Eurotopics.net

Although the violent protests have largely subsided, the police shooting of 17-year-old Nahel M. during a traffic check and the ensuiting riots continue to preoccupy France and Europe. A total of 45,000 police officers and security personnel have been deployed, and President Macron will meet today with 220 mayors whose cities were affected by the violence. Commentators call for fundamental changes.

The first formal state visit by a French president to Germany in over 20 years was due to take place from Sunday to Tuesday. But due to the unrest in France, Macron decided to postpone the visit until the situation calms down. For commentators, the cancelled meeting was yet another stumbling block on what is already a rocky road.

For the first time in two decades Israel has launched a large-scale military offensive in the West Bank. After several air strikes on Monday night, Israeli troops carried out raids in the city of Jenin, which is considered a stronghold of militant Islamists. According to the Palestinian side, at least nine people have been killed, while Israel reported several arrests and the discovery of weapons and explosives.

Spain took over the rotating EU presidency from Sweden on 1 July. But from the outset, the country's snap parliamentary elections set for 23 July and the possibility of a change of government are dominating the agenda. Commentators stress the importance of the EU presidency and that it will suffer as a result of the rivalry between the major parties.