Eurotopics.net

Anticipating the dangers that the US's Inflation Reduction Act could pose to Europe's economy, the EU Commission reacted last week by presenting the Green Deal Industrial Plan. Commentators discuss the threats but also examine why the plan has not met with approval in all member states and is likely to be the subject of fierce debate at the EU summit on Thursday and Friday.

When right-wing populist Giorgia Meloni became Italian prime minister Europe sounded the alarm. After more than 100 days in office she appears to many as rather pragmatic and reserved. Commentators take stock.

Thousands of people have been killed in powerful earthquakes in Turkey and Syria while countless more have been left homeless and exposed to the cold. Offers of assistance have come in from the US, China, Russia, Ukraine, Israel and Greece, among others. The high death count is not due to the natural disaster alone, Europe's press points out.

Rising rents and housing shortages were already a major issue in Europe before the pandemic - especially in the cities. Now war, inflation and high energy and construction costs are exacerbating the problem. Despite regional differences, there is a general consensus in the commentary sections that tougher regulations and more investment in public housing are needed.