Eurotopics.net

As a colonial power the Netherlands systematically used excessive force and committed war crimes during Indonesia's war of independence from 1945 to 1949. This is the conclusion of the largest study to date on the subject, which was published last week. Prime Minister Mark Rutte apologised to Indonesia on behalf of the Dutch government. The national press comments.

The conservative People's Party (PP) is in the midst of an internal power struggle between two Madrid politicians: Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the president of the capital region, and Pablo Casado, leader of the party at the national level. The PP is the main opposition party and the strife is likely to intensify the drift of votes to the far-right Vox party, as was already evident in the regional Castilla y León elections on 13 February. The media are concerned.

France, certain European partners and Canada plan to withdraw their troops from Mali, where soldiers have been stationed for nine years to support local security forces in the fight against terrorist groups. Recently, however, these missions became a bone of contention when relations with the ruling military junta deteriorated. Europe's press approves of the withdrawal but warns of complications.

The situation on the Ukrainian border remains tense. Although Russia has announced a partial withdrawal of its troops stationed near Ukraine, US and Nato observers are reporting additional mobilisation. Intensified shelling and gunfire on the front in Donbass is also fuelling fears of an imminent escalation.