Eurotopics.net

According to Brexit Minister Dominic Raab, an exit deal between the EU and Britain should be in place by November 21. The British parliament could then vote on the agreement before Christmas. So far, however, there has been no majority in favour of any of the proposals tabled to date. Commentators again discuss whether Britain can afford to leave the EU without a deal.

People in Eastern Europe are more inclined than West Europeans to believe that their culture is superior to others, according to a study published by the Pew Research Center on views regarding religion, minorities and social issues. According to the researchers the continent is as divided now as it was in the days of the Iron Curtain. How can this be explained?

The acquittal of a woman convicted of blasphemy in predominantly Muslim Pakistan has driven Islamists onto the streets in protest. Asia Bibi, a Christian, allegedly made insulting comments about the Prophet Muhammad and was sentenced to death nine years ago under the country's controversial blasphemy law. Now the Supreme Court has overturned the verdict. Commentators stress the importance of this case.

The avant-garde theatre NO99 has shocked Estonia's cultural scene with the surprise announcement that it will close its doors in January 2019. It was no longer able to work in a way worthy of its creative ideals, the theatre said explaining the decision. Commentators commend the publicly-financed establishment's honest approach.

After Merkel's announcement that she will not stand again for election as leader of the CDU, Europe's leading politicians have expressed their respect for her decision and in particular her commitment to Europe. In these turbulent times the EU will have trouble surviving without a pro-European leader, some commentators fear. Others take a more positive view.