Eurotopics.net

Despite warnings from the European Commission the Romanian parliament has approved the controversial judicial reform which foresees shorter statutes of limitation for crimes of corruption. The opposition has pointed out that Liviu Dragnea, the leader of the ruling PSD who has already been convicted of corruption in the first instance, stands to benefit from the new legislation. What will be the repercussions of the decision?

On April 25, Italy commemorates its liberation from war and fascism in 1945. The day of celebration has many opponents on the right, and Interior Minister Salvini has now indirectly sided with them by snubbing events to mark the anniversary and choosing to inaugurate a police station in the former Mafia stronghold Corleone instead. Commentators condemn his behaviour.

Russia wants to make it easier for residents of occupied territories in Ukraine to become Russian citizens by simplifying and accelerating the passport issuing process. Applicants will not even have to demonstrate a knowledge of Russian. Commentators see Russia using passports to pursue its territorial ambitions.

The IS has claimed responsibility for the devastating series of attacks in Sri Lanka. More than 350 people were killed and around 500 injured when eight bombs exploded in several churches and luxury hotels on Easter Sunday. Commentators fear an escalation of violence between Christians and Muslims.

Dass die Briten an der EU-Wahl teilnehmen werden, ist immer wahrscheinlicher. Denn noch immer ist keine Einigung auf einen geregelten EU-Austritt in Sicht. Meinungsumfragen zufolge könnte die neue The Brexit Party von Nigel Farage - einer der vehementesten Brexit-Befürworter - stark abschneiden. Können sich die Brexit-Gegner dennoch durchsetzen?