Eurotopics.net

Hundreds of thousands of people went on strikes and demonstrated across France on Thursday to protest the government's austerity plans. Local transport was severely disrupted, many schools and pharmacies remained closed and blockades were organised at companies. Commentators see the country facing major problems.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and nuclear power Pakistan have signed a mutual defence pact, whereby an attack on one of the countries will be considered an attack on both. The agreement comes days after Israel's attack on Hamas representatives in Qatar. Commentators see potential power shifts across the region.

US President Donald Trump has ended his state visit to the UK with the signing of a multi-billion-dollar trade agreement. The deal will involve mutual investments of around 300 billion euros, Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced at a joint press conference on Thursday. Trump had also been received with much pomp by King Charles III at Windsor Castle on the first day of his visit. Commentators take stock.

US President Donald Trump arrived in London for a state visit on Wednesday. King Charles III welcomed him at Windsor Castle and hosted a state banquet in his honour, and on Thursday Trump is scheduled to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Thousands of people took to the streets in London to protest the visit. Commentators waver between unease and approval.