Eurotopics.net

Angela Merkel has spoken out in favour of the creation of a European army before the European Parliament in Strasbourg, endorsing a proposal made by Emmanuel Macron a few days ago. However, she did not support the French president on the issue of the Eurozone budget. Europe's commentators analyse how well Merkel did in what could be her last speech before the EU's top legislative body.

The European Commission has harshly criticised Romania as regards the rule of law and the fight against corruption in its most recent Cooperation and Verification Mechanism report - just six weeks before the country is due to take over the rotating EU presidency. Neighbouring Bulgaria received a far more positive assessment. Brussels is using double standards, some commentators complain. Others look at ways to prevent the dismantling of democracy in Eastern Europe.

In a bid to slow down climate change and limit harmful emissions the Spanish government wants to ban the sale of vehicles with diesel, petrol and gas engines as of 2040 and take them off the roads entirely by 2050. Is the goal overambitious?

A citizens' initiative in Finland aimed at having a special tax on diesel cars abolished gained far more than the required 50,000 signatures within 24 hours. Now the parliament must address the issue. The initiative came about in response to a rise in the price of diesel fuel, which now costs as much as gasoline at many filling stations. Finnish commentators stress the advantages of diesel.

The Italian government is to submit its revised version of its budget to the European Commission today, Tuesday, after the latter for the first time rejected a member state's budget three weeks ago. In particular due to its plan to increase public debt to 2.4 percent of GDP, the country is facing an excessive procedure. Europe's commentators explain why both sides are refusing to make concessions.