Eurotopics.net

After eight months of repeated postponements, the Hungarian parliament ratified Finland's bid for Nato accession on Monday by 182 votes to 6. It did not take a decision on Sweden's accession, however. Turkey's ratification for the two Nordic accession candidates is also still pending. Commentators assess the current state of play.

Nicola Sturgeon's successor as leader of the Scottish National Party has been elected. Sturgeon, who recently resigned as first minister and was the first woman to lead the country, will be succeeded by Humza Yousaf, the first Muslim Scottish leader. Yousaf comes from an immigrant family from Pakistan. The former health minister is considered social liberal in his views and is a close confidant of his predecessor. The European press discusses what to expect from the new leader.

After the bank quake in the US, the tremors are reaching Europe. The share prices of Germany's largest financial institution, Deutsche Bank, dipped by almost 15 percent several times last week. Confidence in the banking system remains shaken, despite assurances from leading politicians. Europe's press discusses ways to restore it.

Following Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement that tactical nuclear weapons are to be stationed in Belarus, fears that the war against Ukraine may escalate are growing. Putin pointed out that the US has also stationed nuclear weapons in allied countries in Europe. Europe's press speculates on the strategy behind this move.