Eurotopics.net

In the context of the political earthquake in Thuringia and the CDU's search for direction, Germany is wrestling with the question of how to deal with the AfD. Europe's commentators focus on the political turmoil in Germany and fear that Europe will have a hard time coping with the crisis in its centre of power.

In a keynote speech on the nuclear weapons doctrine, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasised the importance of nuclear deterrence. He called on the European partners to engage in a strategic dialogue and to participate in French military exercises. Commentators disagree on whether Paris can replace Washington as Europe's security guarantee.

The film Parasite and its director Bong Joon-ho are the big winners of the 2020 Oscars. For the first time in the history of the world's most coveted film awards, a non-English-language film won in the main category of best picture. European media discuss whether the political message behind the decision is hitting home and how Netflix and co. have changed the way we watch films.

Around 435,000 babies were born in Italy in 2019 - only half as many as 45 years ago and the country's lowest birth rate since 1861. With the number of births at just 1.29 children per woman, the country is now at the bottom of the list in Europe, according to new data from ISTAT. Commentators look enviously at France.

The likelihood of a direct confrontation between Assad's army and Russia on the one hand and Turkey on the other is increasing. Turkish soldiers were once again killed in strikes carried out by the Syrian regime on Monday. Ankara said that it had "neutralised elements of the Syrian troops" in retaliation. Media from Russia and Turkey hope the situation won't escalate further.