Eurotopics.net

The European Commission has also rejected a slightly modified draft of Italy's 2019 budget on the grounds that it seriously violates EU rules, and wants to launch an Excessive Deficit Procedure against the country. For Rome this could mean a fine of up to 3.4 billion euros. How can the confrontation be defused?

For millions of women in Europe their home is a dangerous place. Domestic violence mainly affects women and is prevalent across the social spectrum. Prompted by the latest statistics or International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November, media in many countries are honing in on the problem.

People are living longer and having fewer children - in almost all European countries this trend is putting pension funds under pressure. Governments and societies are having to deal with the fact that ever fewer young people are financing ever more older people. Commentators in different countries propose different approaches to the problem.

Despite the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi US President Donald Trump has expressed his unstinting support for the Saudi royal family. The US remains a "steadfast partner" to Saudi Arabia, he declared on Tuesday. According to media reports the CIA has concluded that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was behind the crime. Commentators explain why Trump won't break the ties with Riyadh.

The controversial forced retirement of Poland's most senior judges is to be revoked. The national-conservative PiS government has presented a draft law in parliament to that effect. In October the European Court of Justice had ordered an end to the forced retirements. Is the PiS's grip on power starting to loosen?