Eurotopics.net

With immediate effect people in Hungary can be sent to prison if they "assist illegal migration" by, for example, helping migrants who do not have refugee status to apply for asylum. In addition, a constitutional amendment stipulating that in future no "foreign populations" should be allowed to settle in Hungary was passed with only five votes against. Commentators, not only in Hungary, are appalled.

The parliamentary and presidential elections on Sunday could change Turkey fundamentally: if the incumbent President Erdoğan and his AKP win, he will consolidate his power by introducing a presidential system and abolishing the parliamentary one. Commentators discuss the impact the elections could have on Turkey and Europe.

Two positions in Europe's refugee policy appear to be growing increasingly irreconcilable - and the EU summit at the end of June is regarded by many observers as a decisive meeting at which either the advocates of humanitarian principles or those who favour a closed-door policy will win the day. The polarised and emotionally charged debate is reflected in the commentary sections.

The Romanian parliament on Monday evening passed a controversial amendment to the code of criminal procedure. Critics fear that it will favour the head of the governing social-democratic PSD, Liviu Dragnea, who is being investigated on corruption charges. The Romanian media are highly critical.

German Chancellor Merkel and French President Macron met on Tuesday at the chancellor's retreat Schloss Meseberg, where they agreed on reforms for the EU - including a Eurozone budget. Commentators note that the meeting was overshadowed by Germany's row over refugee policy, but draw different conclusions as to the impact this will have on the Franco-German motor.