European Union

The European Commission on Wednesday (10 May) launched the first round of tenders for gas sellers to link with EU buyers on the joint gas purchasing platform to help maintain security of supply and tackle high energy prices.

Products available in school canteens should take into account children’s dietary restrictions such as food intolerances and allergies, which may include plant-based alternatives, lawmakers said - an issue which has proved divisive among stakeholders. 

The EU needs to continue to adopt new sanctions on Russia and work to ensure they are not circumvented, writes Anrike Visser.

A new legislative initiative is being discussed in Paris that would implement landmark EU legislation but also introduce new proposals on digital fraud, online harassment, child protection, media bans, and cloud switching.

President Vladimir Putin justified Russia's attack on Ukraine in his speech on 9 May, the day marking the Soviet Union's victory over Hitler's Germany in 1945. A war is being waged against his country, he declared to thousands of soldiers and veterans gathered on Moscow's Red Square. Commentators pick apart Putin's appearance and this year's much smaller parade.

Negotiations are starting today, Wednesday, on a new round of sanctions against Russia that for the first time also extend to Chinese businesses set to send 'sensitive goods' to Russia. Previously the EU has always protested against such extraterritorial sanctions - such as when the US penalised foreign companies delivering sanctioned goods to Iran - arguing that this violates the states' right to self-determination.

One week ago a thirteen-year-old boy opened fire in his school in Belgrade, leaving eight pupils and a security guard dead and six others wounded. After the killing the boy turned himself over to the police and handed over the weapon that belonged to his father. The press asks how repeat occurrences may be prevented.

Candidates are neck and neck in the run-up to the presidential and parliamentary elections in Turkey on 14 May: CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu and his opposition alliance have realistic chances of beating long-time President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his AK Party. Commentators follow the race with bated breath.