Eurotopics.net

The result of the vote on Tuesday in Strasbourg which will determine whether Ursula von der Leyen becomes the next EU Commission President looks set to be very close. After hearings last week MEPs from all the different groups in the EU Parliament have confronted the German candidate with demands. She needs the votes of 376 MEPs to secure the post. What is at stake here?

France is moving to abolish funding from statutory health insurance for homeopathic remedies such as globuli by 2021 in a step by step approach. The reason: according to the French health authorities, there is insufficient scientific evidence for the efficacy of homeopathy. Is this the right way to go?

In a move aimed at countering alcohol tourism to Latvia Estonia's new government lowered its alcohol tax by 25 percent as of July, repealing a tax hike passed three years ago. Latvia has responded with plans to introduce lower taxes on certain types of alcoholic beverages as of August. How can the dispute be resolved?

On Monday the EU Commission is discussing sanctions against Turkey because it has sent three ships to drill for natural gas reserves in Cypriotic waters. Under pressure from EU member Cyprus, the EU might cut back aid and loans for Turkey. The media in Cyprus is not very hopeful that the EU will take decisive action against Turkey.

Tensions between Iran and the West have been further aggravated by a new incident in the Persian Gulf. According to the government in London, three Iranian ships tried to seize a British tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran denies the allegations. While some commentators warn against further escalation, others consider whether the EU should back Trump.