Eurotopics.net

A majority of the French National Assembly has voted to abolish the green zones, or LEZs (low emission zones), which around 40 cities had introduced to improve air quality. Members of the Assembly criticised the ban on heavy and polluting vehicles as anti-social, arguing that low-income earners can't afford low-emission cars. The national press is incensed.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday lifted restrictions on Ukraine's use of Western weapons against military targets in Russia, saying that this was necessary for the country to be able to defend itself effectively. With this move Berlin has aligned itself with other allies whose weapons systems have already been approved to this end. However, although it has long-range weapons in the form of Taurus cruise missiles, Germany has refused to deliver them to Kyiv so far.

Poles will head to the polls on Sunday to choose between the liberal Mayor of Warsaw Rafał Trzaskowski and right-wing conservative Karol Nawrocki as their next president. In the first round of voting the two candidates were almost neck and neck, with roughly 31 and 30 percent of the vote, respectively. Several far-right politicians were surprisingly successful and their votes will now be crucial. Commentators see repercussions far beyond Poland.

Twenty EU member states have published a joint declaration calling on the EU to exhaust all sanction options against Hungary if Budapest refuses to withdraw restrictions on LGBT rights adopted in March and April. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also brought sanctions against Hungary and Slovakia into play over their Ukraine and Russia policies, which deviate from those of the majority in the bloc.

King Charles III has delivered his throne speech at the opening of the new parliament in the Canadian capital of Ottawa. Although he didn't make direct reference to President Donald Trump's proposal to make Canada the 51st state of the US, his speech contained a few side blows. "The true north is indeed strong and free," said the British monarch in reference to Canada's national anthem. Commentators discuss the royal visit.