Eurotopics.net

The EU Commission has published its fifth Rule of Law report. It concludes that many of the 27 member states have made good progress but harshly criticises Hungary. The report makes eight recommendations to Budapest in all four areas of the rule of law: the justice system, anti-corruption measures, the separation of powers and press freedom. Slovakia was also admonished for shortcomings in the latter area.

The opening ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics takes place in Paris today. Europe's commentators survey the city and the event, in which international conflicts and tough security measures seem to be the dominant themes so far.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave his fourth address to the US Congress on Wednesday. He defended Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip and promised to defeat Hamas. Israel is doing all it can to protect civilians but Hamas puts them in harm's way, he said. Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi sharply criticised the speech. Europe's commentators are also dissatisfied.

Following the resignation of Estonian prime minister Kaja Kallas, who is to become the EU's new foreign policy chief, the new cabinet under Kallas' successor Kristen Michal convened for the first time in Tallinn this week. One of the first decisions taken was to increase the income and sales tax. The national media are less than enthusiastic.

US Vice President Harris has come across as resolute in her first appearances since Biden's withdrawal from the presidential campaign. A majority of Democratic delegates are apparently set to back her bid to become the Democratic presidential candidate at the party's National Convention in August. Europe's press follows this turn of events with hope and scepticism.