Eurotopics.net

The leaders of the Nato member states will convene in Turkey on Tuesday and Wednesday for a summit of the defence alliance. A glance at the commentaries shows that in addition to addressing the future of Ukraine and its stance vis-à-vis Russia and in the war in Iran, the defence alliance is also expected to redefine the relationship between the US and Europe.

The US celebrated the 250th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence from Britain on the 4th of July. "We will always be the best", said President Donald Trump on Saturday in his address in Washington. Commentators voice criticism, but also admiration.

As of this Monday there are no more printed daily newspapers dealing with political topics in Hungary. Magyar Nemzet, a newspaper with close ties to the former Fidesz government, will be published only as a weekly from now on, and the left-wing daily Népszava is also discontinuing its daily print edition. Népszava had been criticised for running state advertising under the Orbán regime in recent years, but after the change of government this came to an end.

The arrest of stand-up comedian Deniz Göktaş has caused a stir in Turkey. The Public Prosecutor's Office has accused him of denigrating religious values and insulting the president. A video of Göktaş's last performance reached around ten million views last week. Göktaş rejected the allegations in court, defending his work as satire. His lawyer criticised the investigators for taking certain passages out of context.

The leaders of the governing coalition in Berlin have agreed on a comprehensive reform package. The 34 measures in areas such as taxation, the pension system, labour law, innovation and red-tape reduction are intended to boost the economy and stabilise German society. "We want to get Germany back on its feet," stressed Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The media take stock.