Eurotopics.net

Europe's largest car manufacturer Volkswagen is no longer ruling out plant closures and layoffs in Germany. The company's management has warned that the cost-cutting measures taken so far may not be sufficient to prevent the company from making losses in the long term. Works councils and trade unions accuse the company of mismanagement, urging the carmaker to focus on more competitive products. Commentators discuss the roots of the problem.

Turkey and Egypt have normalised their relations after more than a decade of tensions: six months after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited Cairo, his counterpart Abd al-Fattah al-Sisi has now paid a return visit to Ankara. What goals is Turkey pursuing with its charm offensive?

The quest for a new government continues in France. President Macron has made it clear that despite the victory of the the leftist New Popular Front in the parliamentary elections, he refuses to nominate any of its members for the post of prime minister. He also rejected proposals from right-wing parties. According to press reports, former EU Commissioner Michel Barnier is currently under discussion for the post. Europe's press reflects on the complex situation.

Despite the warrant for his arrest issued by the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Russian President Vladimir Putin has travelled to Mongolia. Putin was received by President Uchnaagiin Chürelsüch and a guard of honour in Ulaanbaatar on Tuesday. As a state that recognises the ICC's authority, the onus was on Mongolia to arrest the Russian autocrat. Europe's press evaluates the situation.