Eurotopics.net

Roughly a month after the elections in Italy the first round of talks on the formation of a new government has ended without a result. Election winner Luigi Di Maio, the leader of the Movimento 5 Stelle, wants to form a coalition with the Lega Nord provided the party breaks its ties with its original alliance partner Silvio Berlusconi. Commentators are having a hard time imagining an Italy under Di Maio's leadership.

At their summit in Ankara the presidents of Russia, Turkey and Iran have resolved to quickly establish peace in Syria. However, their different interests were also manifest at the meeting. Commentators criticise Europe's lack of involvement and explain why Russian and Iran have won the war twice over.

In the row over the poisoning of former double agent Sergei Skripal the UK has rejected Russia's demand for a joint investigation of the affair. The battle lines between the two countries are also reflected in the commentary sections of European media.

Austria's government is planning to introduce a ban on headscarves in kindergartens and elementary schools. Chancellor Kurz said the move was aimed at preventing "parallel societies". Is this pure populism or a sensible contribution to the emancipation of girls?