Eurotopics.net

In Bulgaria's second parliamentary election in three months, the anti-establishment populist ITN party led by TV presenter Slavi Trifonov, which was founded just last year, and the conservative Gerb party of former prime minister Boyko Borisov are neck-and-neck in exit polls. The final results are expected at the end of the week. What is already clear, however, is that voter turnout has dropped from 50 percent in April to less than 40 percent now. Why?

The European Central Bank has introduced a new strategy for monetary policy. The inflation target is to remain at around two percent, but future fluctuations below or above will be tolerated. Two percent was previously the maximum. Next year the ECB also aims to present a plan of action that incorporates climate change into monetary policy.

Bulgaria is voting in a new government on Sunday - for the second time this year. Since elections in April produced a political stalemate the country has been ruled by an interim government. Will there be a clear result this time? And if so, will there be genuine change or just a return to power of the associates of the scandal-ridden ex-prime minister Borisov?

Countries in Europe now have some of the highest vaccination rates in the world. But the pace is slowing down in many areas, with people not turning up for their vaccination appointments. The summer weather and low infection rates are making people hesitate even if they are not anti-vaxxers. Governments are trying to counter this, with some resorting to drastic measures. The media response is either approving or indignant.

Summer holidays at last! And an opportunity for commentators to look back over a year of teaching in the pandemic - and to consider what lessons can been learned for next year.