Eurotopics.net

The US has asked Germany and France to participate in a naval mission in the Persian Gulf to protect tankers from Iranian acts of aggression. London had initially proposed a European-led mission, but the new Prime Minister Boris Johnson apparently wants to cooperate more closely with Washington. Under what conditions should the various states engage in a mission in the Strait of Hormuz?

The exchange rate of the British pound has plummeted amid fears of a hard Brexit. At the same time share prices on the London Stock Exchange are relatively robust. Commentators from different countries have widely varying views on Brexit's impact on the economy.

After his failed attempt to form a government in Spain, Socialist leader Pedro Sánchez has until September to reach a deal or new elections will be convoked. Sánchez failed to secure the votes he needed for a new government after his party was unable to agree with Podemos on the distribution of ministerial posts. Commentators hope there is still room for compromise.

Lithuania is currently debating the removal of a commemorative plaque for Jonas Noreika, who fought in the resistance against the Soviet regime and who is venerated in the country as General Vėtra (storm). As a district leader during the Nazi occupation, Noreika signed orders on setting up ghettos and confiscating Jewish property. Such acts preclude veneration, commentators believe.

By the start of this week humans had already used up all the Earth's resources for this year, the NGO Global Footprint Network has stressed in its Earth Overshoot Day report. Reserves such as water, land, timber and clean air were calculated to have been used up by 29 July because they can no longer be regenerated in the current year. The date prompts urgent warnings in the media.