Eurotopics.net

The tone of exchanges between Israel and Europe is becoming harsher. In a break with previous language, EU Commission Vice-President Teresa Ribera described Israel's actions in Gaza as "genocide". Speaking in Paris, the Spanish politician said that the situation there had exposed "Europe's failure" to act and speak with one voice on this issue. The Belgian government also took a tougher stance this week when it unilaterally imposed sanctions on Israel.

The EU Commission has initiated the ratification process for its free trade agreement with the South American Mercosur states. The deal has been under negotiation since 1999. New safeguard clauses for agricultural products have been introduced to overcome any remaining opposition before the deal is put to vote at the national and European level. If it comes into force, the agreement will create one of the largest free-trade zones in the world.

Parliamentary elections are scheduled for early October in the Czech Republic. The polls give former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and his right-wing populist party ANO (Czech for "Yes") a clear lead. The party recently presented its election programme, in which it promises Czechs a better life without explaining how it intends to finance this. Czech commentators are critical.

At least 23 people were killed early Thursday morning in a massive Russian air attack on Kyiv. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, 629 drones, hypersonic and ballistic missiles as well as cruise missiles were used. The EU delegation office and other institutions in the city centre were also badly hit. Europe's press reflects on the message behind the attack.