In Bulgaria, several local politicians in the opposition strongholds of Sofia and Varna have been arraigned on corruption charges in recent weeks. The arrest of Blagomir Kozev, the mayor of the key port city of Varna, has sparked protests. The national press fears that - as in neighbouring Turkey - the judiciary is being misused by the government to secure its grip on power.

The EU Commission has proposed a new budget of two trillion euros for the 2028-2034 period - around 700 billion euros more than the current budget. At the same time, less money is to be allocated to fixed areas in a bid to increase flexibility and allow for quicker responses in a crisis. Europe's press discusses the size of the budget and funding priorities.

Germany and the UK want to deepen their ties. PM Keir Starmer and Chancellor Friedrich Merz signed a 27-page treaty on friendship and bilateral cooperation on Thursday. Europe's commentators highlight various aspects of the pact - and see a third party involved.

Israel bombed government buildings in Damascus on Wednesday, intervening in a conflict between Druze and Sunnis in the southern Syrian province of Suwayda that had degenerated into brutal clashes. A ceasefire has since been agreed, after which Syrian government troops withdrew from the Druze stronghold. Commentators assess the situation.

A clear majority in the Supreme Council of Ukraine has elected Yulia Svyrydenko as the country's new prime minister. The 39-year-old economist succeeds Denys Shmyhal, who had held the post since 2020 and will now take over as defence minister. What can she do better?

With its national debt at record levels, the "moment of truth" has come for France. Under this motto, Prime Minister François Bayrou has unveiled a budget proposal that involves billions in cuts. In addition to merging authorities and freezing public spending, including pension payments and social benefits, two public holidays would also be scrapped. Europe's press turns its attention to Paris.