Eurotopics.net

A growing number of official bodies are warning of the possibility of Russia launching military operations against Europe. Germany's Federal Intelligence Service said on Monday that there was an increased risk of hybrid attacks by Moscow, and Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken has said the continent faces a "dark winter" and called for drone defence to become top priority. Denmark's intelligence service has also warned of the growing risk of a limited military attack on a Nato country in the coming months.

Children at secondary schools in France have been protesting against the deplorable conditions in their schools since September. In several towns, school blockades have led to riots and clashes with the police, who have arrested hundreds of young people. On Tuesday, large-scale demonstrations backed by trade unions were held across the country. The media shed light on the political, social and economic background to this wave of protests.

Two weeks after her eviction from the home she lived in for seven decades, 87-year-old Spanish pensioner Maricarmen Abascal has died. Her eviction sparked nationwide protests against the country's housing crisis, and a general strike has now been called for 11 November. For the Spanish press, Maricarmen has become a key symbol for the housing protests.

After the collapse of the government of Ilie Bolojan in May this year, President Nicușor Dan is now making a fourth attempt to form a new government. He has nominated the diplomat Luca Niculescu, who has been coordinating Romania's accession process to the OECD, as a candidate for the post of PM. Opinions in the national media are divided as to Nicolescu's chances of success.

Portuguese whistleblower Rui Pinto is facing the prospect of losing his state witness protection. The founder of the website Football Leaks exposed illegal practices in professional football, but was found guilty of cybercrimes and attempted extortion in 2023 and given a four-year suspended sentence. The Portuguese press debates whether or not the state should continue to protect him.

On the third anniversary of the Hamas attack, Israel is commemorating the victims. On October 7, 2023, terrorists from the Gaza Strip invaded Israel, murdering 1,221 people and taking 251 hostage. Israel reacted with a war which has claimed at least 70,000 lives in the Palestinian territories. Commentators explore how that day changed the country and its people.