Eurotopics.net

Aid organisations have denounced catastrophic conditions at Moria camp on the Aegean island of Lesbos. Almost 9,000 people are crammed into the camp, which has capacity for only around 3,300. Doctors Without Borders has reported suicide attempts by minors and the authorities see health and environmental risks at the camp. Greek commentators take the government to task.

After the European Parliament's vote to open punitive proceedings against Hungary the Hungarian opposition staged a demonstration outside the parliament building in Budapest. Ex-prime minister Ferenc Gyurcsány called for the protests to continue until the government is ousted. Journalists examine Gyurcsány's role and wonder why he hasn't been able to mobilise more supporters.

US President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs to the tune of 200 billion dollars on Chinese goods, further escalating the trade dispute. The move means around half of all imports from China will be subject to tariffs. Commentators believe that the tough line could well be successful.

Pope Francis will visit Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia from September 22 to 25. This is the first time a pope has visited the Baltic countries in 25 years. While the media in predominantly Catholic Lithuania are thrilled by the visit, Latvian papers take a more critical view.

The EU Parliament will vote today on opening legal proceedings against Hungary. Whether this course of action will gain a two-thirds majority will depend largely on the EPP group, of which Viktor Orbán's party Fidesz is also a member. Hungary's prime minister on Tuesday harshly criticised the report by MEP Judith Sargentini calling for the activation of Article 7 proceedings. How should the parliament decide?

Damascus and Moscow have begun attacks on the last major rebel stronghold in Syria. The offensive in Idlib could not only lead to heavy fighting in the area but also - in the event of poison gas attacks - to a military confrontation between Russia and the Nato states. Can an escalation be avoided?