Eurotopics.net

On the first of November, Finland always publishes tax data from the previous year. Nearly all media outlets list the income of prominent individuals. One can search online for the tax information of those who have earned more than 100,000 euros. And at the tax office information about people who've earned less than that can be requested. Is Finland doing the right thing?

After Merkel's announcement that she will not stand for election as leader of the CDU at the next party conference, Europe's leading politicians have expressed their respect for her decision and in particular her commitment to Europe. Europe's commentators are already looking ahead and discussing what qualities her successor will need, especially as regards their role in European policy.

Turkey's President Erdoğan has publicly contradicted Riyadh's version of the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. He talks of a planned murder and has demanded an explanation from Saudi Arabia. Ankara is cleverly cashing in on the affair, commentators observe, finding the way in which the revelations are being made known noteworthy.

For the first time in its history the EU has rejected the draft budget of a member state. Italy's plan violates the stability criteria, the EU Commission's vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis said. The government in Rome defended the budget which it has now been ordered to revise within three weeks. Is Brussels' hard line against a member state justifiable?

For the first time researchers have detected plastic particles in human stool. The theory now is that there are no more plastic-free areas on the planet. Today, Wednesday, the EU Parliament will vote on banning throwaway plastic products such as straws, cotton buds, cutlery and bags. But commentators doubt this would have the desired effect.