European Union

More than four months after Sweden's parliamentary elections Prime Minister Stefan Löfven has been elected for a second term. He will lead a minority government consisting of Social Democrats, Greens, Liberals and members of the Centre Party. The Left Party abstained. Commentators welcome the historic alliance, but feel that the way it was achieved has harmed democracy in the country.

Matteo Salvini has remained firm after two shipwrecks in the Mediterranean left 170 dead last week. Italy's Interior Minister stressed once again that his country will not open its ports to rescue ships carrying migrants, and blamed aid organisations for the tragedy. NGO ships are only encouraging the traffickers, he said. Commentators have harsh words for the minister.

After her Brexit deal was rejected by parliament Theresa May plans to present the House of Commons with a Plan B for Brexit this Monday afternoon. Observers suspect it will be less a concrete concept than a roadmap to finding a consensus. A look at the press shows how fiercely the battle over Brexit is being fought.

The potential solution to the name dispute with Macedonia continues to keep Greece in suspense. After Prime Minister Tsipras won a confidence vote last week, tens of thousands of nationalists demonstrated against the agreement between Athens and its northern neighbour. The deal is due to be put to parliament this week. Observers comment with concern on the volatile situation.

Committee meetings, Brussels

Source : © European Union, 2019 - EP

Amendments have been prepared by two cross-party groups of MPs, each of which would allow the House of Commons to delay Brexit.