Eurotopics.net

Many government services in the US remain closed until further notice because Congress has been unable to agree on a budget for the 2026 fiscal year which began on 1 October. Proposals put forward by both the Republicans and the Democrats failed to achieve the required three-fifths majority in the Senate on Wednesday. The main bone of contention is the reversal of recent cuts to healthcare for low-income earners.

Portugal's conservative minority government under Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has passed a new migration law with the votes of André Ventura's right-wing populist Chega party, significantly tightening family reunification regulations among other things. With local elections looming, the national press debates the motives and consequences of this cooperation between the two parties.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted a 20-point plan presented by US President Donald Trump with the aim of ending the war in Gaza. However Hamas, which was not involved in drawing up the plan, has yet to give its approval. The plan stipulates that the terrorist organisation must release all hostages and lay down its arms. In return, Israel's army would withdraw. The media discuss whether the initiative could really end the war.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer committed Labour members to a clear government course at the party's annual conference in Liverpool on Tuesday. The focus was on economic renewal, social reforms - and a sharp demarcation from Nigel Farage's right-wing populist Reform UK, which currently has a big lead against Labour in the polls. Commentators take stock.