European Union

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and French President François Hollande called for deeper European integration, economic growth and heightened security at their meeting on Monday. According to some commentators the goal was to clarify their positions ahead of the EU summit in Bratislava. Others criticise that the leaders are far too caught up in their respective national agendas.

German Chancellor Merkel will visit Prague on Thursday as part of her tour of Europe in preparation for the EU summit in mid-September. According to a recent survey her popularity in the Czech Republic has plummeted from over 70 percent one year ago to just 18 percent today as a result of her refugee policy. Should she have done more to woo the Czechs?

The trial of Islamist rebel Ahmad al-Mahdi from Mali began on Monday. The International Criminal Court in The Hague has charged him with destroying cultural sites in Timbuktu in 2012, to which Al-Mahdi has already pleaded guilty. This trial will only encourage Islamists, some commentators fear. Others believe it will act as a deterrent.

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy on Monday officially announced his candidacy for the 2017 presidential elections with his book Tout pour la France (All for France). In November he will run in the primaries organised by the French right. His programme is simple and clear, some commentators write approvingly. Too simple, others criticise.

The 28th Olympic Games ended on Sunday evening in Rio de Janeiro, overshadowed by debates about doping and empty stadiums. For some commentators the first Olympics staged in Latin America were a complete success. For others, the Games' image has been further tarnished as a result of the numerous scandals.

Several French holiday resorts have banned women from wearing burkinis this summer. While many commentators question whether the ban will promote the emancipation of Muslim women others criticise it as an attack against religious freedom.