Eurotopics.net

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wants to risk a second referendum on the country's independence in autumn 2023 - without London's approval if necessary. In 2014, 55 percent of Scots voted to remain in the UK. Is holding a second plebiscite a sensible move?

In 2018 Vienna decided to reduce family benefits for all workers whose children live abroad, lowering them to the level of the country of origin. Now the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled that this 'indexation' mechanism breaches EU law, leaving Austria facing hefty back payments. Observers see this as punishment for the populism that prevailed when Sebastian Kurz was the country's chanellor.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis sent a clear message of solidarity with Ukraine during their visit to Kyiv, vowing to support the nation as long as needed. President Voldymyr Zelensky spoke of a "historic day" for his country. Commentators say more must be done, however.

The EU Commission will make a statement today, Friday, on whether Ukraine should be allowed to join the bloc. During their visit to Kyiv on Wednesday the four EU leaders spoke in favour of the country's accession. However, members states are divided on the issue, and arguments for and against can also be found in Europe's commentaries.

As many regions in Europe struggle with a heat wave, Russia is reducing its gas supplies, leaving the continent facing the prospect of a cold winter. Germany and Italy, which under normal circumstances would be filling up their gas storage facilities in preparation for the cold season, are currently the worst affected. The shortages have caused a 30-percent rise in gas prices. Media in Central and Eastern Europe are concerned for consumers.