
Reports on the progress of the Iran war remain confusing. At the beginning of the week, the US announced an operation to reopen the blocked Strait of Hormuz through military security guarantees, however, this was suspended after just one day. US President Donald Trump explained this by saying that an agreement with Iran was now imminent. Europe's press weighs up different interests and power dynamics.
Three people have died on the cruise ship MV Hondius after being infected with hantavirus. Spain has now allowed the crew to dock at a port on the Canary Island of Tenerife after the ship was anchored off Cape Verde for three days. The President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, has protested against the decision and criticised the lack of transparency.
Since Monday, students in France have been able to buy meals in university canteens for just 1 euro, regardless of their financial situation. This was previously only available for students on scholarships and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Student organisations have long been calling for such a measure. Now, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu's government has allocated 50 million euros to the scheme. Is it fair?
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.