Eurotopics.net

The European Parliament has given its final approval for Ursula von der Leyen's second EU Commission. MEPs voted 370 to 282 in favour of the 26 Commissioners selected in a complex procedure involving national governments, the EU Parliament and the Commission president. "Von der Leyen II" is now set to commence its work on Sunday.

After the surprise victory of far-right outsider Călin Georgescu in the first round of the Romanian presidential election, the Constitutional Court will deliberate today, Thursday, whether the election should be annulled following complaints about illegal campaign financing and other irregularities. With the parliamentary elections due to be held on Sunday, the press sees a highly precarious situation.

The Russian currency is experiencing severe turbulence: since early August the rouble has lost almost a quarter of its value, and yesterday it dipped to a low of 115 roubles to the dollar. Although its exchange rate recovered a little afterwards, the downward trend continues. The press takes a look at the causes.