Eurotopics.net

Russia says it has fired a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. President Putin explained in a video address that the Oreshnik missile was launched from the Russian region of Astrakhan on the Caspian Sea in response to attacks against Russia with Western missiles. It was not carrying nuclear warheads although these missiles are nuclear-capable, he added. Commentators take stock.

Latvia's rising food prices are currently around four percent above the EU average even though the country has one of the lowest income levels in the EU. Economics Minister Viktors Valainis has now announced plans to bring down prices, including an upper limit on retailers' profit margins, the introduction of a digital price comparison tool, a ban on destroying unsold food and measures against price dumping.

Two submarine internet cables in the Baltic Sea were damaged within just a few hours of each other on Sunday and Monday. Swedish and other European security authorities are investigating suspected sabotage. A Chinese freighter and several other ships that were in the vicinity of the cables at the time, including a Russian one, are being monitored. Europe's press sees a clear suspect – and the need for action.

The European Parliament has cleared the way for the new EU Commission to take office. On Wednesday, the leaders of the political groups approved the seven Commissioners who had not yet been confirmed. The nominations of Raffaele Fitto (ECR/Fratelli d'Italia) and Teresa Ribera (S&D/Social Democrats) as vice presidents were the subject of heated debate. Commentators are unsparing in their criticism of the process - and of the results.