Eurotopics.net

In Poland, dozens of media companies suspended publication on Wednesday. Newspapers left their front pages blank or published an open letter entitled "Media Without Choice". The protest actions were triggered by a new law that introduces taxes on media advertising and, according to the strikers, aims to stifle the independent press. Most commentators are also alarmed by the legislation.

Hungarian radio station Klubrádió's broadcasting licence will not be renewed. Hungary's Media Council cited minor regulatory offences as the reason for the decision. An appeal against the ruling failed. Since Klubrádió is the last radio station in the country that is critical of the government, commentators see this as a politically motivated decision and call on Brussels to intervene.

The formation of a new Italian government under Mario Draghi has come to a halt after the Five Star Movement postponed a vote on whether to support it on Wednesday evening. Commentators examine the challenges the prime minister-designate will face once the complicated negotiations are completed.

Turkey's President Erdoğan presented a new national space programme on Tuesday. Turks will fly to the moon for the Republic's hundredth birthday in 2023, he said. Are such visions out of place in today's world - or is this just what the crisis-weary population needs?

Together with 50 Democratic senators, six Republicans have voted in favour of going ahead with an impeachment trial against Donald Trump after his term in office ended. For Trump to be found guilty of "incitement of insurrection" at least 17 Republicans would have to vote with the Democrats. Europe's press discusses why this is unlikely and what it says about the state of the Grand Old Party.