Eurotopics.net

After granting the Republic of Moldova candidate status just under two years ago and committing to starting accession talks last December, the EU has now signed a security and defence pact with the Eastern European country. The press takes a look at factors that could either delay or accelerate its accession.

After much wrangling the two chambers of the British Parliament have voted in favour of the Conservative government's controversial Rwanda deal, which declares Rwanda a safe third country despite the Supreme Court's ruling that it is not. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wants the first deportation flights to depart in ten to twelve weeks. Scepticism is rife among commentators.

In the run-up to the European elections there is growing concern about Kremlin interference, be it through media influence aimed at swaying voters or direct influence on politicians and parties. Commentators look at where the dangers lurk and how they can be countered.

Thursday marks the 50th anniversary of the fall of Portugal's Salazar dictatorship. The Carnation Revolution symbolises Portugal's path to democracy, European integration and the relinquishing of its colonies. The press reflects on the state of the country against the backdrop of the most recent parliamentary elections in which the Chega party, which is ideologically close to the Salazar regime, became the third strongest political force in the country.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is the first high-ranking German representative to travel to Turkey since Erdoğan's defeat in the country's local elections. The occasion is the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Turkish Republic and Berlin. Commentators look at why Steinmeier first visited the opposition-led city of Istanbul before travelling to Ankara to meet President Erdoğan.