Eurotopics.net

The elections to the European Parliament began today, Thursday, with the opening of polling stations in the Netherlands. Voting will take place in the Czech Republic and Ireland on Friday, followed by Italy, Latvia, Slovakia and Malta on Saturday and the remaining countries on Sunday. A glance at the European commentaries shows that EU citizens' expectations regarding the MEPs and the outcome of the elections vary widely.

Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, who was seriously injured in an attack around three weeks ago, has posted a video message on Facebook. The 59-year-old said he forgave the attacker but blamed the opposition and the media for creating a climate of hatred. Slovakian commentators lament that Fico's words have done nothing to calm the situation in the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged victorious from India's parliamentary elections and is set for a third term in office, but his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) suffered major losses. Without an absolute majority in the lower house of parliament it will now have to rely on coalition partners. Europe's press takes stock.

Nato was founded on 4 April 1949 in Washington, D.C. with the ceremonial signing of the North Atlantic Treaty. Initially composed of twelve member states, it now encompasses 32. On its 75th anniversary, Europe's press takes a look at the top priorities for the alliance.

Following the death of seven aid workers from the World Central Kitchen charity in the Gaza Strip, Israel's government has admitted mistakes and said it has launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The founder of the aid organisation has described it as a targeted attack on a clearly marked vehicle. International allies, including the US and Poland, have also voiced harsh criticism.