Eurotopics.net

The US has withdrawn from the INF Treaty banning the use of land-based mid-range nuclear missiles. It accuses Russia of violating its terms. Moscow has now announced that it will also withdraw from the agreement. While some commentators fear a new arms race others praise the US initiative.

French President Emmanuel Macron is reportedly considering holding a referendum in a bid to stop the ongoing yellow vest protests. The French paper Journal du Dimanche wrote that he is pondering allowing the French people to vote on the results of the civic dialogue on 26 May, the day the European elections will be held. Journalists are unanimous that this is not a good idea in the current volatile situation.

A slaughterhouse in Poland has been secretly slaughtering sick animals at night and selling the meat on. At least 14 EU countries are reportedly affected. Authorities in Warsaw have ruled out health risks but the EU Commission has launched an investigation. The politicians haven't done their homework at any rate, commentators criticise.

In Venezuela Nicolás Maduro failed to meet the deadline for convoking new elections issued by several EU member states. They now plan to recognise the parliamentary speaker Juan Guaidó as interim president. Washington, meanwhile, is once again considering a military intervention. Europe's press discusses the foreign impact on the power struggle in Venezuela.

Employees at the Audi plant in Győr have ended a one-week strike after the management agreed to an 18-percent pay rise. The plant produces engines for Audi, VW and Porsche. Factories in Germany and Slovakia were forced to partially suspend production as a result of the strike. Hungarian papers celebrate the workers' triumph over the multinational company.