Talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine have so far failed to produce any tangible results. Russia continues its airstrikes on Ukrainian cities with undiminished intensity, and Ukraine has responded by shelling Russian oil facilities while the fighting continues on the front. Europe's commentators discuss the prerequisites for peace and assess the chances of achieving it.
Thousands of teachers and students took to the streets of Bucharest on Monday to protest the government's austerity measures in the education sector and demand the resignation of Education Minister Daniel David. Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan maintains that Romania "can't afford" any more investments in the sector at present.
French Prime Minister François Bayrou will ask National Assembly for a vote of confidence in his government today. After less than nine months in office, Bayrou is expected to lose the vote since the opposition has made it clear that it is no longer willing to support his minority government. The key issue is Bayrou's controversial austerity budget for combating the French debt crisis. Europe's media debate the causes, consequences and potential solutions.
After the Elevador de Glória funicular crashed in Lisbon leaving 16 people dead, the city's mayor Carlos Moedas is facing fierce criticism. Four years ago, following a political scandal during his predecessor Fernando Medina's term of office, Moedas had demanded that politicians also assume responsibility for incidents that are not directly related to their actions.
Many in the crisis-ridden British Labour Party had high hopes for her. Now Angela Rayner has had to resign from her posts as Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing because she paid too little land transfer tax on a property. UK media assess the affair also in view of her social background.
Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani has died aged 91. He was an icon of the global fashion scene for decades. Armani started out in the 1970s as a self-taught designer and built up an empire that eventually encompassed jewellery, perfumes, interior design and luxury hotels as well as clothing. He also defined the Italian prêt-à-porter style which brought him international fame.
A "Coalition of the Willing" consisting of more than 30 countries met in Paris on Thursday to discuss future security guarantees for Ukraine. Acting as host, Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 states had pledged to provide troops. After the conference, in which some leaders took part via video link, there was a group phone call with US President Donald Trump. Europe's press takes stock.
The tone of exchanges between Israel and Europe is becoming harsher. In a break with previous language, EU Commission Vice-President Teresa Ribera described Israel's actions in Gaza as "genocide". Speaking in Paris, the Spanish politician said that the situation there had exposed "Europe's failure" to act and speak with one voice on this issue. The Belgian government also took a tougher stance this week when it unilaterally imposed sanctions on Israel.
The EU Commission has initiated the ratification process for its free trade agreement with the South American Mercosur states. The deal has been under negotiation since 1999. New safeguard clauses for agricultural products have been introduced to overcome any remaining opposition before the deal is put to vote at the national and European level. If it comes into force, the agreement will create one of the largest free-trade zones in the world.
Parliamentary elections are scheduled for early October in the Czech Republic. The polls give former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and his right-wing populist party ANO (Czech for "Yes") a clear lead. The party recently presented its election programme, in which it promises Czechs a better life without explaining how it intends to finance this. Czech commentators are critical.
At the SCO summit in Tianjin and the military parade in Beijing, China has presented itself as an emerging world power with strong allies. While relations with the US are tense in the West, Europe is finding it increasingly difficult to assert its position in the world. Commentators assess the risks the continent faces and its ability to stand on its own two feet.