Donald Trump has reiterated the criticism of Europe recently expressed in the US National Security Strategy. In an interview with Politico, he said that Europe's top politicians were too "weak" and too "politically correct", and that their efforts to control migration and end the war in Ukraine had failed. European commentators make suggestions as to how the bloc should position itself.
In the battle over the 2026 budget, the French government under Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has taken a major step forward: thanks to a compromise with the Socialists and despite abstentions within its own camp, the National Assembly has passed the 'social security budget', which makes up the bulk of the overall budget, by a narrow majority. Europe's press nonetheless warns that not all hurdles have been cleared yet.
At an informal meeting of Council of Europe ministers, steps were taken that could lead to changes in the migration provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights, which was adopted in 1950. Initially proposed by Denmark and Italy, the "recalibration" aims to give states more leeway on border controls, deportations and measures against human smuggling.
So far, Spain, Ireland, Iceland, Slovenia and the Netherlands have announced that they are boycotting the 70th European Song Contest in Vienna. The cause of contention for the broadcasters is Israel's participation, as the country faces criticism for its actions in the Gaza war. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) decided last week that all member broadcasters wishing to do so may take part in the competition.
At a meeting in London on Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed how to proceed on the war in Ukraine. The 28-point peace plan presented by the US was shortened to exclude positions that were 'anti-Ukrainian' (Zelensky) and now comprises 20 points. Once the details have been ironed out, the plan will be sent to Washington.
On Friday, it seemed to be a done deal: Netflix and Warner Bros. jointly announced that the streaming giant would be taking over the media and film company for around 71.3 billion euros. But in addition to the competition watchdogs, whose approval is still pending, US President Donald Trump also voiced criticism of the takeover. Shortly afterwards, film production company Paramount submitted an offer of around 93 billion euros.
Following the publication of the US government's new National Security Strategy, Europe is struggling to find an appropriate response. The document states that Europe is facing 'civilisational erasure' and that America will assist its political allies in Europe in correcting the current course. Commentators warn against US interference in European domestic politics.
The EU wants to introduce standardised asylum rules for all member states. The bloc's interior ministers have now agreed on a simplified process for rejecting asylum applications and a common list of 'safe countries' to speed up deportations. In addition, there are plans for 'relocations' within the EU and the possibility of setting up 'return hubs' in 'safe third countries'. The press response is divided.
Greek farmers are protesting against high production costs and outstanding subsidy payments. The protests, which turned violent on Monday, are also connected to the OPEKEPE corruption scandal involving EU agricultural subsidies fraud. The press examines the dire state of the agricultural sector and seeks to identify those responsible.
A year has passed since the Islamist HTS militia led by Ahmed al-Sharaa and its allies toppled former Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad, whose clan had governed the country for 50 years and plunged it into a prolonged civil war. In a speech marking the anniversary of Assad's fall, interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa has called on Syrians to unite. Europe's press takes stock.