Eurotopics.net

Almost a dozen representatives of right-wing populist parties from across Europe met in Milan on the weekend. Thousands came to hear the address by Lega leader Salvini and several counter-demonstrations took place. Salvini wants to create a European Alliance of Peoples and Nations that brings together nationalist parties in the EU Parliament. Can such an alliance work?

An interview with Angela Merkel has fuelled speculation that she may have plans to go to Brussels - even before her time as chancellor ends. She told the Süddeutsche Zeitung that she feels duty-bound towards Europe. At the same time she reaffirmed her decision to withdraw from politics in 2021. Nevertheless, Europe's media eagerly discuss the topic.

Erdoğan has added fuel to the fire in Turkey's dispute with its Nato partners over the purchase of Russian anti-aircraft missiles. He has announced that not only will Turkey buy the S-400 missile system, but that it will also build the S-500 model together with Russia. This is likely to exacerbate the tensions between Ankara and Washington. But according to Turkish observers it's all a storm in a teacup.

Huawei is blacklisted in the US as of today, Friday. US firms are now banned from doing business with the Chinese telecommunications company without prior consent from the US administration. Washington accuses the company of intending to use its technology for spying, which Huawei flatly denies. Europe's commentators examine different ways of dealing with the 5G market leader.