Eurotopics.net

Despite mass protests, France's government is sticking to its goal of overhauling the pension system. The changes are indispensable for achieving a financially balanced system, Labour Minister Olivier Dussopt said on Monday. A key measure of the reform is raising the retirement age from 62 to 64 and the contribution period to 43 years. Europe's commentators voice scepticism.

According to concurring media reports, Berlin is now willing to allow deliveries of Leopard 2 tanks from other countries to Ukraine and will also provide vehicles itself. There are also indications that the US is poised to deliver Abrams tanks. Ukraine and several allied countries had long urged Germany to give its consent, and Poland had requested permission to dispatch vehicles in its possession. Most commentators welcome Berlin's decision.

At least two Ukrainian ministries are under investigation for corruption. The Ministry of Defence faces accusations of having purchased food for troops at inflated prices, with Deputy Defence Minister Vyacheslav Shapovalov having resigned over the scandal. And the Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, Vasyl Lozynsky, has been dismissed for allegedly taking bribes and is now in custody.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has hinted that his country may be ready to yield in the conflict with Kosovo, whose independence Belgrade has yet to recognise. Vučić declared that he was willing to take the path of compromise after Western negotiators threatened sanctions if the recently presented Franco-German normalisation plan was not accepted. Commentators discuss what the future might hold.