Eurotopics.net

In Switzerland's parliamentary elections, the national-conservative Swiss People's Party (SVP) has consolidated its position as the leading political party and secured another nine seats in the National Council. The Greens and the Green Liberals were the biggest losers, dropping eleven seats between them. The SVP used warnings about migration as its main campaign topic. In Switzerland, the strongest parties have governed together since 1959.

The attack on Israel by radical Islamic Hamas and the reaction of the Israeli military are prompting fears of a further escalation in the region. The EU is under pressure to take a clear stance. A look at Europe's commentaries reveals the challenges Brussels and the individual member states face.

Following Hamas's brutal terrorist attack, most press voices in Europe agree that as long as the radical Islamic group controls the Gaza Strip, peace between Israelis and Palestinians is impossible. However, defeating Hamas will be a difficult process and incur heavy civilian casualties. Commentators look at long-term scenarios.

After much wrangling, the EU's energy ministers have agreed on a reform of the bloc's electricity market. The key point: producers of non-fossil-based electricity - including electricity from nuclear power, which was highly controversial - will receive subsidies if the global market price falls below a certain level. When prices are high, they pass on surpluses to the state. The goal is stability for producers and consumers and less dependence on gas purchases.