Eurotopics.net

The EU border agency and its long-time director Fabrice Leggeri have long been under attack for covering up human rights violations. Just under a fortnight ago, Leggeri resigned amid investigations by the EU's anti-fraud agency Olaf. Europe's press discusses how the current structures serve to conceal responsibility.

In the EU, 9 May is Europe Day and marks the anniversary of the signing of the Schuman Declaration in 1950, which is seen as the founding act of the EU. This year's celebration also marked the end of the Conference on the Future of Europe, which presented extensive reform proposals, including the abandonment of the unanimity principle in many areas. Europe's press comments on the results, also against the background of the Ukraine war.

In his Victory Day address on Red Square, Vladimir Putin described Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a preventive step in the interest of peace. He said the West had been arming Ukraine and planning an invasion. The speech contained neither an official declaration of war nor the announcement of a general mobilisation. Europe's press analyses its content and impact.

For decades, the EU's foundations have been based on trade and the internal market, while security was the responsibility of others. This has changed with Russia's war against Ukraine. Security and defence policy are now at the top of the agenda, and in supplying arms the EU is taking sides. Not all European media welcome this change.