Eurotopics.net

On Friday, it seemed to be a done deal: Netflix and Warner Bros. jointly announced that the streaming giant would be taking over the media and film company for around 71.3 billion euros. But in addition to the competition watchdogs, whose approval is still pending, US President Donald Trump also voiced criticism of the takeover. Shortly afterwards, film production company Paramount submitted an offer of around 93 billion euros.

Following the publication of the US government's new National Security Strategy, Europe is struggling to find an appropriate response. The document states that Europe is facing 'civilisational erasure' and that America will assist its political allies in Europe in correcting the current course. Commentators warn against US interference in European domestic politics.

The EU wants to introduce standardised asylum rules for all member states. The bloc's interior ministers have now agreed on a simplified process for rejecting asylum applications and a common list of 'safe countries' to speed up deportations. In addition, there are plans for 'relocations' within the EU and the possibility of setting up 'return hubs' in 'safe third countries'. The press response is divided.

Greek farmers are protesting against high production costs and outstanding subsidy payments. The protests, which turned violent on Monday, are also connected to the OPEKEPE corruption scandal involving EU agricultural subsidies fraud. The press examines the dire state of the agricultural sector and seeks to identify those responsible.