European Union

The Alternative for Germany has come second in elections to the state legislature in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Commentators discuss to what extent the other parties are to blame for the rise of this national conservative party and whether its advance can be halted before the German elections next autumn.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has assumed responsibility for the CDU's disappointing performance in the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania state elections. "Of course it is partly the result of the refugee policy," she said. Commentators discuss how Merkel will react and believe she may be able to make history even against the will of her own party.

The negotiations aimed at reunifying Cyprus are entering a crucial phase. The leaders of the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots hope to resolve their disputes in the areas of trade and EU relations by mid-September. Commentators on both sides take a sceptical view of the talks.

In the final declaration of the G20 summit in the Chinese city of Hangzhou the heads of the world's leading industrial nations promise an action plan for boosting the global economy. Some commentators are disappointed with the results of the summit. For others it marks the beginning of the end for the austerity policy mainly applied in the EU.

The Paralympic Games open in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday. More than 4,000 athletes with disabilities will take part. Commentators see the games as proof that inclusion works in sports if not elsewhere, and call for the disabled to be treated like everyone else in sports and daily life alike.

ANODE
Approximation of laws
Security of supply and territorial cohesion are objectives of general interest which may justify State intervention in fixing the price of supply of natural gas

Commission v Greece
Law governing the institutions
Since it delayed implementing the EU law relating to waste, Greece is ordered to pay a lump sum of €10 million and a penalty payment of €30 000 per day of delay

Deroo-Blanquart
Environment and consumers
The sale of a computer equipped with pre-installed software does not constitute, in itself, an unfair commercial practice

Pilkington Group and Others v Commission
Competition
The Court of Justice confirms the fine of €357 million imposed by the Commission on Pilkington Group for its participation in the ‘car glass’ cartel