Eurotopics.net

In Poland, a major controversy has broken out over social benefits for Ukrainian refugees. Polish President Karol Nawrocki has lodged an objection to the government's Ukraine aid law, which is intended to guarantee benefits such as child benefit and social assistance until March 2026. Commentators see symptoms of a declining willingness to help, as well as risks for Poland and Europe as a whole.

Pop superstar Taylor Swift and American professional footballer Travis Kelce have got engaged in Missouri. A news story which would normally only make headlines in the tabloids and in fan circles is making waves well beyond, and has even drawn comment from the US President. Europe's press also asks: what does this say about our society and our times?

An Israeli planning committee has approved a project to expand Jewish settlements in a particularly sensitive area of the West Bank, effectively dividing the Palestinian territory in two. Meanwhile, the Israeli army is advancing on Gaza City. During a visit to troops there, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he would begin negotiations with Hamas immediately. European media assess Israel's actions in both locations.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said that a peacekeeping operation carried out by European troops in Ukraine would be "absolutely unacceptable" for Moscow and that at this stage a summit meeting between the presidents of Russia and Ukraine would be premature. The Russian military has also intensified its air strikes on Ukrainian cities. Europe's press sees little scope for peace negotiations.

After a military drone crashed in Poland on Wednesday, the country's defence ministry has accused Russia of provocation. As was the case in Lithuania three weeks ago, Poland's press now asks how prepared the country would be for hostile drones in an emergency situation.