Eurotopics.net

In a secret ballot the members of the United Nations have elected Saudi Arabia to the UN Commission on the Status of Women. There the Gulf monarchy - with its reputation for misogyny - is to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women until 2022. Reports that the government in Stockholm voted for the move have triggered outrage in Swedish media.

Borussia Dortmund and AS Monaco have played a day later the match that was cancelled after the attack on a bus carrying players of the German team. Three explosions severely damaged the bus on Tuesday evening. Investigators suspect a terrorist attack. Commentators praise the fans for their calm reaction and the players for their courage in defying terror.

US Secretary of State Tillerson and his Russian counterpart Lavrov agreed in Moscow on Wednesday that both states must seek better relations. However, they failed to reach a consensus on the key topic of Syria. Moscow blocked a UN resolution with its veto on Wednesday night. Commentators discuss to what extent the two powers can reach an agreement on the Syria question.

Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets in protest at the closure of the Central European University (CEU). The university founded by US billionaire George Soros is not active in the US and thus fails to meet the criteria of a new law passed by Viktor Orbán's government. Commentators hope that the European conservatives will finally withdraw their support for their fellow party member.

in a referendum on April 16, the Turks will vote on the introduction of a new presidential system that would see President Erdoğan's powers substantially increased. Opponents and supporters of the constitutional reform are neck and neck in the polls. Commentators complain about unequal conditions for the two camps in the campaign and argue that in the end Erdoğan only stands to lose.