Eurotopics.net

US President Donald Trump has warned companies against trading with Iran in spite of the US sanctions. "Anyone doing business with Iran will NOT be doing business with the United States", Trump posted on Twitter. Commentators see his comment as an attack on the sovereignty of the US's European allies, and believe that in the end it is the US that will suffer most as a result of its newfound isolationism.

After the devastating fires which claimed more than 90 lives the Greek government has announced plans to have buildings that were constructed without permits torn down. In the village of Mati the fences and walls of such buildings had blocked the escape routes of people fleeing the fires. To begin with, over 3,200 buildings in the resorts around Athens are to be knocked down. The Greek press takes a sceptical view of the plan.

Left-wing student and civil rights movements came to a head in many countries 50 years ago. The so-called "68ers" championed democracy, social freedom, emancipation, the environment and other causes.

The EU has taken action to protect companies affected by the US sanctions against Iran and compensate them for losses incurred. The blocking statute also provides for the possibility of companies that comply with the trade restrictions being punished. Commentators are delighted with the EU's feisty stance but doubt the law will have the desired effect.

After the US's unilateral withdrawal from the nuclear deal, the new sanctions against Iran are a further step by Trump aimed at increasing the pressure on Tehran. Commentators examine the potential consequences of the Trump administration's strategy for the country.

Mobile phones will be prohibited in French schools when classes start again this autumn. The move is a bid to improve pupils' concentration levels in class and increase physical activity during breaks. Internet-enabled devices will be banned in most schools, while lycées (upper secondary schools) will be allowed to decide for themselves whether to impose the ban. Commentators disagree about how effective the measure will be.