Economists have been keeping a close eye on the meeting of international central bankers at Jackson Hole in the US state of Wyoming. It was the last of the annual gatherings chaired by US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, whose term ends in 2026 and who has been under pressure from US President Trump for months to cut interest rates. Powell did not rule out a cut, but made it clear that his decision would be informed by economic criteria. Europe's press takes stock.

Ukraine celebrated the 34th anniversary of its declaration of independence from the former Soviet Union on Sunday - in the midst of a war in which Moscow is trying to regain control of the country. Commentators highlight key moments for a country that is having to fight for its sovereignty like no other in Europe today.

An Israeli planning committee has approved a project which would expand Jewish settlements in a particularly sensitive area of the West Bank, effectively splitting the Palestinian territory in two. At the same time the Israeli army is advancing on Gaza City, where famine now prevails according internationally recognised criteria, as the IPC Famine Review Committee has announced. The media assess Israel's actions and the attitudes of other countries.

A 46-year-old French streamer known as Jean Pormanove has died during a sadomasochistic live broadcast on the online platform Kick. He had been enduring abuse in online streams as a way of earning money. Following an autopsy, the public prosecutor's office in Nice announced that his death was not the result of direct violence. French commentators take online platforms like Kick to task.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said that a peacekeeping operation carried out by European troops in Ukraine would be "absolutely unacceptable" for Moscow and that at this stage a summit meeting between the presidents of Russia and Ukraine would be premature. The Russian military has also intensified its air strikes on Ukrainian cities. Europe's press sees little scope for peace negotiations.

After a military drone crashed in Poland on Wednesday, the country's defence ministry has accused Russia of provocation. As was the case in Lithuania three weeks ago, Poland's press now asks how prepared the country would be for hostile drones in an emergency situation.

In a bid to promote reading skills, the Danish government has announced it will abolish VAT on books - which at 25 percent is currently the highest in Europe. Danish media are delighted and hope that lower prices will boost reading among the population. In Finland, on the other hand, VAT on books was raised from 10 to 14 percent at the start of the year - a step which has drawn much criticism.

The leaders of five European countries attended Monday's Ukraine summit in Washington, but there were no representatives from Eastern European EU member states. Eastern European media outlets ask why these countries' support for Ukraine and their proximity to the war zone aren't giving them a more prominent role.

Following the summits in Alaska and Washington initiated by US President Donald Trump, Europe's press examines whether we are any closer to peace in Ukraine, what further steps are needed and what role individual countries can play.

Spain is experiencing a summer of extremes: wildfires have burned through 350,000 hectares of land and forced thousands to flee their homes in rural areas, while city dwellers are enduring temperatures well above 40 degrees Celsius. Commentators see the country experiencing the life-threatening consequences of the climate crisis and urge the political leadership to agree on a cross-party state pact.

After lengthy negotiations, the EU finally reached an agreement with the US administration in the tariffs dispute. Two weeks have now passed in which the majority of exports from EU member states to the US have been subject to a 15-percent tariff. Europe's press takes a look at the consequences.

Following redoubled diplomatic efforts to achieve peace at the summits in Alaska and Washington, discussions are now focusing on what form the West's security guarantees for Ukraine could take. Europe's commentators look at who can provide support, and in what form, and whether such measures can deter Russia in the long run.