Eurotopics.net

Ryanair cabin crews in Belgium, Italy, Spain and Portugal started a two-day strike on Wednesday, demanding better pay and working conditions. Across Europe roughly 500 of the low-cost carrier's flights have been cancelled. Commentators back the employees' demands.

Migration to the cities and deserted rural areas can be observed in many countries of Europe. According to a recent survey, 79 percent of Finns believe the state should invest more in rural regions to counter rural exodus. But commentators doubt that trying to repopulate rural areas is a sensible strategy.

EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker is due to arrive in Washington today for talks with Donald Trump in a bid to avoid a trade war between the US and the EU. Europe's media offer their advice as to how he can hold his own against the US president.

The debate following star footballer Mesut Özil's resignation from the German national team continues. After a heated public discussion over his controversial photograph with Turkey's President Erdoğan, Özil had issued a statement lambasting the German Football Association and citing the prevalence of racism and a lack of respect. The way the affair has been dealt with speaks volumes about the situation in Germany, commentators conclude.

The number of victims of the wildfires in the Athens area has risen to 74 according to the fire department in Greece. Several EU countries have offered their help and Italy and Romania are sending water-bomber planes. EU Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker twittered that no effort would be spared to help Greece. But not all commentators are moved by Europe's show of solidarity.

Two suspected IS terrorists who grew up in Britain are to go on trial in the US. Contrary to expectations London has sought no assurances that Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh, known as the Islamic State "Beatles", will not receive the death penalty. British media are angered by the government's stance.