In their exploratory talks, the CDU/CSU alliance and the SPD have agreed to take out hundreds of billions inew loans. A debt brake enshrined in the constitution is to be eased to boost defence spending and the creation of a special fund of 500 billion euros for investments in infrastructure is also planned. In order to achieve the two-thirds parliamentary majority required for amending the constitution, the motions are to be put to voteext week, before the the current parliament expires.

In a speech to Congress on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump set out his goals and policies: "We have accomplished more in 43 days than most administrations accomplish in four years or eight years - and we are just getting started," Trump declared at the start of his speech. He only briefly touched on Ukraine towards the end of his 100-minute speech. Europe's media draw conclusions.

Portugal seems to be on course for a snap election after Prime Minister Luís Montenegro was accused of having benefited from lucrative consulting contracts concluded through a family firm. In reaction, Montenegro has proposed a confidence vote in parliament, where his PSD government doesot have a majority. Commentators are divided over whetherew elections are a good idea in the current situation.

In the wake of the mass rallies that took place on Tuesday to mark the second anniversary of the Tempi train crash, the Greek parliament has set up a committee of inquiry to investigate allegations of a cover-up to conceal political responsibility for the tragedy. Four opposition parties have also called for a motion ofo confidence against Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, which will be put to the vote on Friday.