Eurotopics.net

Portugal is the world's fifth-largest producer of lithium. Its reserves in Europe's biggest mine in Guarda are among the ten largest in the world. The opening of new mines is under discussion and there are rumours that the government has already signed the relevant contracts. The plans are controversial for environmental reasons, as a look at the discussion in the country's press shows.

Russia hosted a summit and economic forum with high-level delegations from African states last week in Sochi. In his opening remarks Putin announced debt relief amounting to 20 billion dollars. Commentators suspect Moscow wants to revive the past and strengthen its presence in Africa once more. But they take a critical view of the investments this entails.

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, leader and founder of the Islamic State, is dead. According to President Trump, special forces of the US army led an operation against al-Baghdadi on Saturday night which culminated in the terrorist leader blowing himself up with his suicide vest. Donald Trump has called the operation a big success, but commentators are sceptical.

Germany's Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer called last week for the establishment of an internationally monitored security zone in northern Syria. The zone would serve to keep the conflicting parties separate from each other and ensure adherence to the ceasefire and neutral updates on the situation. The US has refused to take part. Commentators discuss the merits and timing of the initiative.

The centre-right camp led by the far-right Lega party won a clear victory in regional elections in Umbria in central Italy. Its candidate, Donatella Tesei, garnered 58 percent of the vote, giving her a substantial lead against the candidates of the centre-left. Does this success signal a return to power for Lega boss Matteo Salvini?