Eurotopics.net

This year's Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to human rights activists in Belarus, Russia and Ukraine: Ales Bialiatski, currently imprisoned in Belarus, the Memorial organisation, recently dissolved and banned by the Russian state, and the Ukrainian Centre for Civil Liberties. What message does this send?

Over the last five years, thousands of women have exposed their experiences of sexual harassment and abuse under the hashtag MeToo. Originating in the US against the backdrop of the Weinstein scandal, the movement quickly gained international dimensions. Europe's press takes stock.

Alexander Van der Bellen has secured victory against his challengers and will remain President of Austria. According to projections, the former Green Party leader won 56 percent of the vote. Four of Van der Bellen's six rivals represented right-wing populist positions, and together they garnered more than 30 percent. For commentators the outcome reflects the mood in the country.

Forty-four European heads of state and government met in Prague on Thursday to establish the European Political Community. This expanded platform was proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron in May. The goal is to reach out beyond the EU and offer the countries of Europe, including non-members, a platform for political coordination in the face of Russia's war on Ukraine. Commentators praise the initiative but see a lot of work ahead.

Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is now taking its toll on its own population. Following Putin's mobilisation, the authorities are not being picky and are recruiting men en masse without regard for their age, health or previous military experience. Now that Russia is on the defensive militarily, the people's unease is growing. Commentators discuss how dangerous this could be for Putin.