European Union

The Eurozone finance ministers decided on Thursday to pay a final installment to Greece, freeing up the country to act independently on the lending markets as of August. In addition deadlines on debt repayment have been pushed back ten years. Discussing the country's tentative return to economic growth commentators praise Athens and criticise its money lenders.

A speech given by Angela Merkel to commemorate the German victims of mass expulsions after WWII and to mark World Refugee Day has triggered harsh reactions from the Czech Republic. In her speech Merkel had said that there was no "moral or political justification" for expulsions. Some commentators show understanding for the indignant reaction from politicians in Prague. Others see the whole affair as a storm in a teacup.

Russia has got off to a better start than any other World Cup host in the tournament. Its cities were filled with jubilant fans and motorcades after the Russian team's second victory in its match against Egypt. But commentators suspect the celebratory mood about the team's victories will soon give way to political discontent.

EU finance ministers decided on Friday to close the excessive deficit procedure opened against France in 2009. France's deficit went below the required 3 percent of GDP in 2017, at 2.6 percent of GDP and it is expected to remain under the threshold in 2018 and 2019, at respectively 2.3 percent and 2.8 percent.

Committee and political group meetings, Brussels

Source : © European Union, 2018 - EP

Committee meetings, Brussels

Source : © European Union, 2018 - EP