Eurotopics.net

The Netherlands' highest court has ruled that an exemption granted by the Dutch government that has allowed construction projects to circumvent EU environmental guidelines on nitrogen emissions is illegal. The decision threatens to put a stop to major building projects that do not comply with emissions reduction rules. The country has only recently been shaken by farmers' protests against emissions cuts. The national press is not sparing in its criticism of the Dutch government.

The FIFA men's World Cup starts in Qatar on November 20. The emirate faces global criticism over the human rights situation in the country. In France, for example, some cities are refusing to set up big public screens for watching the matches in protest. Commentators debate the right approach to the event.

After a nerve-wracking election night, Social Democrat and incumbent Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was able to secure a last-minute majority for her centre-left bloc. Although her party won the most votes, Frederiksen has announced her resignation in a bid to forge a broad government alliance with various other parties. The national press takes stock of the results.

The US midterm elections, in which all members of the House of Representatives and just over a third of those of the Senate will be chosen, will take place on 8 November. The Republicans are hoping to secure a majority, especially in the House of Representatives, where the Democrats currently outnumber them by just a few seats. Is President Joe Biden in for a beating?

Spain is facing severe drought. Precipitation over the past twelve months was 25 percent, and in some regions even 50 percent, below the long-term average. Climate experts fear the water shortages will intensify. Commentators call for swift but far-sighted action.