Eurotopics.net

The row over a fair distribution of refugees has reignited at the EU summit in Brussels. EU Council President Donald Tusk wants to scrap the refugee quotas system, which he recently described as "divisive" and "ineffective". However, states like Germany, Austria and the Netherlands made a push for solidarity at the summit. The deeply entrenched front lines are also reflected in Europe's commentaries.

Campaigners for a free Internet suffered a defeat in the US on Thursday. The country's top media regulator, the Federal Communications Commission, voted to dismantle the strict rules that ensure that all data is treated equally on the web. Commentators look at what the abolishment of net neutrality means.

With the votes of the Social Democratic and liberal ruling parties the Romanian House of Deputies has approved a controversial judicial reform. The EU has criticised the amendments for endangering the independence of the judges and giving corrupt parliamentarians immunity from prosecution. The vote in the Senate is scheduled for next week. Romania's media are already incensed.

The British parliament has secured the right to have a say on the Brexit deal. On Wednesday a majority of MPs voted in favour of an amendment to the EU withdrawal bill to this effect - against the government's will. Is this a bitter defeat for Prime Minister Theresa May, or is she secretly delighted?

On a visit to Syria on Monday President Putin announced plans to withdraw most of Russia's soldiers from the country, pointing out that the Russian and Syrian army had jointly destroyed most of the terrorists in Syria. Soldiers will remain stationed at the air base in Hmeymim and the naval facility in Tartus. What does the announcement mean for the region?