Hungary's government aims to eliminate LGBT Pride events in the country: its parliament has passed a bill put forward by the ruling Fidesz party that could potentially make LGBT gatherings illegal, identify participants using facial recognition and subject them to fines of up to 500 euros. Commentators see red.

The Bundestag passed a controversial reform of the debt brake enshrined in the German Basic Law with the required two-thirds majority on Tuesday. This clears the way for a massive boost in defence and security spending and the creation of a special fund for infrastructure and climate protection measures – provided the Bundesrat also approves the plan on Friday. The press is at odds over the move.

Israel began carrying out air strikes in the Gaza Strip again on Tuesday night. More than 400 people have been killed so far, according to Palestinian sources. The ceasefire that has been in place since January was supposed to have entered a second, extended phase, but Israel would only agree to this if Hamas released all remaining hostages, disarmed and relinquished control of the Gaza Strip, which it has refused to do.

The British government has announced massive cuts to welfare with a view to reducing spiralling government spending on benefits for people with long-term illnesses and limited working capacity, and also increasing incentives to work. The national press voices both understanding and harsh criticism.

The second phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin since Trump took office is scheduled for today, Tuesday. The main topic will be the US-Ukrainian proposal for a ceasefire, initially planned to last 30 days. Commentators assess the various elements of a potential agreement and the challenges facing Europe and Ukraine.

With its US partnership on the rocks, the EU is looking for new ways to bolster its defence. One option is to involve Turkey, with its strong army and arms industry. Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte has reportedly suggested that EU member states seek closer cooperation with Erdoğan. Turkey's strong man, for his part, has repeatedly stressed the 'strategic priority' of Turkey joining the EU. Is a major deal in the pipeline?

Donald Trump has issued a presidential order stipulating massive cuts to Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and other US international broadcasters. According to media reports, around 1,300 employees have already been placed on administrative leave. Since the Cold War, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty has played a key role as an independent voice in autocracies and dictatorships worldwide. Commentators discuss how to respond.

More than 100,000 demonstrators marched against corruption under President Aleksandar Vučić in Belgrade on Saturday. Observers talk of this being the biggest popular rally since the fall of Slobodan Milošević 25 years ago. The months-long unrest was triggered by the fatal collapse of a roof at Novi Sad train station, which has been blamed on shoddy construction and cronyism. Europe's press chimes in.

In the early spring of 2020, Europe became a hotspot of the Covid-19 pandemic that first broke out in China. Most countries responded with restrictions that brought massive changes to people's everyday lives. Commentators in Europe's press recall how Covid - and the countermeasures - changed life and society with effects that are still being felt to this day.

Russia has agreed in principle to the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in the war in Ukraine. "The idea itself is correct and we certainly support it, but there are issues that we need to discuss," Putin said, stressing the need to "eliminate the original causes of the crisis". He added that the continued presence of the Ukrainian army in the Kursk region was a key obstacle.

The EU Commission has reacted swiftly to US tariffs of 25 percent on imports of steel and aluminium from Europe and announced plans to impose tariffs on 26 billion euros worth of US imports, including bourbon whiskey, jeans, motorbikes, boats and peanut butter, as of 1 April. In reaction to the announcement, US President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs of up to 200 percent on wine and champagne from the EU.

As Russia's war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, all eyes are on how it will react to the joint peace proposal presented by Washington and Kyiv. A high-level US delegation is heading to Moscow to negotiate a deal this week. Meanwhile, on Wednesday Putin visited the front in Kursk, where Russian troops are reclaiming territory occupied by Ukraine. Europe's press takes stock of the situation.