Eurotopics.net

Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Salvini wants to forge a right-wing alliance in the EU Parliament after the European elections. At a news conference on Monday he presented the European Alliance of Peoples and Nations in Milan. At his side were the leaders of the German party AfD, the Finns Party and the Danish People's Party. Commentators explain why they doubt the plan will succeed.

Conflict-laden issues including the New Silk Road are setting the agenda at the EU-China summit today, Tuesday. Brussels wants China to commit to fair and free trade relations. But commentators point out that Europe doesn't hold much sway over its second most important trade partner anymore.

Roughly six million Israelis are called on to elect a new parliament today, Tuesday. Polls put PM Benjamin Netanyahu and former army chief Benny Gantz neck and neck. Netanyahu has stated that if he is re-elected he will annex parts of the West Bank. What are his chances of another term?

The militia forces led by General Khalifa Haftar, which control large swathes of Libya, are now advancing on Tripoli, where the internationally recognised government of Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj is based. A UN Security Council resolution calling for a halt to the attacks was blocked by Russia. Commentaries in the press testify to a tricky situation.

After the election victory of Thierry Baudet's Forum voor Democratie (FVD), the established conservative parties in the Netherlands are seeking ways to win back voters. The right-wing populist party founded in 2016 unexpectedly emerged as the strongest force in regional elections in mid-March. Commentators follow the developments with concern.