Eurotopics.net

After Lega brought a vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte it is unclear what will happen next in Italy. Conte could tender his resignation and be tasked with forming a caretaker cabinet by head of state Sergio Matarella. Lega chief Matteo Salvini was aiming for a snap election which would pave the way for his party to govern the country alone. Commentators voice fears about what this would mean for Italy and Europe.

Despite Beijing's menacing posture and torrential rain, hundreds of thousands of protesters once again took to the streets in Hong Kong on the weekend. Organisers talked of 1.7 million participants. According to media reports the Chinese central government stationed troops on the border with Hong Kong in advance of the demonstrations. Europe's press looks on enthusiastically.

US President Trump has announced that the US is interested in purchasing Greenland. The partially sovereign Arctic territory is still a constituent country of the Kingdom of Denmark and is largely subsidised by it. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has answered: "I hope very much that this is not meant seriously." Commentators examine what goals Trump could be pursuing with the plan to purchase the island.

Food, medicine and gas shortages, border controls and bottlenecks, protests and unrest - a government document leaked to the Sunday Times outlines the potential grave consequences of a no-deal Brexit. British MPs are calling for an early end to the summer recess. Europe's commentary columns also voice alarm.

Germany's GDP sank by 0.1 percent in the second quarter compared to the first quarter. International trade conflicts and uncertainties surrounding the Brexit are being cited as primary causes. Observers fear Germany's negative growth could have an impact on other countries. What steps should Europe's biggest economy take?