European Union

The press in the West and all over the world is rife with speculation about how Putin will deal with those within his own ranks who were implicated in the aborted Wagner uprising. The disappearance of General Sergei Surovikin, the deputy commander of the Russian armed forces in Ukraine who according to press reports has been imprisoned on suspicion of complicity is further fueling speculation.

When fighters of the Wagner mercenary organisation advanced towards Moscow on the weekend, Vladimir Putin spoke of treason and threatened harsh punishment. A few hours later the mutiny was called off and Putin guaranteed Prigozhin and his soldiers impunity. Commentators discuss what this back and forth means for the future of Wagner and the Russian army.

Sweden's government is considering abolishing supplementary child benefits for large families. Currently the state pays 1,250 kronor - or roughly 105 euros - per month for the first child. The amount then gradually increases, so that a family with seven children receives around 172 euros per child. Statistics show that the system mainly benefits immigrant families. The press welcomes the initiative in the name of equality and integration.

Bulgaria's BNT, Hungary's MTVA, Poland's TVP and Polskie Radio, and Serbia's RTS, all serve as mouthpieces of their country's governing administrations. The only exceptions in the region are public radio and television in the Czech Republic and LRT in Lithuania.

Germany’s Green agriculture minister Cem Özdemir has warned against a 'polarisation' of debates around agriculture and climate policy while criticising attempts to torpedo green legislation at the EU level.

The Dutch government on Friday (30 June) announced new rules restricting exports of certain advanced semiconductor equipment, a move that comes amid US pressure on its allies to curb sales of high-tech components to China.

Bulgaria is the poorest country with the lowest wages in the EU, but surprisingly it turns out that the Bulgarian economy is doing better than more developed member states by managing to create quality jobs.

Adaptation is a key part of restoring Europe's forests and improving their resilience to climate change-related risks such as pests and wildfires, forestry expert Bernhard Wolfslehner told EURACTIV in an interview.

Gas shortage anxiety prompted Germany to go on a buying spree last year in order to fill storage facilities for the winter, leaving consumers to pick up a bill now estimated at around €7 billion.

Survivors of a boat disaster that killed hundreds of migrants near Greece have given accounts of traffickers in North Africa cramming them into a clapped-out fishing trawler. They recounted hellish conditions above and below deck, with no food or water.

Online prices for merchandise bearing the insignia of Russia's Wagner group - a human skull against a black and red backdrop - have shot up since its abortive armed mutiny, with buyers posting five-star reviews and support for the mercenaries.