Eurotopics.net

The US Secretary of State has imposed new sanctions on Russia in response to the poison attack on the Russian double agent Skripal and his daughter in Britain. While some commentators believe Putin is immune to Trump's unpredictable Russia policy, others see tough times ahead for the Russian president.

The biggest pilot strike in Ryanair's history has begun this Friday morning. After the cabin crew strikes two weeks ago, pilots in Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium and Ireland are protesting for better terms of employment. The company's management is coming under real pressure now, journalists write, and point out that Brussels too is partly to blame for the crisis at the Irish budget airline.

Debate over the slave-like working conditions of African and Eastern European agricultural workers has reignited in Italy after 16 harvest workers perished in two car crashes. Hundreds of farm workers have taken to the streets in protest, and the government has announced that it will crack down on illegal harvesting. The press sees the need for action, and not just in Italy.

In many cities of Europe tenants are complaining about rising rents and housing shortages - the downside of cheap holiday flats and of people short-letting their homes via Airbnb. The former start-up has long since become a tourism sector giant that generates billions. What limits should be set for the accommodation platform?

The diplomatic crisis between Saudi Arabia and Canada seems likely to escalate. Riyadh has instructed all Saudi students and patients to leave Canada. The crisis was triggered by a tweet by Canadian foreign minister Chrystia Freeland in which she called for civil rights activist Samar Badawi to be freed. Commentators criticise Europe for not supporting Ottawa in the row.