Eurotopics.net

Friedrich Merz has headed Berlin's Black-Red ruling coalition for a year now. Promising rapid reforms, the Chancellor deliberately sought to set himself apart from the previous government, the so-called 'traffic-light' coalition, which appeared to be stuck in a rut. Europe's press debates to what extent he has fulfilled the high expectations in his first year and what tasks lie ahead.

The conviction that Europe must take charge of its own defence is growing ever stronger. Russia's attack on Ukraine, the Kremlin's constant threats and the gradual but inexorable withdrawal of the US as a security guarantor are driving member states to rearm. Commentators take stock of Europe's defence capabilities.

More than 40 leaders convened at the European Political Community (EPC) summit in the Armenian capital of Yerevan on Monday and Tuesday to discuss the future of Europe in light of the wars in Iran and Ukraine. With the looming prospect of US troops withdrawing from Germany, there was a general agreement that the continent needs to take more responsibility for its own security.

In France, a parliament inquiry report calling for sweeping cuts to the funding and number of public broadcasters has caused a furore. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has rejected the demands and findings put forward by the committee's rapporteur, far-right MP Charles Alloncle. France's press is also divided on the topic.

The West African nation of Mali is in the grips of its worst military conflict in years. Radical Islamists and Tuareg separatists have joined forces to fight against the military government that has been in power since a coup in 2020. What does the conflict mean for the Russian Africa Corps, which backs the military junta in Bamako, and for Europe?