Eurotopics.net

French President Emmanuel Macron announced France's recognition of Palestine as an independent state at a UN conference in New York. He described the move as a necessary step towards peace. Canada, the UK, Australia and Portugal had already recognised Palestine shortly before France, while Belgium, Malta and Luxembourg went on to do so shortly afterwards. The discussions at the meeting in New York were focused on the Gaza war and the goal of a two-state solution.

Incursions by drones of unknown origin left the airports in Copenhagen and Oslo crippled for several hours on Monday. These incidents come after various violations of Polish, Romanian and Estonian airspace by Russian drones and jets. Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte has said that the alliance will only combat aircraft if they pose an "immediate threat" to the population or infrastructure.

The Republic of Moldova will hold parliamentary elections on 28 September. The pro-European PAS party led by President Maia Sandu has been at the helm of this country of 2.6 million inhabitants over the past four years. Sandu and her party have warned repeatedly during the election campaign that Russia may try to influence the vote. Commentators see the people of Moldova facing a choice between Europe and Russian paternalism.

The Israeli army has launched a ground offensive in Gaza City that aims to completely eliminate Hamas forces in the area, according to a military spokesman. Hundreds of thousands of residents are trying to flee the city. The EU has called for a stop to the 'cycle of violence, destruction and suffering', while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed doubts that the Gaza war can be ended through diplomatic means.