Eurotopics.net

The US Senate's Judiciary Committee heard the testimony of several women regarding allegations of sexual harassment against Republican Supreme Court candidate Brett Kavanaugh. The Committee then recommended Kavanaugh's nomination. The very fact that the hearings took place at all is already a success for the MeToo movement, some commentators stress. Others believe there is still too much tolerance for sexism in the US.

British Prime Minister May and former foreign secretary Johnson are at loggerheads as the Conservative Party conference gets underway. In an interview with The Sunday Times Johnson called May's Brexit plans ridiculous and the result of mental confusion. He himself proposed a free trade agreement with the EU and a bridge between Ireland and Britain. Who will win out?

Turkish President Erdoğan has kicked off his three-day visit to Germany amid considerable protest. In particular the state banquet held in his honour by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has come under fire. Journalists believe that both sides will have to tack between fronts in the coming days and present their own suggestions regarding the agenda.

In his address to the UN General Assembly President Trump boasted about his own achievements, triggering bouts of laughter among the audience. "In less than two years, my administration has accomplished more than almost any administration in the history of our country," he stated. Commentators conclude that the things Trump says really can't be taken all too seriously.

In almost all EU member states, the number of people aged between 55 and 64 who are still gainfully employed has risen in the last decade, a study by the University of Duisburg-Essen shows. Particularly in Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and Poland, the percentage of older workers has increased. Only in Greece, Cyprus and Spain has it dropped. Commentators nonetheless see much room for improvement.