Eurotopics.net

The EU Commission has announced a record fine for Google: the tech giant must pay 4.3 billion euros for abuse of its dominant market position. Some commentators are delighted to see the EU actively protecting the interests of consumers. Others argue that only innovation can challenge Google's dominance.

Following the summit in Helsinki US President Trump has come under major pressure and is rejecting cross-party criticism in the US of his conduct at the summit meeting. Most commentators also take a dim view of Trump's foreign policy. But there are exceptions.

A maritime rescue team discovered on Tuesday a woman clinging to the remains of a rubber dinghy, flanked by two corpses. Rescue organisations accuse the Libyan coastguard of failing to render assistance and leaving migrants to die in the Mediterranean. How can the EU rely on cooperation with a failed state like Libya, commentators ask.

In the last week Greece has expelled two Russian diplomats who allegedly used bribes in a bid to escalate protests against the compromise in the name dispute with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (Fyrom). Commentators demand less naivety in Athens' dealings with Moscow and more transparency vis-à-vis its own citizens.

From now on people over the age of 16 in Portugal can change their name and gender without a medical diagnosis certifying a gender identity disorder. However, up to the age of 18 they must present a medical report on their decision-making ability. Portugal's press welcomes the new law even if it says that some questions remain open.

The EU has signed its most comprehensive free trade agreement to date - with Japan. The deal, which has been in preparation since 2013 and is known as the Jefta, is to come into effect next year and removes 99 percent of all the tariffs between the two economic areas. Has the EU learned nothing from the public outcry over Ceta, or is it right to seek new partners?