Eurotopics.net

People in Eastern Europe are more inclined than West Europeans to believe that their culture is superior to others, according to a study published by the Pew Research Center on views regarding religion, minorities and social issues. According to the researchers the continent is as divided now as it was in the days of the Iron Curtain. How can this be explained?

The acquittal of a woman convicted of blasphemy in predominantly Muslim Pakistan has driven Islamists onto the streets in protest. Asia Bibi, a Christian, allegedly made insulting comments about the Prophet Muhammad and was sentenced to death nine years ago under the country's controversial blasphemy law. Now the Supreme Court has overturned the verdict. Commentators stress the importance of this case.

The avant-garde theatre NO99 has shocked Estonia's cultural scene with the surprise announcement that it will close its doors in January 2019. It was no longer able to work in a way worthy of its creative ideals, the theatre said explaining the decision. Commentators commend the publicly-financed establishment's honest approach.

After Merkel's announcement that she will not stand again for election as leader of the CDU, Europe's leading politicians have expressed their respect for her decision and in particular her commitment to Europe. In these turbulent times the EU will have trouble surviving without a pro-European leader, some commentators fear. Others take a more positive view.

The Central European University (CEU) will move from Budapest to Vienna, according to its rector. The university, which is financed by George Soros, came under pressure after the Orbán government passed a law stipulating that foreign universities operating in Hungary must also be active in their home countries.