In response to the resounding victory of the right-wing nationalist Rassemblement National (RN) in the European elections, a broad alliance of left-wing, far-left and green parties has formed in France with the aim of defeating the RN in the snap parliamentary elections called for late June and July. Among other things, the Nouveau Front populaire, or New Popular Front, wants to lower the retirement age and increase the minimum wage. Commentators are divided in their assessments.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dissolved Israel's war cabinet. The move came in response to the demonstrative resignation of the comparatively moderate Benny Gantz and the desire on the part of more extreme ministers to join the war cabinet, which had been formed after the Hamas attack, and in which decisions have been made behind closed doors. Europe's press looks deeper.

The leaders attending the special summit on Monday failed to reach a consensus on who should occupy the the EU's top posts. According to media reports there is relatively strong support for a second term for Ursula von der Leyen as Commission President, and there are also clear proposals for the European Council presidency and the post of high representative of the Union for foreign affairs. But decisions have been postponed to the end of the month.

The right-wing populist Nigel Farage presented his Reform UK party's election manifesto on Monday. He has pledged cut taxes and freeze "all non-essential immigration". In a recent poll he comes just ahead of the Tories with 19 percent. The national press gives its take on his chances.

After five years in office, liberal politician Zuzana Čaputová has handed over the presidency of Slovakia to her successor Peter Pellegrini, a member of Robert Fico's governing camp. Commentators pay tribute to Čaputová and debate what can be expected of her successor.

In the Netherlands, the new four-party coalition led by Prime Minister Dick Schoof has presented its cabinet after months of wrangling. The main bones of contention were candidates from Geert Wilders' right-wing populist PVV, including Marjolein Faber, the designated migration minister, who is known for her far-right rhetoric. Can this government be successful?

The G7 states have announced plans to use the interest on frozen Russian Central Bank assets in Western countries (currently around 260 billion euros) to help Ukraine. This would allow Kyiv to take out a loan of 50 billion euros to finance weapons purchases, investments and reconstruction. Russia has warned that the move will further undermine the global financial system. Most voices in the press, however, take a positive view of the move.

The EU Commission has announced plans to impose punitive tariffs on imports of Chinese electric vehicles from 1 July if no alternative agreement can be reached with Beijing. The tariffs will be as high as 38.1 percent depending on manufacturer and, according to Brussels, aims to prevent Chinese companies from flooding the EU market with heavily subsidised cheap e-cars. The EU is thus following the example of the US, which already imposes punitive tariffs of 100 percent on Chinese electric vehicles. Beijing has reacted with anger to the news.

While the official results of the EU elections are not yet in, the trend is clear: the liberals, greens and social democrats left have lost considerable ground, while the conservatives, right-wing populists and far right have made strong gains. This means a clear shift to the right in the balance of power in Strasbourg. Commentators in Europe's press take different views of how significant the shift is and what impact it will have.

Twelve months after the boat tragedy off the south-west coast of Greece many questions remain unanswered. What is clear is that on 14 June 2023 an overloaded fishing trawler capsized on its way from Libya to Italy. According to the UN it was carrying more than 750 migrants. Some 104 were rescued and 82 bodies were recovered. Serious accusations were levelled against the Greek coast guard in the aftermath. The press takes stock.

Ursula von der Leyen's European People's Party (EPP) remains the strongest group in the EU Parliament and, together with its previous social democratic and liberal partners, still has a majority despite considerable losses. But von der Leyen's confirmation for a second term as EU Commission President is by no means a mere formality, Europe's press stresses.

France is in turmoil following the dramatic victory of the right-wing nationalist Rassemblement National (RN) in the European elections. President Emmanuel Macron dissolved the National Assembly on Sunday and announced a snap election for 30 June and 7 July. Then on Wednesday the conservative Les Républicains (LR) party announced the expulsion of their leader Eric Ciotti after he announced his intention to work with the RN.