Eurotopics.net

In the run-up to the Swedish general election on Sunday, the centre-left opposition comprising the Social Democrats, the Left Party, the Greens and the Centre Party is leading the polls, ahead of the centre-right coalition of Liberal Conservatives, Christian Democrats and Liberals, which cooperates with the right-wing Sweden Democrats (SD). However, both camps have been hit by new scandals shortly before the vote.

The European Central Bank (ECB) has raised its key interest rate from 2.25 to 2.5 percent. Officials said the decision was prompted by inflationary pressure caused by the conflict in the Middle East. Prices are being driven up primarily by the oil price shock resulting from the war in Iran. Commentators see little hope of the situation improving with this measure.

Around 2,000 representatives from politics, the military, business and research were invited to Paris to attend the International Space Summit on Wednesday and Thursday. The purpose was to explore ways in which Europe can catch up with the US and China, who are currently leading the space race. "Our European space programme is fragile and we must step up our efforts," French President Emmanuel Macron stressed at the opening event.

It remains unclear what kind of government will emerge in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt after the AfD's election victory there. Commentators across Europe voice concern about the strong performance of the party's regional branch – which is officially classified as right-wing extremist – and what this means for Europe's security, the cohesion of the EU and democracy in other countries.

Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni and her government have been in office for just under four years now – longer than any other Italian government in the last 80 years. When she first took power many feared that her party, Fratelli d'Italia, and its post-fascist roots would have a negative impact on the government's work and Italy's role in Europe. Commentators take stock.