European Union

Although there are no signs of an end to Russia's war against Ukraine for the time being, people are already talking about how to rebuild the country. In Britain, the US, and also the EU there are discussions about whether it would be possible to use Russian capital assets that have been frozen due to sanctions. Other ideas are circulating in Europe's media.

A 21-year-old Russian soldier has been sentenced to life imprisonment in the first war crimes trial in Ukraine. He confessed to shooting an unarmed 62-year-old civilian under pressure from his superior as they were trying to retreat and escape back to Russia in a stolen car in the first days of the war. His lawyer intends to lodge an appeal. Europe's press welcomes the start of legal proceedings.

The WHO has called for action in view of a growing number of monkeypox cases outside the endemic area of West and Central Africa. Intensified educational measures and tracing of infection chains are needed, it urged. Europe is particularly affected, with around 150 registered cases. The virus is transmitted through close physical contact and its symptoms are usually mild.

Since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, fears that China could follow in Moscow's footsteps and launch its long-threatened conquest of Taiwan have been rife. During a state visit to Japan yesterday, US President Joe Biden said that the US would support the island militarily in such a scenario. Beijing reacted indignantly. Commentators take stock of the exchange.

Prosecutors will be ready with indictments in hand to hold Russians accountable for war crimes in Ukraine, US ambassador for global criminal justice Beth Van Schaack told EURACTIV, adding that prosecuting Vladimir Putin personally would be possible, though difficult.

Heating and cooling account for half of the gross final energy consumption in Europe. Most of it is still based on fossil fuels. Decarbonising thermal needs will therefore contribute massively to addressing both, the energy and the climate challenge. From...

Late on Friday 20 May, the European Commission published rules for calling transport fuels of non-biological origin, including hydrogen, renewable. The criteria is strict, despite industry lobbying, write Corinna Klessmann, Felix von Blücher, and Malte Gephart.

Health authorities have been urged to be alert, expand surveillance, and facilitate contact tracing as cases of monkeypox continue to appear in countries that are not used to seeing the virus.