In their exploratory talks, the CDU/CSU alliance and the SPD have agreed to take out hundreds of billions in new loans. A debt brake enshrined in the constitution is to be eased to boost defence spending and the creation of a special fund of 500 billion euros for investments in infrastructure is also planned. In order to achieve the two-thirds parliamentary majority required for amending the constitution, the motions are to be put to vote next week, before the the current parliament expires.
In a speech to Congress on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump set out his goals and policies: "We have accomplished more in 43 days than most administrations accomplish in four years or eight years - and we are just getting started," Trump declared at the start of his speech. He only briefly touched on Ukraine towards the end of his 100-minute speech. Europe's media draw conclusions.
Portugal seems to be on course for a snap election after Prime Minister Luís Montenegro was accused of having benefited from lucrative consulting contracts concluded through a family firm. In reaction, Montenegro has proposed a confidence vote in parliament, where his PSD government does not have a majority. Commentators are divided over whether new elections are a good idea in the current situation.
In the wake of the mass rallies that took place on Tuesday to mark the second anniversary of the Tempi train crash, the Greek parliament has set up a committee of inquiry to investigate allegations of a cover-up to conceal political responsibility for the tragedy. Four opposition parties have also called for a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, which will be put to the vote on Friday.
The EU wants to massively increase its defence capacity: Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday presented the 'ReArm Europe' plan, which aims to mobilise up to 800 billion euros for defence spending across the bloc. The package includes eased debt rules and loans for investments in defence. Commentators look at the pros and cons.
US President Donald Trump has made good on his threats and imposed tariffs of 25 percent on imports from neighbouring Canada and Mexico. In addition, tariffs on Chinese goods were increased by 10 percent. Similar measures will follow for other countries in April, Trump reiterated in his speech to Congress on Tuesday. Europe's press takes stock.
According to media reports, Donald Trump suspended US military aid to Ukraine on Tuesday - and then announced to Congress on the same day that the Ukrainian president had backed down. Trump's announcement came after Zelensky released a statement on X emphasising Ukraine's desire for peace, thanking the US for the aid it has received so far and agreeing to the minerals deal that collapsed on Friday.
In view of the increasingly obvious turnaround in US foreign policy under President Trump, old certainties seem to be disappearing and new strategies are needed. In the EU, but elsewhere too, new coalitions and plans of action are emerging. Europe's media debate if and how Europe can reposition itself in today's world.
US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky clashed over Russia's war against Ukraine on live TV at the White House on Friday. Trump and his vice president JD Vance called on Zelensky to show more willingness to make concessions in the search for a peace deal and more gratitude for US support. Zelensky stressed that it was Russia that was violating treaties. Commentators see a historic turning point.
After several failed rounds of negotiations, Austria now has its first three-party governing coalition, which was sworn in on Monday. The Chancellor of the new "black-red-pink" government is the conservative Christian Stocker (ÖVP), its Vice-Chancellor is SPÖ leader Andreas Babler, and the leader of the liberal Neos party, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, has been appointed Foreign Minister. Commentators voice doubts about how long the coalition will last.
The 97th edition of the Academy Awards took place on Sunday in Los Angeles, with Oscars being presented to what were deemed to be the best films, filmmakers and actors of the last year from Hollywood's perspective. Europe's press comments on the atmosphere and the winners – which this time included a moving animated feature from Latvia.
European leaders as well as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau convened in London on Sunday to discuss further support for Ukraine. It was decided that a "coalition of the willing" led by the UK and France will boost arms supplies to Kyiv. A plan for a ceasefire is also to be drawn up. Most European commentators take a positive view of the meeting.