Eurotopics.net

The United States has terminated its membership of the UN Human Rights Council. Washington has justified its decision by saying that the Council is prejudiced - especially against Israel. Some commentators criticise the decision as a further step towards American isolation, while others show understanding for the move.

With immediate effect people in Hungary can be sent to prison if they "assist illegal migration" by, for example, helping migrants who do not have refugee status to apply for asylum. In addition, a constitutional amendment stipulating that in future no "foreign populations" should be allowed to settle in Hungary was passed with only five votes against. Commentators, not only in Hungary, are appalled.

The parliamentary and presidential elections on Sunday could change 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. Commentators discuss the impact the elections could have on Turkey and Europe.

Two positions in Europe's refugee policy appear to be growing increasingly irreconcilable - and the EU summit at the end of June is regarded by many observers as a decisive meeting at which either the advocates of humanitarian principles or those who favour a closed-door policy will win the day. The polarised and emotionally charged debate is reflected in the commentary sections.