European Union

Four Eastern European countries rejected the EU's latest plans for handling migrants on Thursday (24 September), after talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels, and insisted that the plans for tougher new asylum rules do not go far enough.

Just over two weeks after the fire that destroyed the Moria refugee camp, the EU Commission presented a new asylum package on Wednesday. Europe's press is mainly focused on the planned reform of the extended Dublin system under which member states would no longer be bound to take in a certain number of refugees but could instead opt to take on tasks such as repatriation of those whose applications are rejected. Few consider this to be a viable solution.

After the death of liberal Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg shortly before the presidential election in November, US President Donald Trump can nominate her successor. If confirmed by the Senate, his decision could cement a clear conservative majority in the court. Observers examine what this would mean for the country.

Securing as many town halls as possible will be the top priority for the national liberal PNL government and PSD, the largest opposition party, in Romania's local elections on Sunday. Romanian commentators explain why heading to the polling station is far more important for voters than the term "local elections" might suggest.

The Johnson government has failed entirely when it comes to Brexit and the coronavirus, Labour Party leader Keir Starmer said during the party's virtual party conference, which ended on Tuesday. Starmer also took aim at the left-wing course of his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn - under whom Labour had the worst election result since 1935. Will his moderate line put Labour back on the road to success?

Lukashenka has been sworn into office for a sixth term in an unannounced ceremony. The event was not broadcast live on television, as is usually the case, and the announcement that it had taken place only came afterwards. Was this confirmation of his status as a dictator alienated from his people or a clever move that prevented violent excesses?