Syria is experiencing its deadliest outbreak of violent clashes since the new government took power three months ago. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights more than 1,300 people have been killed in the country's coastal region, including at least 830 members of the Alawite minority, to which ousted dictator Bashar al-Assad also belongs. Observers accuse government affiliated security forces of massacres. Europe's press voices concern.
At an emergency summit in Brussels on Thursday, the EU member states decided to boost their defence spending and fund a massive rearmament push. Debt rules are to be relaxed for military investments and up to 150 billion euros are to be made available in EU loans. A declaration on further support for Ukraine was adopted without Hungary's participation. Mixed feelings in the press.
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to meet with his European partners to discuss the possibility of extending the French nuclear umbrella to other countries. France and its 'Force de frappe' consisting of around 290 nuclear warheads has been the EU's only nuclear power since the Brexit. Europe's press examines the pros and cons.
Six people have been arrested in Romania on suspicion of treason and collusion with Russia. The move comes after the Russian military attaché and his deputy were expelled. According to an Italian intelligence service report, Russia orchestrated numerous hybrid attacks aimed at bolstering the far-right former presidential candidate Călin Georgescu. Moscow's foreign intelligence service SVR has now accused the EU leadership of pressuring Romania into bringing charges against Georgescu.
In their exploratory talks, the CDU/CSU alliance and the SPD have agreed to take out hundreds of billions in new loans. A debt brake enshrined in the constitution is to be eased to boost defence spending and the creation of a special fund of 500 billion euros for investments in infrastructure is also planned. In order to achieve the two-thirds parliamentary majority required for amending the constitution, the motions are to be put to vote next week, before the the current parliament expires.
In a speech to Congress on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump set out his goals and policies: "We have accomplished more in 43 days than most administrations accomplish in four years or eight years - and we are just getting started," Trump declared at the start of his speech. He only briefly touched on Ukraine towards the end of his 100-minute speech. Europe's media draw conclusions.
Portugal seems to be on course for a snap election after Prime Minister Luís Montenegro was accused of having benefited from lucrative consulting contracts concluded through a family firm. In reaction, Montenegro has proposed a confidence vote in parliament, where his PSD government does not have a majority. Commentators are divided over whether new elections are a good idea in the current situation.
In the wake of the mass rallies that took place on Tuesday to mark the second anniversary of the Tempi train crash, the Greek parliament has set up a committee of inquiry to investigate allegations of a cover-up to conceal political responsibility for the tragedy. Four opposition parties have also called for a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, which will be put to the vote on Friday.
The EU wants to massively increase its defence capacity: Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday presented the 'ReArm Europe' plan, which aims to mobilise up to 800 billion euros for defence spending across the bloc. The package includes eased debt rules and loans for investments in defence. Commentators look at the pros and cons.
US President Donald Trump has made good on his threats and imposed tariffs of 25 percent on imports from neighbouring Canada and Mexico. In addition, tariffs on Chinese goods were increased by 10 percent. Similar measures will follow for other countries in April, Trump reiterated in his speech to Congress on Tuesday. Europe's press takes stock.
According to media reports, Donald Trump suspended US military aid to Ukraine on Tuesday - and then announced to Congress on the same day that the Ukrainian president had backed down. Trump's announcement came after Zelensky released a statement on X emphasising Ukraine's desire for peace, thanking the US for the aid it has received so far and agreeing to the minerals deal that collapsed on Friday.