Eurotopics.net

The Eurozone finance ministers decided on Thursday to pay a final installment to Greece, freeing up the country to act independently on the lending markets as of August. In addition deadlines on debt repayment have been pushed back ten years. Discussing the country's tentative return to economic growth commentators praise Athens and criticise its money lenders.

A speech given by Angela Merkel to commemorate the German victims of mass expulsions after WWII and to mark World Refugee Day has triggered harsh reactions from the Czech Republic. In her speech Merkel had said that there was no "moral or political justification" for expulsions. Some commentators show understanding for the indignant reaction from politicians in Prague. Others see the whole affair as a storm in a teacup.

Russia has got off to a better start than any other World Cup host in the tournament. Its cities were filled with jubilant fans and motorcades after the Russian team's second victory in its match against Egypt. But commentators suspect the celebratory mood about the team's victories will soon give way to political discontent.

The parliamentary and presidential elections on Sunday could alter Turkey fundamentally: if the incumbent President Erdoğan and his AKP win, he will consolidate his power by introducing a presidential system and abolishing the parliamentary one. As election day nears, Turkish authors are also voicing their views in Western media outlets.

Angela Merkel has presented her plans for a joint EU security and refugee policy and a stable Eurozone in a newspaper interview. This is the first time she has publicly responded to the proposals put forward by France's President Macron. The chancellor has finally presented a concrete vision for the future of the EU, some commentators write approvingly. Others are disappointed with her ideas.