Eurotopics.net

In a referendum this weekend the Romanian people will decide whether marriage will be defined in their constitution as a union between a man and a woman - effectively ruling out gay marriage. A church organisation initiated the vote. Some commentators see it as an expression of Romanian sovereignty, whereas others believe it will only further divide society.

The parliament in Kiev has approved on its first reading a language law that makes the use of the Ukrainian language obligatory in all public areas. For some the law is a necessary step on the path to sovereignty for Ukraine. Others warn against the consequences of a repressive language policy.

16 parties and electoral alliances will run in the Latvian parliamentary elections on Saturday. According to the latest polls, the Social Democratic and pro-Russian party Saskaņa (Harmony) is in the lead. Many Latvians fear the country could move closer to Russia. But such worries are exaggerated, Latvian commentators believe.

Prime Minister May defended her Brexit plan at the Tory Party conference in Birmingham: if the party fails to support her either Labour will take over or Brexit won't take place, she said. While some commentators say her dynamic performance has convinced people that she can bring Brexit to a successful conclusion, others fear the outcome is beyond her control.

The Vice-President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans has once again called on the Romanian government to renounce its planned judicial reform. The Commission sees the independence of the judges and the separation of powers in danger. Prime Minister Viorica Dancila has rejected the accusations. What fate awaits Romania now?