Eurotopics.net

The Greek parliament has approved a series of cutbacks and tax hikes in order to secure the release of fresh loans from the country's creditors. The measures also include an automatic debt brake and a privatisation fund that will administer and sell state property. The last measure in particular is a source of heated debate in the Greek media.

Rating agency Fitch has upgraded Hungary back to investment grade. The country's credit rating was lowered to junk status in 2011. The Hungarian media debate Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's impact on Hungary's financial standing.

The Greek authorities have begun clearing the refugee camp at Idomeni. Since the closure of the Balkan route at the end of February up to 15,000 refugees have lived there. Commentators once again turn their attention to the camp, which has become a symbol of Europe's refugee crisis.

The Euro Group has agreed to unlock a further bailout loan to Greece, just a few days after the Greek parliament passed additional austerity measures. The country will also receive debt relief in addition to the 10.3 billion euro package. Is this the eagerly awaited end of the Greek debt drama?

The EU Commission's ultimatum to Poland expired on Monday. Although Warsaw has not responded to the EU's concerns about its reform of the Constitutional Tribunal, Brussels has refrained from issuing an official reprimand. Instead a prolongation of discussions has been agreed on. Should Brussels take a tougher stance vis-à-vis Warsaw?

Green Party candidate Alexander Van der Bellen has won Austria's presidential election, beating Norbert Hofer of the Freedom Party by a narrow margin of roughly 31,000 votes. The country has shown that its political landscape is more colourful than many believe, some commentators write with relief. Others view Hofer's strong showing as an alarm signal for all Europe.