Eurotopics.net

US President Joe Biden has issued an executive order restricting US investments in China in the areas of semiconductor technology, AI and quantum computing. He explained that the measure is aimed at preventing China from using advanced technologies to expand its military power and undermine US national security. Beijing has voiced dismay and complained of distortion of competition.

Exactly five years after the brutal crushing of a mass anti-government demonstration in Bucharest on 10 August 2018, charges of abuse of office and unlawful use of violence have been brought against 16 police chiefs and officers who were involved in the crackdown. Commentators voice disappointment with the proceedings - also because not a single politician is on trial.

At a summit this week the eight Amazon nations declared their commitment to conserving the rainforest and demanded global financial assistance to this end. However, concrete targets for ending deforestation remain a matter for each individual state and there was no joint declaration on reducing coal, oil and gas production in the Amazon region. Europe's press voices disappointment and calls on industrialised countries to assume more responsibility.

The Economic Community of Western African States (Ecowas) will hold a meeting today to discuss how to react to the political situation in Niger. The coup plotters have refused to reinstate the democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum and the constitutional institutions. The military junta which is now in charge in Niger also ignored a deadline after which Ecowas had threatened with military intervention. Europe's press discusses what the West can do.