Eurotopics.net

Pope Francis has decreed that, in addition to marriages between a man and a woman, Roman Catholic priests can also administer blessings to same-sex couples in future - albeit without explicitly approving their status. Despite earlier indications from Francis, Rome had categorically ruled this out in 2021. The move triggers varied reactions in the media.

Finland signed an agreement in Washington on Monday granting the US military the right to use Finnish military bases. After joining Nato in April, this is a further departure from the country's long-standing policy of neutrality. Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin said the move would lead to "problems" and that Russia would now establish a "Leningrad Military District" and station troops on the Finnish border. How should Finland react?

The Russian financial monitoring authority Rosfinmonitoring has designated popular author Boris Akunin, who lives in exile, an "extremist" and "terrorist supporter". An investigation has also been launched against Akunin following a prank phone call by Kremlin loyalists in which he was persuaded to admit that he had collected donations for Ukraine. What to make of this latest move by Russia?

The vote to open accession negotiations with Ukraine at last week's EU summit remains a big topic of discussion in Europe's press. Commentators are worried by the fact that the required unanimity for the decision was only achieved because Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán left the room at the crucial moment. But looking forward also raises major questions about the process.