Eurotopics.net

Donald Trump has issued a presidential order decreeing massive cuts to Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and other US international broadcasters. According to media reports, around 1,300 employees have already been placed on administrative leave. Since the Cold War, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty has played a key role as an independent voice in autocracies and dictatorships worldwide. Ukrainian and Russian commentators fear the worst.

In the early spring of 2020, Europe became a hotspot of the Covid-19 pandemic that first broke out in China. Most countries responded with restrictions that brought massive changes to people's everyday lives. Commentators in Europe's press recall how Covid - and the countermeasures - changed life and society with effects that are still being felt to this day.

"The West" as we knew it no longer seems to exist: the recent vote in the UN Security Council, US Vice President JD Vance's speech in Munich, new tariffs and the revival of Russian-American relations all demonstrate how the US is transforming its foreign policy under President Trump. The media assess the consequences for Europe – and its options for new partners.

Ukraine and the United States may sign a framework agreement on the joint development and export of Ukrainian mineral resources such as oil, gas, uranium, coal and rare earths this Friday. According to Volodymyr Zelensky, who is visiting Washington today, the deal doesn't include US security guarantees. The media weigh up the pros, cons and motives of both sides.

After several failed rounds of negotiations, a coalition government with a parliamentary majority is emerging in Austria. The leaders of the ÖVP, SPÖ and Neos have presented a joint programme which their party committees are expected to approve at the weekend. The right-wing populist FPÖ, which won the most votes in the election, would remain in opposition. Is this the right way to go?