Eurotopics.net

Moscow and Kiev exchanged 35 prisoners from each side on Saturday, fuelling speculation about the next steps in a Russian-Ukrainian rapprochement. According to media reports a Normandy format summit meeting (with France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine) could take place before the end of September and breathe new life into the Ukraine peace process. Europe's press looks at the background to the developments.

Ursula von der Leyen, the president-designate of the EU Commission, presented her new team of commissioners on Tuesday. The composition of the Commission and the titles of the new portfolios have met with criticism in the media. Commentators speculate on what changes the new faces in Brussels will bring.

Nicklai Malinov, head of the "Russophile Movement", has been arrested in Bulgaria. He and other members of the NGO are accused of spying for Russia with the goal of making Bulgaria turn away from its Western allies. Russia's foreign minister responded by warning Sofia not to worsen relations between the two countries. What is behind the affair?

Housing shortages, low interest rates and real estate speculation have caused rents in Europe's big cities to skyrocket in recent years. In many places people are taking to the streets to protest. In Portugal and Berlin new laws have been proposed to stop the trend. Commentators say the problem is primarily on the supply side.

The Greek EU Commission vice-president Margaritis Schinas has been tasked with "protecting our European way of life". In this capacity he will be responsible for migration in the EU. The title of the portfolio has drawn criticism from MEPS and NGOs and is also proving controversial among commentators.