Eurotopics.net

Greece has witnessed five contract killings linked to the mafia and organised crime since April. The Minister of Citizens' Protection Michalis Chrisochoidis has declared war on organised crime and promised to restore order and security. But it may already be too late for that, the media fear.

Many European countries are now discussing how to address the problems caused by homeschooling. In the UK, Education Recovery Commissioner Kevan Collins resigned in protest when only 1.4 billion pounds was approved instead of the 15 billion he had demanded. This is also the subject of heated discussion in the British press. Meanwhile, in the Netherlands an even larger financial package is coming under fire.

The US government has imposed far-reaching sanctions against several prominent Bulgarians and their companies. The move was aimed at holding corrupt individuals accountable and supporting the rule of law in Bulgaria, it said in a press release. High-ranking politicians are mentioned, albeit not by name, but for the national press it's clear who is the target here.

In Israel, opposition leader Yair Lapid has announced the formation of an eight-party coalition. This will be the country's first government in twelve years without Benjamin Netanyahu. The Knesset has yet to give the coalition its approval, however. Can the new alliance bring stability to a country in permanent political crisis?

Russia has seen a crackdown on Kremlin critics in recent weeks. The authorities have taken harsh action against several independent opposition figures, including arrests, searches and investigation proceedings. The critical news website newsru.com has had to shut down after 21 years in operation, and Vtimes will also be discontinued on 12 June. Commentators are alarmed.