Eurotopics.net

Air France-KLM CEO Jean-Marc Janaillac has resigned over the pay dispute that has raged between the company and its pilots since early February. French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire has accused the employees of acting irresponsibly and warned that the Franco-Dutch airline holding company could collapse. The media discuss ways out of the crisis.

Sweden's ruling Social Democrats plan to tighten the country's asylum policy by introducing harsher measures against asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected. Under a proposal presented on Friday, among other measures eight years must pass before those rejected can reapply. Swedish commentators find these steps incomprehensible.

A ceremony marking the formal dissolution of Eta was held in the French-Basque town of Cambo-les-Bains on Friday. Several international mediators were present, but no official representatives of Spain's established parties attended the event. Spain's government needs to take an active role in seeking reconciliation, commentators stress.

US President Donald Trump is due to announce by mid-May whether the US will exit the nuclear deal with Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu last week accused Iran of lying when it signed the nuclear agreement and of planning to reactivate its nuclear weapons programme at a later date. Commentators examine the various players' interests.

The European Commission on Wednesday presented the first draft of the EU budget for 2021-2027. It proposes increases in funding for migration, border control and defence and cuts in the agricultural sector. Payments to member states are to be contingent on compliance with the rule of law. The budget debate has begun.

In a speech to the Palestinian National Council on Monday Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas blamed the Jewish people for the Holocaust, claiming that the Shoah was caused by the Jews' "social behaviour". Europe's commentators condemn his statements as anti-Semitic and discuss the consequences for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.