Eurotopics.net

This Wednesday the Turkish government will end the state of emergency imposed after the attempted coup in July 2016. Since the night of the coup Turkey has proven its resilience, some commentators say. Others argue that in view of Erdoğan's sweeping powers the country will remain in a state of emergency regardless.

The euro finance ministers have given the green light for Bulgaria to join the banking union and discussed the country's accession to the Exchange Rate Mechanism II, both preconditions for the introduction of the euro. Sofia submitted a corresponding request at the end of June, although a decision will be reached in a year at the earliest. For Bulgaria's press the Eurozone accession process can't go fast enough.

Speaking at the Nato summit US President Donald Trump threatened to "do his own thing" if the partner countries didn't increase their defence budgets. At the end of the summit, however, he reiterated his commitment to the defence alliance after having accused Germany of being controlled by and hostage to Russia. What will be the consequences of the US president's erratic behaviour in Brussels?

The British government has presented its Brexit plan. It foresees a free trade zone for goods and agricultural products with the EU while special rules would apply for services, and London would be free to restrict migration from the EU. Is this a good compromise or is the UK cherry-picking?

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will meet for a first bilateral summit on July 16 in Helsinki. On the agenda are arms control and the situation in Syria and Ukraine, among other topics. In the run-up to the Nato summit Trump commented that the meeting with Putin might be easier than that with his Nato allies. Journalists ask what to expect from the encounter.