Eurotopics.net

The DNA, Romania's anti-corruption agency, was founded in 2002 as a judicial tool for making Romania fit for EU accession. It last made headlines when the government and influential circles tried to oust its director Laura Kövesi, who now heads the European Public Prosecutor's Office. Romania's press takes stock of its performance in the 20 years since its launch.

After a series of explosions in the Baltic Sea, leaks have been discovered in Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2, the two gas pipelines that run between Russia and Germany. The governments of Denmark and Sweden say the blasts were likely an act of sabotage. Commentators in Europe's press voice suspicions and concern.

In hastily arranged polls controlled by the Russian military in four Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, between 87 and 99 percent of participants reportedly voted to join Russia. According to Moscow's logic, once these regions have been annexed the Ukrainian army would be deemed an aggressor on Russian territory that can be fought with all means, including nuclear weapons.

Elections to Latvia's parliament, the Saeima, will be held this Saturday. The country has been governed by a centre-right coalition of five parties since 2018, with the Social Democratic "Harmony" party, which sees itself as representing the Russian minority, in opposition. With Moscow's war of aggression still raging in Ukraine, the election could reshape the political landscape.