Eurotopics.net

The final vote on Israel's controversial judicial reform will take place in the Knesset today, Monday. Last night tens of thousands once more gathered to demonstrate against legislation that could limit the powers of the Supreme Court and give the government more power. Europe's press voices its concern but also sees hopeful signs.

Viktor Orbán, Hungary's right-wing nationalist prime minister, has once again stoked tensions between his country and Romania with his traditional speech at the Bálványos Free Summer University in Transylvania. Addressing citizens of the Hungarian minority, he poked fun at Romania's political system and mocked the EU. His speech elicits annoyed comments from the press in both countries.

The conflict over Koran burnings in Sweden has escalated. In protest at an announced burning, angry Muslims stormed and set fire to the Swedish embassy in Baghdad on Thursday, with Iraq expelling the Swedish ambassador. In Stockholm, a demonstrator trampled on a copy of the Koran outside the Iraqi embassy. Commentators call for moderation and reflection.

The British House of Commons has passed a new immigration law under which people who have entered the country irregularly can be denied the right to asylum. According to the UN, the new law violates international asylum and refugee regulations. A symbol of the new rules is the Bibby Stockholm, a huge barge which is set to house 500 asylum seekers and has now been towed into Portland Port in Dorset, southern England.