Eurotopics.net

The last two times the Kremlin boss cancelled the traditional annual TV show Direct Line, in which he takes questions from citizens and journalists. But on Thursday, the show was aired for the first time since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. A number of critical questions went unanswered, commentators note.

Austria has softened its stance in the debate on Romania and Bulgaria joining the Schengen area and proposed allowing a partial accession limited to the area of air traffic, dubbed the "Air Schengen" solution, in exchange for tougher controls on migrants. Romanian and Bulgarian commentators discuss whether such a deal is acceptable.

Parliamentary and local elections will be held in Serbia on Sunday. The broad pro-European multi-party alliance Serbia Against Violence is running against the Progress Party (SNS) of incumbent President Aleksandar Vučić. Following several mass shootings, thousands took to the streets in Belgrade to protest against increased levels of violence in the country. Is a turnaround on the cards?

Poland is on the verge of a change of government: former prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki (PiS) failed in a vote of confidence on Monday, after which the Sejm tasked election winner Donald Tusk with forming a government. His cabinet is to be presented and sworn in today, Tuesday. Commentators see this as a turning point for all Europe - but also point to numerous hurdles.