Eurotopics.net

Theresa May has asked the EU for Brexit to be delayed until 30 June after the House of Commons fast-tracked the approval of a law that obliges the government to seek a further extension. In the meantime May hopes to negotiate a deal with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn that would presumably result in closer ties to the EU than her current deal. What options are on the table now?

The Italian bank Unicredit has indicated that it would be interested in taking over Commerzbank if the negotiations for latter's merger with Deutsche Bank fail. Trade unions fear that the merger could lead to drastic reductions in staff. Commentators explain what kind of mergers make sense - and why.

The CHP candidate Ekrem İmamoğlu won the mayoral election in Istanbul by a margin of just 27,000 votes, edging out AKP candidate Binali Yıldırım. The AKP demanded a recount of invalid Ballots in several constituencies which, however, appears to reconfirm İmamoğlu's victory. The electoral commission has now announced that the recount will be extended. Observers explain what's behind the move.

Nato's 70th anniversary celebrations are being marred by discord. The foreign ministers of the member states gathered in Washington and Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg praised the alliance's achievements. But before the meeting got underway the White House took Germany to task for its low defence spending. Commentators discuss the challenges facing the alliance.