Eurotopics.net

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for the creation of a "true, European army", arguing that Europe needs to be able to defend itself "with respect to China, Russia and even the United States". Is his demand reasonable, and what would be the consequences if it is implemented?

The city of Warsaw has banned a march by Polish nationalists to celebrate Poland's independence day on November 11. Warsaw has already suffered enough from aggressive nationalism, Mayor Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz said in support of the decision. Poland's national-conservative government announced that it will organise another march. Is the ban justified?

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens and all Greece announced on Tuesday the separation of church and state in the country. Around 10,000 priests and Church employees will be taken off the state payroll. Although the agreement claims to put an end to a prolonged dispute, Greek commentators are not satisfied.

In the US midterm elections the Democrats have won a majority in the House of Representatives. The Republicans, for their part, have gained seats in the Senate. Journalists wonder how enduring this victory for the Democrats will be and whether it will give US politics a new dynamic.

The US unveiled a blueprint last week for new peace talks on the Yemeni civil war. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called for all the warring parties to gather round a table by the end of the month. Observers analyse the chances of this initiative being successful and the motives behind it.