Eurotopics.net

UN Secretary-General António Guterres and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen want to relaunch the reunification talks between the Greek-speaking south of the island and the Republic of Northern Cyprus – recognised only by Turkey – which have been on hold since 2017. Von der Leyen has declared the resolution of the conflict a priority for the EU, of which the whole island is a member under international law. What are the chances of success?

An appeal court has upheld the conviction of French far-right leader Marine Le Pen for embezzlement of EU funds. However, the ban on holding public office has been reduced, which allows her to run for president in the 2027 election. Two years of her three-year prison sentence have been suspended. For the remaining year, she will be required to wear an electronic ankle tag. Le Pen intends to appeal the decision and has said she will run for president "without a tag".

The leaders of the Nato member states have convened in Ankara. Ukrainian President Voldomyr Zelensky was among the guests and reaffirmed his country's desire to join the alliance. In view of the many challenges Nato faces, commentators take a positive view of the results of the meeting so far.

Turkey is pulling out all the stops as host of the Nato summit in Ankara. The reception for Donald Trump was particularly lavish. The US President had previously hinted that he was attending the summit solely because of his 'friend' Erdoğan. The media take it as a cue to assess the role Turkey plays for both the US and Europe.