Eurotopics.net

Eight months before the deadline for the UK leaving the EU, fears about the impact of a hard Brexit without a deal with Europe are growing. The media must refrain from creating panic among the people with horror scenarios, some commentators criticise. Other warn that not just the British should be worried about underestimating the consequences.

Tens of thousands of people have demonstrated in Russia against a planned pension reform. Moscow wants to raise the retirement age progressively, from 60 to 65 for men and from 55 to 63 for women. While some commentators see the reform as crucial, for others it's pure cynicism.

The danger of an imminent escalation of the trade dispute with the US seems to have been averted in the wake of the agreement reached between US President Trump and EU Commission President Juncker. But Trump's attacks will continue because they are justified, some commentators believe. And Europe must take care not to alienate Asia through its compromises with the US, others warn.

Facebook shares lost almost a quarter of their value within just a few hours on Wednesday night. The drop came after the company announced that its revenue growth rate was down by roughly eight percent in the second quarter of 2018 compared to the first quarter. The company had also seen a slight drop in its user figures in Europe. Should Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg be worried?

After US President Trump and EU Commission President Juncker's announcement that no further tariffs will be imposed and that instead trade between the two blocs is to be expanded, commentators continue to take stock of the meeting. There are those who still don't quite trust the new truce, but others are delighted and full of praise for Juncker's negotiating skills.