Eurotopics.net

In response to Iran's threats to retaliate for the assassination of Hamas leader Haniyeh in Tehran, Israel has reportedly put its military on high alert in preparation for an attack that may involve not only Iran and the Hezbollah but also Yemeni Houthis and militias in Iraq and Syria. Europe's media speculate on what lies ahead.

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has rejected the EU Commission's criticism of the state of press freedom in her country. In a letter to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, she defended herself against the accusations and criticised certain media, describing them as "stakeholders" who had influenced the Commission. Commentators weigh in.

The largest prisoner exchange between Western states and Russia since the end of the Cold War took place last week. Russia and Belarus released 16 prisoners, including US journalist Evan Gershkovich, Russian human rights activist Oleg Orlov and opposition activist Vladimir Kara-Murza. Ten prisoners were handed over to Russia, including Vadim Krassikov, also known in Germany as the 'Tiergarten killer'.

The Hungarian government has issued a decree extending its "national card" immigration programme, which had previously applied to citizens of Bosnia-Herzegovina, North Macedonia, the Republic of Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia and Ukraine, to Russians and Belarusians. The national card allows holders to stay in Hungary, bring their family, extend their stay as often as they like - and potentially gain access to the Schengen Area. Europe's press calls for consequences.