Eurotopics.net

In the Catalonian regional elections on the weekend, the Socialists, who are in power in Madrid, received the most votes, securing 23 percent. But the combined results of the separatist parties gives them an absolute majority in terms of votes and seats in the regional parliament. Catalan journalists take very different views of what this outcome should mean for Catalonia's future.

In the wake of Josep Borrell's ill-starred visit to Moscow, the EU Foreign Affairs Council is due to reach a decision on sanctions against Russia on February 22. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov warned that his country was ready to break off relations with the EU if certain sanctions were imposed, although the Kremlin and the Russian Foreign Ministry later weakened this statement. Commentators assess Moscow's stance.

In Sweden, where another nuclear reactor was shut down at the turn of the year, winter temperatures have led to shortfalls in the electricity supply. The country has been compelled to import electricity from coal-fired power stations in Poland and Germany and electricity rates have risen significantly. Alarm bells are ringing in the Swedish press - and advocates of nuclear power are speaking out.

In Italy, the Five Star Movement is now also willing to join a government led by the former ECB chief Draghi. The members of comedian Beppe Grillo's party voted on the move on Thursday, with 59.3 percent in favour. But commentators doubt that the risk of instability and blockades has been banished, and are already sizing up the next elections.

The Catalans will elect a new regional parliament on Sunday. Now the parties that advocate independence for Catalonia have signed a joint manifesto affirming that they will not form a coalition with the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE). The latter, however, not only govern in Madrid but are also leading the polls in Catalonia. Even separatist commentators shake their heads in dismay.