Eurotopics.net

The UN Security Council has met to discuss repeated accusations by Russia that Ukraine is planning to use biological weapons or so-called "dirty bombs" that spread radioactive material. Western diplomats see Russia's accusations as an attempt to divert attention from its own war crimes and a threat. Commentators are full of foreboding.

Politicians and experts from the EU and G7 countries have convened in Berlin to discuss the options and requirements for the reconstruction of Ukraine. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for a "Marshall Plan of the 21st century" which he said should be put in place before the war ends. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the bloc could compensate for about one third of Ukraine's expected budget deficit. What comes next?

Britain has a new prime minister: former Chancellor of the Exchequer and multimillionaire Rishi Sunak is to meet King Charles III and be invited to form a government today. The country urgently needs stability and unity, Sunak stressed after winning the Conservative Party leadership race. How much room for manoeuvre does the new PM have?

A new media law in Turkey foresees up to three years in jail for those convicted of spreading "disinformation". Not only journalists but also users of social media can be punished. Commentators accuse the government of restricting freedom of expression and criticise the law also against the backdrop of the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections in June 2023.