Eurotopics.net

From the end of October, Austrians will be able to buy a state-subsidised annual ticket entitling them to nationwide public transport for around 1,000 euros. The Green Minister of Climate Action, Leonore Gewessler, hopes that the new "climate ticket" will encourage people to switch from cars to buses and trains. But not all Austria's states are on board - Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland have yet to give their consent.

Russia, China, Pakistan and Iran have reacted with satisfaction to the debacle of the US and its allies' withdrawal from Afghanistan. But observers voice doubts as to whether these actors will be able to fill the power vacuum that the departure has created and thus position themselves as new global players.

EU Home Affairs Commissioner Johansson warned against further destabilisation of Afghanistan at a meeting of EU foreign ministers on Wednesday and said the bloc was preparing for all scenarios. According to media reports, the European Council had already discussed the situation at the beginning of July and come to a similar conclusion. Commentators criticise the EU for failing to take appropriate steps back then.

After the conquest of the country by the Taliban fighters, governments all over the world must now position themselves vis-à-vis the new de facto rulers. Europe's press discusses the question of how stable their grip on power is and whether governments should negotiate with the Taliban.