European Union

After the US's unilateral withdrawal from the nuclear deal, the new sanctions against Iran are a further step by Trump aimed at increasing the pressure on Tehran. Commentators examine the potential consequences of the Trump administration's strategy for the country.

Mobile phones will be prohibited in French schools when classes start again this autumn. The move is a bid to improve pupils' concentration levels in class and increase physical activity during breaks. Internet-enabled devices will be banned in most schools, while lycées (upper secondary schools) will be allowed to decide for themselves whether to impose the ban. Commentators disagree about how effective the measure will be.

The city of Vilnius will launch a new PR campaign in Berlin and London on Wednesday in a bid to raise the city's profile and attract tourists. The Lithuanian capital is presented as Europe's G-spot with the advertising slogan: "Nobody knows where it is, but when you find it it's amazing". The Lithuanian government had requested in vain that the launch of the campaign be postponed until after the Pope's visit at the end of September. Rightly so?

Members of the Christian Democratic Union in Germany have reignited the debate about reintroducing compulsory military or community service for men and women. In France, a month of national service will be compulsory as of this autumn. Commentators believe the move could be beneficial for society.

Three Czech Nato soldiers have been killed in an attack in Afghanistan. President Zeman offered his condolences to the victims' families and called for renewed vigour in the fight against international terrorism. The Czech Republic has 250 soldiers stationed in Afghanistan as part of the international military presence in the country. Czech media lambaste commentaries that deny that the soldiers are heroes.

The Russian government decided to expel two Greek diplomats from its territory on Monday (6 August) in response to Greece’s similar “hostile” move last month, according to the Kremlin.