Eurotopics.net

France's National Assembly is currently debating the constitutional reform presented by President Macron. Among other things the president proposes restructuring the state institutions, reinforcing the separation of powers, increasing civil participation and simplifying the country's legislation. French commentators are dissatisfied with the plan.

Speaking at the Nato summit US President Donald Trump threatened to "do his own thing" if the partner countries didn't increase their defence budgets. At the end of the summit, however, he reiterated his commitment to the defence alliance after having accused Germany of being controlled by and hostage to Russia. What will be the consequences of the US president's erratic behaviour in Brussels?

The British government has presented its Brexit plan. It foresees a free trade zone for goods and agricultural products with the EU while special rules would apply for services, and London would be free to restrict migration from the EU. Is this a good compromise or is the UK cherry-picking?

Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will meet for a first bilateral summit on July 16 in Helsinki. On the agenda are arms control and the situation in Syria and Ukraine, among other topics. In the run-up to the Nato summit Trump commented that the meeting with Putin might be easier than that with his Nato allies. Journalists ask what to expect from the encounter.

Eight months after the elections, Czech members of parliament have given their approval to a minority government headed by billionaire Andrej Babiš. The cabinet comprising members of the populist Ano party and the Social Democrats will be supported by the Communists, giving them a hand in government for the first time since 1989. What does their comeback in the Czech Republic portend?