Eurotopics.net

In a speech to representatives of the Hungarian minority in Romania, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán criticised the sanctions policy against Russia and the supplying of weapons to Ukraine, calling for peace negotiations instead. He also caused a stir with comments about the supposed purity of the Hungarian race. Europe's press comments.

Half the continent is in the grip of a heatwave, with forest fires raging across southern Europe from Portugal to Greece, harvests drying out and life in some cities becoming unbearable with temperatures of up to 40 degrees. Europe's press discusses deficiencies in forest protection policies and false priorities. What needs changing - in climate policy, the media and collective consciousness?

After a long delay, the European Central Bank has announced it is raising interest rates by 0.5 percent. It has also unveiled a new crisis instrument, the TPI, designed to help heavily indebted countries through bond purchases. Commentators question whether this will staunch the double crisis of inflation and a looming recession.

Following the resignation of Prime Minister Mario Draghi, President Sergio Mattarella has dissolved the parliament and early elections are now scheduled for September. According to the polls, a coalition of conservative and far-right parties has the best chance of winning the vote. Europe's press is concerned.