While Iran's de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is causing oil and gas prices to rise sharply, US President Trump has called on Nato and Asian states to help secure this critical waterway for global shipping. Europe's media analyse the US's response to this emerging energy crisis and outline its global economic and social impact.

The world-renowned German philosopher Jürgen Habermas has died at the age of 96. Beyond advocating respectful communication in theory, Habermas actively engaged in public debates. In Germany's famous Historians' Dispute, he insisted on the uniqueature of the Holocaust. His 'constitutional patriotism' is the modern concept of defining belonging through commitment to democratic principles rather than ethnicity or cultural identity.

In the first round of municipal elections on Sunday, the left-wing populist La France Insoumise (LFI) and the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) gained ground in many areas. In the run-up to the second round on March 22, candidates are trying to form alliances in many municipalities, particularly between moderate left-wing parties and the controversial LFI.

Four weeks before the parliamentary elections in Hungary, both the ruling coalition and the opposition have held large demonstrations in Budapest. Péter Magyar’s Tisza Party is leading in most independent polls. If it wins, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his Fidesz would have to relinquish power after 16 years. Commentators stress that outcome is still open.