Eurotopics.net

In view of their proximity to Russia, the Baltic states are seeking to boost their defence capabilities. Estonia is investing in the modernisation of its armed forces, Latvia is expanding its military infrastructure and debating compulsory military service for women. while Lithuania wants to increase defence spending to more than three percent of its gross domestic product. Mixed reactions in the press.

The Hungarian government has presented a proposal to place a large cross at the base of the Liberty Statue on top of Gellért Hill in Budapest. The statue is visible from almost every location in the city and one of its most prominent landmarks. Commentators' views on the proposal diverge.

Kamala Harris presented her economic policy programme on Friday. In addition to supporting families and tax incentives for housing construction, she is focusing her campaign on combating inflation. She intends to legislate against excessive price increases for food and medicines. According to opinion polls, such interventions are popular with voters, but European media regard them as controversial.

As the budget belt is cinched in Germany, a debate has flared up in the country over military aid to Ukraine. According to a newspaper report, only previously approved aid for Kyiv will be made available and no new funding will be authorised. Funds from frozen Russian assets will be used instead. Commentators are sceptical.