Eurotopics.net

French President Emmanuel Macron this week presented his long-awaited climate plan. The national strategy is intended to make the country less dependent on foreign energy sources and be socially equitable. Commentators are at odds as to whether Macron has hit the nail on the head.

Six young people from Portugal are suing 32 European countries before the European Court of Human Rights in their fight for stronger climate protection measures. They accuse politicians of leading humanity towards a climate catastrophe through their inaction. The commentary columns welcome the lawsuit.

The conservative opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo failed to obtain the parliamentary majority he needed to form a government on Wednesday. The second attempt on Friday is considered hopeless. Pedro Sánchez, leader of the socialist PSOE, is now courting the votes of separatist regional parties in a bid to continue governing with his left-wing coalition. In return for their support the separatists demand amnesty for the organisers of the 2017 Catalan independence referendum.

Following the most serious confrontation between Kosovo and Serbia in recent years, Europe's press is debating the future of the region. Under EU mediation the two countries are engaged in talks aimed at normalising their tense relations, but so far without results. Pristina is not willing to extend self-government rights for the predominantly ethnic Serb communities in Kosovo. Commentators examine the situation, also as regards Serbia.

After Azerbaijan's military victory in Nagorno-Karabakh thousands of Armenian civilians are fleeing the region, fearing either forced displacement or oppression by the new Azerbaijani rulers. A large explosion near the regional capital Stepanakert on Monday night which killed at least 20 people and left hundreds injured has fuelled fears for their safety. Europe's press voices deep concern.