Eurotopics.net

Many schools in Latvia offer only Russian as a compulsory second language from the fourth grade on. Parents are now demanding more options, but schools say they lack the teachers for other languages. State education plans envisage discontinuing Russian as a second language, but not until 2026.

Slovakia's parliamentary elections on Saturday could bring former prime minister Robert Fico back into power. The populist politician, who is under investigation on suspicion of criminal activities, has vociferously positioned himself against support for Ukraine. Fico's Smer party has a narrow lead in the polls over liberal Progresívné Slovensko led by MEP Michal Šimečka. Europe's press stresses the importance of this vote.

French President Emmanuel Macron this week presented his long-awaited climate plan. The national strategy is intended to make the country less dependent on foreign energy sources and be socially equitable. Commentators are at odds as to whether Macron has hit the nail on the head.