Eurotopics.net

Israel and Iran appear to be observing the ceasefire announced by Donald Trump on Tuesday after several days of the two countries exchanging rocket fire and unusually harsh criticism of their respective leaders by the US president. Europe's press comments on the display of power from Washington and discusses what should follow.

Romania's new, pro-European government was confirmed by the country's parliament on Monday. In his inaugural speech, Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan announced a harsh austerity programme to tackle the budget deficit, which is the highest within the EU. A reduction in public sector staffing, caps on civil servants' salaries and the rollback of privileges are the agenda, as well as increased investments in healthcare and education.

The US airforce has dropped 'bunker buster' bombs on Iranian nuclear sites. The extent of the damage inflicted is not yet clear, particularly with regard to the Fordo facility, which is surrounded by mountains. The aim of operation, which was ordered by President Donald Trump, was to incapacitate the Iranian nuclear weapons programme, whose existence Iran denies. Europe's press assesses the situation.

The Hague is on tenterhooks in the run-up to the Nato summit that begins on Tuesday. The Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez surprised everyone by announcing that his country was rejecting the US demand to raise defence spending to 5 percent of GDP. As a result, Spain has been singled out from the 32 Nato members and granted an exemption. Europe's media are impressed by Spain's bold stance.