Eurotopics.net

Greece's last king, Constantine II, passed away on Tuesday aged 82. There will be no state funeral, however. In 1967 Constantine decided to tolerate the military government that had usurped power. In a series of referendums in 1973 and 1974 the Greeks voted to abolish the monarchy. Commentators disagree over how Constantine's passing should be commemorated.

Sweden's conservative government plans to expand nuclear power. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has announced plans to increase the upper limit of ten power plants nationwide and invest in new small reactors. The phasing out of nuclear power for which the Swedish people voted in a 1980 referendum but which has repeatedly been postponed is thus off the table. Commentators call for further steps in this direction.

After many delays and repeated announcements the French government now wants to tackle its pension reform. According to plans presented by Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne on Tuesday, the retirement age is to be raised gradually from 62 to 64 by 2032. Europe's press expects resistance.

After several countries pledged to supply light armoured fighting vehicles to Ukraine, the focus is now shifting to the question of whether to send heavy battle tanks too. German Leopard and British Challenger tanks are the main models under discussion. The press joins the debate.