Eurotopics.net

The EU Commission has given the Polish government three months to make changes to its controversial legal reform. Polish media put forward different arguments for why this ultimatum will fail to be effective.

The Norwegian municipality of Kåfjord has proposed giving the summit of Mount Halti to Finland to mark the 100th anniversary of Finnish independence. This would mean shifting the border between the two countries by 40 metres. Finnish media praise the proposal as a wonderful gesture that would serve as a symbol of peace and understanding among nations.

Despite their excessive budget deficits the EU Commission has decided not to fine Spain and Portugal, pointing to the difficult economic situation in these countries and widespread Euroscepticism. Punishment alone achieves nothing, some commentators stress, backing the Commission's decision. Others point out that the two countries are now under huge pressure to reach their targets.

A Syrian man blew himself up and injured 15 others outside a music festival in Ansbach on Sunday. The authorities suspect the blast was Islamist motivated. After the axe attack in a regional train and the killing spree in Munich this latest attack has only compounded the state of shock in Germany. Commentators ask what impact all this will have on the country's attitude to refugees.

Following the failed coup and thousands of arrests and suspensions President Erdoğan has proclaimed a state of emergency, meaning even more basic rights are being curtailed. Turkey is turning into a dictatorship and needs stringent monitoring by the EU, some commentators argue. Others see such reactions from the West as exaggerated.

Despite the doping scandal the International Olympic Committee has decided not to exclude the entire Russian team from the Olympic Games in Rio. Only the track and field athletes are not allowed to take part, as was decided last week.