Eurotopics.net

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is the first high-ranking German representative to travel to Turkey since Erdoğan's defeat in the country's local elections. The occasion is the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Turkish Republic and Berlin. Commentators look at why Steinmeier first visited the opposition-led city of Istanbul before travelling to Ankara to meet President Erdoğan.

Just under seven weeks before the European Parliament elections on 9 June, the polls predict a significant increase in votes for right-wing populist and far-right parties of the ID (Identity and Democracy) Group. Together with the ECR (European Conservatives and Reformists), which also includes the Fratelli d'Italia, they could win over a fifth of the seats. Commentators discuss the possible repercussions.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan received the head of the Hamas politburo, Ismail Haniyeh, in Istanbul on Saturday and spoke to him about humanitarian aid and a potential ceasefire. Was this show of closeness a blatant faux pas or clever politics?

Following several brutal acts of violence, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has announced a new action plan against youth crime. This "surge of authority" will involve greater severity and swifter punishment, as well as stepped up prevention and educational support. Parents who "neglect" their children are to be sanctioned, for example. Sensible, or action for action's sake?