An unidentified hacker has apparently deleted Romania's entire land registry database, bringing all property transactions to a halt and preventing notaries from certifying new sales or registering mortgages. The situation is particularly problematic right now because a tax hike on real estate purchases is due to come into effect at the end of the month.
A man died during a police operation in Bologna on Sunday. Video footage shows the 42-year-old being restrained by officers face-down on the ground for several minutes while crying out for help. On Monday, thousands of people gathered to protest in Bologna. Scepticism about the police officers' conduct prevails in the commentaries.
In Portugal, the introduction of a new digital marking system for school-leaving exams has caused chaos. Students received their results much later than usual and were unable to apply for university or had no time to prepare for retakes. Commentators speculate on the conservative government's role in the reform and what other factors may have exacerbated the problems.
The Fifa World Cup has come to an end with Spain’s victory over Argentina. Superstar Lionel Messi failed to secure a win for his team in the final – and Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time, giving the Spaniards a 1-0 lead. European commentators interpret the messages sent out by this World Cup beyond the sport results.
Eight people died in Ukrainian drone attacks on two logistics centres belonging to Russian online retail giant Wildberries on Saturday when a large warehouse in Elektrostal, near Moscow, was completely destroyed by fire. Another strike on a warehouse complex belonging to the company on the outskirts of the Russian capital followed on Sunday night. The media debate the legitimacy of such attacks.
After years of debate, France's National Assembly has voted to pass a law that will permit assisted dying for the terminally ill. Under the strict conditions that each case is assessed by an interdisciplinary panel that includes a medical professional. Since the Senate has already rejected the bill several times, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu plans to refer it to the Constitutional Council.
For many Ukrainians Mykhailo Fedorov was the political star of the new generation. As digital minister he introduced the Diia smartphone app, which drastically reduced visits to authorities. As defence minister he pushed for increased drone usage and for shutting down the Starlink satellite internet service for the Russian invaders. Now, after just a few months in office, he has been ousted as part of government reshuffle, sparking protests throughout the country.
After their 2:1 victory over England in the World Cup semi-finals, Argentinian players brandished a banner on which was written in Spanish "The Falklands are Argentine" – a direct violation of the ban on political statements in the tournament. The incident has put the territorial dispute over the archipelago off the Patagonian coast in the South Atlantic, which belongs to the UK, back in the media spotlight.
Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume has announced that the company will axe up to 50,000 jobs – in addition to the 50,000 already agreed on. The aim is to slash the costs of Europe's largest car manufacturer to a 'competitive level'. Four German plants are reportedly at risk of closure. Commentators debate the implications beyond Germany and what steps to take next.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has suffered a defeat in parliament over a key point in her planned electoral reform. With 188 votes to 187, the Chamber of Deputies rejected a draft amendment proposed by her ruling party, Fratelli d'Italia. The amendment would have allowed voters to use preferential votes to rank individual candidates within a list.
Border controls between Spain and the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar have been abolished. A post-Brexit agreement negotiated between London and Brussels that came into force on Wednesday also provides for the removal of the border fence erected in 1908. For commuters in particular, this means an end to hours of waiting at the border. Commentators take a closer look at the ramifications.