Eurotopics.net

The Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont is to be released on bail after judges of the district court in Schleswig, Germany, rejected Spain's extradition request. They ruled that Catalan independence had not been pursued in a violent manner and that consequently the Spanish judiciary's rebellion charges were untenable. Will this prompt Spain's politicians and judges to review the situation?

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.