Eurotopics.net

The birth rate in the EU has dropped to a record low. The statistical average number of children per woman is now 1.34, compared to 2.62 in 1964. This downwards trend is making it increasingly difficult for governments to maintain stable tax revenues and sustain pension and healthcare systems. Commentators look into how to make Europe more family-friendly.

In Sweden, the price of monthly travel passes for public transport is due to be halved in the second half of 2026. The decision by the right-wing government is expected to cost 6.5 billion kronor (around 605 million euros). Ebba Busch, Minister for Energy, Business and Industry, justified the move citing "the worst energy crisis the world has ever seen".

Hot on the heels of Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin has now travelled to visit Xi Jinping in China. The leaders will spend two days discussing global politics and strengthening economic ties between their countries. The media discusses both what Putin has called the "unprecedentedly high level" of relations between the two countries, as well as China's elevated role on the global stage.

The US has called off plans to deploy 4,000 US troops to Poland. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called on Washington not to jeopardise its friendship with Warsaw: "America won't find a better ally anywhere." At the beginning of May US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth also announced the withdrawal of around 5,000 US troops from Germany.