Radical change of course in Spain: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez wants to increase the national defence budget by ten billion euros this year to meet the Nato target of two percent of GDP for defence spending. The rearmament programme is to be implemented without the approval of his left-wing coalition partners and parliament. The latter in particular draws criticism.

After Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, Europe's press looks back on his twelve-year pontificate. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Francis was known for his commitment to helping the poor and disadvantaged ever since his time as Archbishop of Buenos Aires. His election in 2013 prompted hopes of a fresh impetus for the Catholic Church as a global institution, as well as major reforms.

On Holy Saturday Vladimir Putin unilaterally announced a 30-hour ceasefire, which was accepted by Ukraine. While the truce was only partially observed on the front lines, there were no air strikes on either side. Commentators analyse the situation in light of Donald Trump's threat to withdraw US mediation if the parties refuse to cooperate.

The parliament in Bratislava has passed a controversial law imposing tight restrictions on NGOs. In future such organisations will have to present a detailed account of their funding sources and disclose the names of major donors. Prime Minister Robert Fico's government had planned even stricter regulations but watered them down following mass demonstrations and a warning from the EU Commission.

After two rounds of negotiations on the Iranian nuclear programme, Washington and Tehran have said they want to continue the talks. The negotiations were progressing well, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced after his meeting with US special envoy Steve Witkoff at the Omani embassy in Rome on Saturday. The Arab state is acting as a mediator. Commentators take stock.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will meet US President Donald Trump in Washington today for talks that will presumably focus on defusing the tariff dispute between the US and Europe. The two leaders enjoy a good personal relationship. Europe's press discusses whether the EU will benefit from this encounter - or whether the post-fascist politician only has Italy's interests in mind.