Eurotopics.net

A British trawler has been detained by the French coastguard on the grounds that it doesn't have a licence to fish in French waters. London reacted by summoning the French ambassador to demand an explanation. The incident brings the dispute over post-Brexit fishing licences for the English Channel to a head. "This is not a war, but a fight," said France's Maritime Minister Annick Girardin. What are the dimensions of the row?

In the legal dispute between Poland and the EU, the European Court of Justice has imposed a record fine on Warsaw. Poland has been ordered to pay one million euros per day until the controversial disciplinary chamber - which according to the ECJ judges violates the separation of powers - is abolished. Commentators examine the background to this dispute over competences and believe the EU has the upper hand here.

Despite rising inflation, the European Central Bank is leaving the key interest rate at zero percent. ECB chief Lagarde is convinced that the current inflation trend is temporary and driven by high energy prices, among other things. The ECB will also decide in December whether to stop its multi-billion bond-buying programme. How long can it maintain its accomodative monetary policy?

The US, UK and Australia have signed a defence alliance pact for the Indo-Pacific: the Aukus deal. Among other measures Australia is to receive nuclear-powered submarines featuring US and British technology. The alliance is seen as a move to join forces against China, but it cancels a contract under which France would have supplied Australia with submarines. Paris has spoken of a "betrayal of trust". Commentators fear spiralling destabilisation.