Eurotopics.net

May 9 is not only a day of celebration in Moscow, which commemorates the end of the Second World War on that date. In the EU - and for the first time in Ukraine - it is celebrated as Europe Day and marks the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, a plan which is considered the beginning of what is now the European Union. Commentators examine how this day should be commemorated in view of the important role played by the Red Army in the victory over Nazi Germany.

In view of soaring food prices, Austria's Social Minister Johannes Rauch convened a summit with social partners, industry representatives and experts on Monday. Inflation in Austria is at almost 10 percent, and for food products it stands at 14.5 percent. Among other measures, a reduction in VAT was discussed, but no agreement was reached. Just what was achieved?

On 10 May the Danish parliament will vote on a bill regulating how the topic of the 2005/06 Muhammad cartoon controversy is dealt with in schools. The Muhammad cartoons published by Jyllands-Posten newspaper in which the Islamic prophet was among other things depicted as a terrorist sparked a wave of indignation among Muslims. A wave of diplomatic upheaval, extremist agitation, violent protests, republications and finallly terrorist attacks ensued.

Tens of thousands of Britons defied the rain on Saturday and lined the streets of London to watch the coronation procession of Charles III and his wife Camilla. The two monarchs were then anointed and crowned in Westminster Abbey. Commentators look at why the monarchy still generates so much enthusiasm.