Eurotopics.net

The Russian currency is experiencing severe turbulence: since early August the rouble has lost almost a quarter of its value, and yesterday it dipped to a low of 115 roubles to the dollar. Although its exchange rate recovered a little afterwards, the downward trend continues. The press takes a look at the causes.

Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a US-brokered ceasefire for an initial period of 60 days. Both sides must now withdraw their units from southern Lebanon, with the Unifil peacekeeping force and the Lebanese army taking over protection of the border area. Europe's media greet the agreement with a combination of relief and scepticism.

US President-elect Donald Trump has announced that as soon as he takes office in January he plans to impose tariffs of 25 percent on imports from neighbouring Mexico and Canada and increase the current tariffs on Chinese imports by 10 percent. With these measures he aims to boost the US economy and exert pressure on these countries to combat illegal migration and drug trafficking. Europe's press is not convinced.