Eurotopics.net

French President Macron has just returned from a 3-day visit to China during which he apparently failed to secure any breakthroughs on key issues such as China's trade surplus and Beijing's stance on Russia. Macron has now threatened with consequences if China refuses to take steps to open up its domestic market. Europe's press examines which country has more leverage.

According to a newspaper report, the European Central Bank (ECB) has refused to back plans to help Ukraine using frozen Russian assets. The bank reportedly declined to guarantee the reparations loan for Ukraine, citing possible violations of EU treaties. Belgium also continues to express doubts about the legal certainty of accessing the assets. Commentators examine the reasons behind this and look at alternatives.

US emissaries Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner spent five hours on Monday trying to negotiate a peace deal with Vladimir Putin on Ukraine. But according to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, there was agreement only on 'some points' and 'a lot of work lies ahead' for Washington and Moscow. US President Donald Trump said his delegation had been left with the impression that Putin was interested in peace. Commentators examine what this might mean for Europe?

The EU is set to ease its labelling requirements for genetically modified foods. Negotiators from the European Parliament and member states have agreed that products where existing genes have been "modified" but no foreign genes have been inserted will no longer require mandatory labelling. What are the ramifications?

The path is now clear for Andrej Babiš to become the Czech Republic's new head of government. President Petr Pavel has agreed to appoint him prime minister on Tuesday, after the multi-billionaire announced that he is transferring his company Agrofert to an independent trust to resolve the existing conflict of interest. Pavel had made this a precondition for the appointment. The Czech press takes stock.