Eurotopics.net

With 336 votes to 300, the European Parliament passed a new law for the restoration of endangered ecosystems in the EU on Wednesday. The European People's Party (EPP), European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) and far-right Identity and Democracy group (ID) had vehemently opposed the proposed legislation but in the end MEPs from the EPP and ECR also voted in favour. A success for the environment and politics or just greenwashing?

Although the leaders at the Nato summit in Vilnius did not set out a concrete scenario for Ukraine's accession, the alliance has pledged comprehensive support for the embattled country. The newly established Nato-Ukraine Council as well as bilateral agreements with the G7 states will ensure this support. Nato members also agreed to a new pledge to spend at least two percent of their GDP on defence in future. The results of the summit draw a mixed response in the press.

France is celebrating its national day - Bastille Day - today. Memories of the protests and riots after the shooting of 17-year-old Nahel M. are still fresh, President Macron has cancelled a TV interview that had been announced for the occasion and is playing host to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the latter's two-day visit to France. Commentators see little cause to celebrate.

Romanian authorities have inspected more than 1,000 homes for the elderly after evidence emerged of residents at three such facilities being severely abused, starved and exploited. Almost 40 establishments have been temporarily or completely closed down and those in charge arrested. Labour Minister Marius Budăi, to whom the social services are subordinate, has resigned. How could it come to this, and what consequences will the scandal have?

The news came shortly before the start of the Nato summit in Vilnius on 11 July: Turkey is lifting its blockade against Sweden's accession. After a lengthy discussion with Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, President Erdoğan declared that he would submit the accession protocol to the Turkish parliament for ratification as soon as possible. Commentators view the agreement as a milestone and discuss Ankara's motives.