Eurotopics.net

Nicolas Sarkozy has been in prison since Tuesday. The former French president was convicted in September on charges of criminal conspiracy in a trial over illegal campaign financing. A court ruled that the 70-year-old had to begin serving his five-year prison sentence despite his having lodged an appeal. Europe's press highlights the social dimensions of this French case without precedent.

The plans for a meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin have apparently been shelved. The US President said he didn't want a "wasted meeting" after Moscow reportedly insisted on sticking to its demands, rejecting Trump's push for the freezing of the current front line which is backed by Kyiv.

The Greek Parliament last week passed a new labour law which allows 13-hour workdays in certain cases. The extra-long shifts are permitted on no more than 37 days per year and per employee. The legislation has provoked large protests in several cities across Greece. The national press examines the motives behind the initiative.

Japan has its first female prime minister: Sanae Takaichi, the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) who is seen as a staunch conservative and nationalist, received a clear majority of votes in the lower house of the country's parliament on Tuesday. Takaichi (64) wants to form a government with the right-wing opposition party JIP. Commentators discuss what changes lie ahead for the country.

Donald Trump wants a summit with Vladimir Putin in Budapest. Although US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed the idea on the phone on Monday, it is not clear whether the two will meet in person for a preparatory meeting. According to CNN their positions are too far apart, and Moscow has refused to confirm that such a meeting has been agreed on. Europe's press looks at what a summit in Hungary could achieve - provided it takes place.