Eurotopics.net

The US government has sharply criticised Europe in its National Security Strategy. Published over the weekend, the paper says the EU is undermining political freedom, suppressing political opposition and facing the loss of national identities, raising questions about whether certain European countries can remain reliable allies for the US. Commentators discuss the takeaways for the continent.

The EU Commission has slapped a 120-million-euro fine on online service X for its lack of transparency on advertising and user accounts. Elon Musk, the platform's owner, reacted by posting on X: "The EU should be abolished and sovereignty returned to individual countries, so that governments can better represent their people."

French President Macron has just returned from a 3-day visit to China during which he apparently failed to secure any breakthroughs on key issues such as China's trade surplus and Beijing's stance on Russia. Macron has now threatened with consequences if China refuses to take steps to open up its domestic market. Europe's press examines which country has more leverage.

According to a newspaper report, the European Central Bank (ECB) has refused to back plans to help Ukraine using frozen Russian assets. The bank reportedly declined to guarantee the reparations loan for Ukraine, citing possible violations of EU treaties. Belgium also continues to express doubts about the legal certainty of accessing the assets. Commentators examine the reasons behind this and look at alternatives.