Eurotopics.net

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will visit the Hungarian city of Sopron today to commemorate the Pan-European Picnic together with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. On 19 August 1989 GDR citizens used this event to flee to the West across the Austrian-Hungarian border. Commentators find it notable that of all politicians these two are coming together to celebrate the first cracks in the Iron Curtain.

After Lega brought a vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte it is unclear what will happen next in Italy. Conte could tender his resignation and be tasked with forming a caretaker cabinet by head of state Sergio Matarella. Lega chief Matteo Salvini was aiming for a snap election which would pave the way for his party to govern the country alone. Commentators voice fears about what this would mean for Italy and Europe.

Despite Beijing's menacing posture and torrential rain, hundreds of thousands of protesters once again took to the streets in Hong Kong on the weekend. Organisers talked of 1.7 million participants. According to media reports the Chinese central government stationed troops on the border with Hong Kong in advance of the demonstrations. Europe's press looks on enthusiastically.

US President Trump has announced that the US is interested in purchasing Greenland. The partially sovereign Arctic territory is still a constituent country of the Kingdom of Denmark and is largely subsidised by it. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has answered: "I hope very much that this is not meant seriously." Commentators examine what goals Trump could be pursuing with the plan to purchase the island.

Food, medicine and gas shortages, border controls and bottlenecks, protests and unrest - a government document leaked to the Sunday Times outlines the potential grave consequences of a no-deal Brexit. British MPs are calling for an early end to the summer recess. Europe's commentary columns also voice alarm.