Eurotopics.net

The EU Commission wants to establish a defence fund into which all members pay, prompting member states to up their defence spending while making Europe less dependent on the US. Some commentators say such a move is long overdue while others see the Commission's plans as unrealistic.

With the takeover of Banco Popular the Spanish bank Santander has saved its former rival from collapse. New Eurozone regulations on bank resolution foreseeing investor participation were used for the first time in the bailout. Taxpayers were spared. Commentators see the move as a success.

The world is eagerly awaiting US President Donald Trump's decision regarding his country's position on the Paris Climate Agreement. US media are already reporting that Trump is set to honour an election pledge to take the US out of the accord. Such a decision would have consequences that affect far more than the climate, commentators stress.

The EU Commission has presented plans for reorganising the Eurozone that include replacing the emergency mechanisms created during the financial crisis with reforms. To avoid contention Brussels is avoiding the subject of a euro finance minister with his own budget for the time being and is proposing European bonds whose exact function is yet to be determined. Is the Commission's initiative too timid?

Spain's beleaguered top anti-corruption prosecutor Manuel Moix has admitted that he co-owns an offshore company in tax haven Panama but says he sees no reason for this to have any repercussions. Spanish commentators describe his behaviour as impudent and call for his resignation.