Eurotopics.net

The EU Parliament's Economics and Monetary Affairs Committee has recommended Christine Lagarde for the post of ECB president. Commentators criticise the fact that Lagarde, currently IMF chief, has defended current ECB head Mario Draghi's low-interest policy. Others see her embarking on a tricky balancing act.

Estonia's Finance Minister Martin Helme wants to finance the construction of new motorways and bridges through so-called Public-Private-Partnerships (PPP). Commentators warn that the conservative politician's plan aimed at easing the burden on the public budget and avoiding bureaucratic delays won't work.

The British House of Commons has passed a bill against a disorderly Brexit. If the House of Lords also approves the bill it could become effective before the prorogation of parliament on 9 September. Johnson may then call for a snap election, a proposal which the parliamentarians rejected on Wednesday. Does the House of Commons now have the control over Brexit?

Ursula von der Leyen, the designated president of the EU Commission, is screening prospective commissioners. The media take a critical look at the candidates put forward by the member states.

After months of protest Hong Kong's government has withdrawn the controversial extradition law which had been put on hold since mid-June. Commentators see the move as a tactic rather than a change of heart, and doubt it will put an end to the conflict.