Eurotopics.net

After two elections and months of deadlock Spain is finally getting a new government. The socialist PSOE party has decided to back a minority government led by Mariano Rajoy and his conservative People's Party - a course they initially rejected after the election in June. Journalists predict that the Socialists will have a hard time supporting the conservatives.

After the third TV duel in the US election campaign 2106, all the attention is on Donald Trump's statement that he might not recognise the results. In saying this Trump has sullied democracy and declared himself a loser, commentators say. They also warn that if the old guard wins, we have not seen the end of populism.

Russian President Vladimir Putin paid a visit to German Chancellor Angel Merkel in Berlin for the first time since 2012. Together with the French and Ukrainian presidents they agreed on a plan of action for Eastern Ukraine. Merkel also criticised Russia's "inhuman" actions in the Syrian war. But without a strategic vision, Europe's leaders are powerless against Putin, commentators complain.

A dispute is brewing between the EU and Switzerland over the immigration controls the Swiss voted for in a referendum in February 2014. At stake is whether limits on immigration are compatible with the EU freedom of movement agreement. With Brexit negotiations looming the EU won't be willing to make any concessions, some commentators say. Others warn against making an example of Switzerland.

The Council of State in Greece is examining the legality of a law governing the allocation of TV broadcasting licences. Under the new law these were put to tender this year, and in a controversial auction licences were awarded to just four of the eight private channels in operation. The opposition is accusing the Syriza government of trying to gain control of the media - and criticism also comes from the Greek press.

At the start of the week the Iraqi army and its allies launched an offensive on Mosul aimed at regaining control of the most important Iraqi city currently in IS hands. The carefully prepared offensive is being commentated across Europe - with a view to the geography of the city and comparisons between the fighting in Mosul and Aleppo.