Eurotopics.net

US President Donald Trump is due to announce by mid-May whether the US will exit the nuclear deal with Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu last week accused Iran of lying when it signed the nuclear agreement and of planning to reactivate its nuclear weapons programme at a later date. Commentators examine the various players' interests.

The European Commission on Wednesday presented the first draft of the EU budget for 2021-2027. It proposes increases in funding for migration, border control and defence and cuts in the agricultural sector. Payments to member states are to be contingent on compliance with the rule of law. The budget debate has begun.

In a speech to the Palestinian National Council on Monday Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas blamed the Jewish people for the Holocaust, claiming that the Shoah was caused by the Jews' "social behaviour". Europe's commentators condemn his statements as anti-Semitic and discuss the consequences for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Following a general strike and the blocking of transport routes across the country, the Armenian majority party has agreed to elect opposition protest leader Nikol Pashinyan as the country's new prime minister. The parliament had rejected his leadership on Tuesday. Commentators stress that the appointment of a new prime minister cannot replace new elections and continue to observe how Russia reacts to the crisis.

Israel has accused Iran of lying when it signed the nuclear agreement and of secretly keeping research findings on building a nuclear bomb. Prime Minister Netanyahu has presented what he claims are secret service documents to this effect. Commentators are unconvinced and ask what the Israeli leader hopes to achieve with his revelations.