Eurotopics.net

Chinese fast-fashion giant Shein has opened its first brick-and-mortar store in France. Frédéric Merlin, head of the Société des Grands Magasins (SGM), which owns the BHV Paris department store where Shein is establishing its retail space, hailed the move as a "revolution". Merlin's decision to enter a partnership with Shein triggered a storm of protest because the latter has been repeatedly been accused of disregarding social and environmental standards.

The Dutch elect a new parliament today, Wednesday. The snap general election became necessary after the previous government collapsed at the beginning of June. Europe's press focuses on the future role of right-wing populist Geert Wilders.

Just under three weeks after the ceasefire began, the Israeli Air Force has bombed targets in the Gaza Strip, killing more than 90 people according to local reports. Israel's government described the strikes as a response to an attack by Hamas in which a soldier was killed. The terrorist organisation ruling Gaza has denied responsibility for this incident.

Local elections will be held in Copenhagen on 18 November. The Independent Green Party, which was founded in 2020, has made waves with campaign posters that read: "Free Copenhagen from Zionism" and "Dissolve the State of Israel". For the Danish press this goes too far.

In the tariff dispute between the US and China both sides are now saying they are close to reaching a deal, and Presidents Trump and Xi are scheduled to meet in South Korea on 30 October. On Monday, however, Trump concluded rare earths deal with Japan which in view of China's recent export restrictions can be seen as a pact against Beijing.