Eurotopics.net

The German government on Thursday agreed on a gas price brake to cushion the skyrocketing energy costs for consumers and businesses. Two hundred billion euros are to be earmarked for the plan. Other European countries are also introducing various measures to make the approaching winter more bearable. Commentators take stock.

Bulgaria will elect a new parliament for the fourth time in two years this Sunday, after the pro-European coalition under Kiril Petkov collapsed in June. According to polls, Boyko Borisov's Gerb will emerge as the strongest party while the pro-Russian, ultra-nationalist Vazrazhdane party looks set to secure 12 percent, more than doubling its share of the vote. Stable majorities are not to be expected, commentators note.

After the sham referendums in the Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, their annexation is looming - along with a new threat: that the Kremlin will then consider these regions Russian territory and any attempts by Ukraine to regain control an attack on its sovereignty. Europe's press discusses how to react to Putin's warning that he is ready to use nuclear weapons to defend his country.

Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2, the two gas pipelines running under the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany, have been ruptured and rendered unusable for the time being. Underwater explosions have been identified as the cause, strengthening suspicions of sabotage. Commentators discuss motives and suspects.