European Union

Two submarine internet cables in the Baltic Sea were damaged within just a few hours of each other on Sunday and Monday. Swedish and other European security authorities are investigating suspected sabotage. A Chinese freighter and several other ships that were in the vicinity of the cables at the time, including a Russian one, are being monitored. Europe's press sees a clear suspect – and the need for action.

The European Parliament has cleared the way for the new EU Commission to take office. On Wednesday, the leaders of the political groups approved the seven Commissioners who had not yet been confirmed. The nominations of Raffaele Fitto (ECR/Fratelli d'Italia) and Teresa Ribera (S&D/Social Democrats) as vice presidents were the subject of heated debate. Commentators are unsparing in their criticism of the process - and of the results.

Vladimir Putin has signed the changes to Russia's nuclear doctrine that were announced in September into law. According to the document, any attack by a non-nuclear power supported by a nuclear power would be considered a joint attack on Russia. The threshold for Russia to respond using nuclear weapons has also been lowered. Media assessments of what the changes mean are sharply divided.

Romanian voters are called to the polls to elect a new head of state this Sunday. Pollsters believe the right-wing populist AUR candidate George Simion could make it to a runoff vote on December 8 against the Social Democratic Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. Commentators zero in on Simion's chances of winning.

Some EU countries suggested removing any reference to market consolidation during the third working party meeting on the subject.

This is the first time Russia has used during the war such a powerful, long-range missile which can carry a nuclear warhead.