Eurotopics.net

Romania plans to buy the famous sculpture The Wisdom of the Earth by iconic Romanian sculptor Constantin Brâncuși from its current private owners for 11 million euros. However the Romanian government's plan is to put just five million towards the purchase and gather the remaining sum through donations by the end of September. Can this crowdfunding initiative help unite the country?

The Kurdish terrorist organisation the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons claimed responsibility on Thursday for last Sunday's attack in Ankara. It said the bombing, which claimed 37 lives, was a retaliatory strike for the Turkish military's operations in the southeast of the country. How can the situation in Turkey be defused?

Russia has begun its partial withdrawal from Syria but its naval base in Tartus and its air base in Latakia will remain in operation. Some commentators say President Vladimir Putin's 'surprise' announcement was a logical step since he has achieved all his military objectives. Others speculate that Putin has withdrawn solely for domestic reasons.

The British Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne has announced a new tax on sugary soft drinks aimed at combatting child obesity. What can the sugar tax accomplish?

In an unprecedented move the ECB lowered the base interest rate to zero percent on Thursday. It also extended its bond-buying programme and increased the rates banks must pay for parking their deposits with the ECB. Can the flood of cheap money jump-start Europe's economy?

After months of wrangling it is hoped that the summit between the EU member states and Turkey on Monday will provide a joint response to the refugee problem. EU Council President Donald Tusk has visited several Balkan states and Turkey for exploratory talks ahead of the meeting. But at this stage no one is expecting a breakthrough at the summit.

EU Council President Donald Tusk has warned "illegal economic migrants" against coming to Europe. He said that the Schengen rules would enter into force again and refugees would be stopped at the EU's external borders. Is this appeal a good move?

According to UN envoy Staffan de Mistura, the ceasefire that began almost a week ago in Syria has "in general" held. However, there are areas where the fighting continues. Can the unequal partners in the struggle for peace achieve a permanent cessation of hostilities?