Eurotopics.net

The first round of the French presidential elections will take place in less than two weeks. Polls show the incumbent liberal president Emmanuel Macron in the lead with 28 percentage points, ahead of far-right politician Marine Le Pen (21 percent) and leftist Jean-Luc Mélenchon (14 percent). Commentators evaluate possible outcomes against the backdrop of current events.

Russia's war against Ukraine has prompted Germany, Poland, Denmark, Sweden and other countries to announce increases in their military budgets. Berlin alone plans to spend an additional 100 billion euros this year. But defence requires more than just money, Europe's press observes.

During his speech in Poland, Biden stressed that the Western military alliance would defend every inch of Nato territory. However, two remarks in which he called Putin "a butcher" and declared that he "cannot remain in power" caused more of a stir. Europe's press examines the consequences.

In view of the Russian war against Ukraine, Germany, Poland, Denmark, Sweden and other countries have announced that they will increase their military spending. Berlin alone plans to spend an additional 100 billion euros this year. Is rearmament now inevitable?