Eurotopics.net

The Republic of Moldova will hold parliamentary elections on 28 September. The pro-European PAS party led by President Maia Sandu has been at the helm of this country of 2.6 million inhabitants over the past four years. Sandu and her party have warned repeatedly during the election campaign that Russia may try to influence the vote. Commentators see the people of Moldova facing a choice between Europe and Russian paternalism.

The Israeli army has launched a ground offensive in Gaza City that aims to completely eliminate Hamas forces in the area, according to a military spokesman. Hundreds of thousands of residents are trying to flee the city. The EU has called for a stop to the 'cycle of violence, destruction and suffering', while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed doubts that the Gaza war can be ended through diplomatic means.

More than 100,000 people took to the streets of London on Saturday in response to a call by British right-wing extremist Tommy Robinson. Alongside Tesla CEO Elon Musk, right-wing politicians from all over Europe, including France's Éric Zemmour, incited resentment against foreigners, the media and the British government. The commentaries reflect dismay, but not surprise.

After Russian drones entered Polish airspace last Wednesday, further incidents on Nato's external border are heightening the tensions between Moscow and the Western military alliance. The Polish army shot down a drone that had flown over government buildings in Warsaw on Monday night. Two Belarusians have reportedly been arrested in connection with that incident. A Russian drone also penetrated Romania's airspace at the weekend.

Austria's liberal education minister Christoph Wiederkehr has proposed fines of between 150 and 1,000 euros for parents who fail to cooperate with schools. The penalties would apply in cases such as parents refusing to talk to teachers when their children are suspended, or if they skip compulsory summer school without a valid excuse. Commentators debate the plan's merits and consequences.