Eurotopics.net

Israel bombed government buildings in Damascus on Wednesday, intervening in a conflict between Druze and Sunnis in the southern Syrian province of Suwayda that had degenerated into brutal clashes. A ceasefire has since been agreed, after which Syrian government troops withdrew from the Druze stronghold. Commentators assess the situation.

A clear majority in the Supreme Council of Ukraine has elected Yulia Svyrydenko as the country's new prime minister. The 39-year-old economist succeeds Denys Shmyhal, who had held the post since 2020 and will now take over as defence minister. What can she do better?

The EU Commission has proposed a new budget of two trillion euros for the 2028-2034 period - around 700 billion euros more than the current budget. At the same time, less money is to be allocated to fixed areas in a bid to increase flexibility and allow for quicker responses in a crisis. Europe's press shows understanding for the ambitious sum, but also suggests improvements.

US President Donald Trump has adopted a harsher tone vis-à-vis Russia. He announced on Monday that Ukraine is to be equipped with Nato-financed US weapons, including Patriot missiles, and that if an agreement to end the war wasn't reached within 50 days, Washington will impose punitive tariffs of up to 100 percent on Russia and its trading partners. Europe's press takes a look at the potential impact of this new rhetoric.