Eurotopics.net

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.

A year has passed since the Islamist HTS militia led by Ahmed al-Sharaa and its allies toppled former Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad, whose clan had governed the country for 50 years and plunged it into a prolonged civil war. In a speech marking the anniversary of Assad's fall, interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa has called on Syrians to unite. Europe's press takes stock.

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 threatened by ‘the decline of civilisation’ and that America will assist its political allies in Europe in correcting the current course. Commentators warn against US interference in European domestic politics.