Eurotopics.net

Poland has agreed to allow the transit of Ukrainian grain through its territory again starting Saturday, provided that none of it remains in the country. Hungary is following suit, while Slovakia and Bulgaria are sticking to their import bans to protect prices for their farmers. Brussels, which had initially criticised the blockades, has now announced plans to restrict Ukrainian imports to these four states and Romania.

Like China, Brazil is trying to mediate in the Ukraine war. Its proposals: no arms deliveries, Kyiv's renunciation of Crimea and a "Peace G20" for negotiations. President Lula has called on the US and EU to "stop promoting war and start talking about peace". Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov seemed very pleased with Brazil's stance during his visit to the country.

In the wake of protests by farmers who are struggling under the pressure of competition from cheap agricultural goods imported from Ukraine, Hungary and Slovakia have followed Poland in suspending imports of Ukrainian products, in particular grain. The EU Commission has criticised the move, insisting on its sole competence in trade matters. Europe's press sees a number of problems arising here.

France's President Macron has signed the controversial pension reform into law - just hours after the French Constitutional Council approved its key points. However, the very points that would have been advantageous for workers were deleted from the law for formal reasons. Macron defended his stance in a televised speech on Monday, saying that he was giving himself 100 days - until Bastille Day - to pacify the country.