Eurotopics.net

The Nato summit in Madrid, which focused mainly on the war in Ukraine, comes to an end today. The participants decided that Russia will no longer enjoy partner status but will once again be viewed as the Alliance's greatest threat. In addition, Turkey lifted its opposition to the accession of Sweden and Finland. Europe's press draws parallels to the Cold War and reflects on the re-militarisation of the continent.

The environment ministers of the EU member states have agreed that as of 2035 all newly registered vehicles must be emissions-free. Contrary to the original plan for a strict ban on combustion engines, vehicles that use so-called carbon-neutral fuels will be exempted. The FDP, as coalition partner in the German government, had pushed for the exemption. Is this the right decision?

On Wednesday evening the verdict was pronounced in the almost ten-month trial of the perpetrators of the terrorist attacks in Paris in November 2015. The sole survivor of the terrorist commando received the maximum sentence: life in prison without the possibility of early release and only a slim chance of parole after 30 years. Were the high expectations for the proceedings fulfilled?

Dutch farmers see their livelihoods threatened by plans for new regulations limiting nitrogen oxide emissions. Within a week their initially peaceful protests have escalated, resulting in tractor blockades on motorways, the burning of hay bales, the emptying of a slurry tanker on the street and violent riots outside the house of Environment Minister Christianne van der Wal. The national press appeals to the farmers' sense of reason.

Turkey has paved the way for Sweden and Finland to join Nato: at the start of the defence alliance's summit, the three countries signed a trilateral memorandum assuring mutual support. Turkey's concerns regarding the fight against terrorism and arms exports have been addressed, Nato Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said. Commentators take stock.