Eurotopics.net

In Italy, the Five Star Movement is now also willing to join a government led by the former ECB chief Draghi. The members of comedian Beppe Grillo's party voted on the move on Thursday, with 59.3 percent in favour. But commentators doubt that the risk of instability and blockades has been banished, and are already sizing up the next elections.

The Catalans will elect a new regional parliament on Sunday. Now the parties that advocate independence for Catalonia have signed a joint manifesto affirming that they will not form a coalition with the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE). The latter, however, not only govern in Madrid but are also leading the polls in Catalonia. Even separatist commentators shake their heads in dismay.

Even after the row between the EU and Astrazeneca has for the most part been settled, criticism of Europe's approach to acquiring vaccines continues. Commission President von der Leyen has admitted mistakes, but defended the common procurement strategy. The commentaries in Europe's press reflect the controversy.

Turkey's President Erdoğan presented a new national space programme on Tuesday. Turks will fly to the moon for the Republic's hundredth birthday in 2023, he said.