The Brics states are convening in Johannesburg for a summit that ends on Thursday. The goal is to push for a "redesigned global order", South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor said. In addition to members Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, more than 30 countries from Africa, Latin America and Asia want to participate in the meeting - and in some cases also join the group. Europe's press discusses where all this could lead.
The highly indebted Chinese property developer Evergrande can no longer service its debts in the US and filed for bankruptcy protection in Manhattan on Thursday, according to media reports. And now in China itself, Country Garden, another property giant, has run out of money. Is China's real estate business on the brink of collapse? Is a financial crisis looming? Probably not, commentators say.
The number of top international football players joining the Saudi Pro League is growing. Last Tuesday Neymar transferred from Paris St. Germain to Al-Hilal, one of Saudi Arabia’s four, mainly state-owned top clubs - for an annual salary of 200 million euros. And more and more younger players are also signing up with the absolute monarchy’s clubs. Money rules the football world these days, commentators observe.
On 21 August, the Czechs and Slovaks commemorate the suppression of the Prague Spring mass protests by troops from the Soviet Union, Poland, Hungary and Bulgaria in 1968. The tanks crushed the hope for a reformable "socialism with a human face". Commentators note that the war in Ukraine is proof that the Kremlin leadership has not changed over the decades.
The Spanish team won the Women's World Cup final 1-0 against England yesterday. Many are hoping that the tournament, which was held in Australia and New Zealand, will be a breakthrough for professional women's football, and the media have reported record viewing figures. Europe's press sees room for improvement and takes issue with a kiss.
Japan, South Korea and the US have pledged to cooperate more closely in the areas of economy, military and intelligence to strengthen their position vis-à-vis China and North Korea. Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida spoke of a new era of friendship at the first-ever summit between the three powers, although relations are still strained due to Japan's brutal colonisation of Korea between 1910 and 1945. Does this mark a new beginning?
Denmark and the Netherlands plan to deliver F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has announced the delivery of 19 aircraft in total by the end of 2026, including six this year, while Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has said deliveries will take place as soon as possible without naming concrete figures. What does Ukraine stand to gain from the pledges?
Russia's Luna-25 space probe crashed on Saturday while attempting to land on the south side of the moon. In the first Russian lunar mission since 1976, the spacecraft was supposed to explore landing possibilities and water deposits - with the long-term goal of establishing a manned lunar base by 2040. While the causes of the crash remain unclear, commentators see plenty of reasons.
Belgian Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne has sparked criticism with comments to the effect that housewives - particularly those with a migrant background - are "freeloading" at the expense of society. He was referring to the fact that unemployed people in Belgium receive higher benefits if their partner stays at home rather than entering gainful employment. Commentators say such remarks are out of place and call on the state to focus on addressing its own failings in this area.
Francina Armengol of the socialist PSOE party has been elected by an absolute majority as the new speaker of the Spanish parliament - thanks to the seven votes of Carles Puigdemont's separatist party Junts per Catalunya. Can PSOE, led by Pedro Sánchez, now count on the support of the separatists? And what will this mean for the formation of a government and the future of the PP and Vox? Commentators take up the debate.
Stian Jenssen, chief of staff to Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, suggested in a panel discussion that Ukraine could be offered Nato membership in exchange for ceding territory to Russia, according to the Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang. Under what conditions negotiations could begin would be up to Ukraine, Jenssen reportedly added. Kyiv described the remarks as unacceptable. Commentators weigh in.
