Donald Trump imposed high tariffs on goods coming from Mexico and Canada on the weekend, only to suspend the measure for 30 days after talks with the countries' leaders. New tariffs against China came into force, to which Beijing responded with counter-tariffs. Trump has also threatened to impose tariffs on the EU "pretty soon." Commentators discuss how Europe should react to a looming trade war with the US.

EU leaders convened for a special summit on Monday to discuss how to finance more spending on defence. Althougho agreement was reached on joint European debt, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed a generous interpretation of the debt rules. In addition to defence spending, commentators discuss the larger geopolitical issues at stake.

A long-prepared and technically complicated step is due to take place as quietly as possible this weekend: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania plan to sever their last remaining connection with the post-Soviet electricity system, known as the Brell ring, on Saturday. Once certain test runs have been completed they will then synchronise their electricity grids with the rest of Europe, probably on Sunday. Commentators take a closer look.

The partners in the four-party governing coalition have agreed on a joint candidate to run in the repeat of the Romanian presidential election in May: Crin Antonescu, a former head of theational-liberal PNL who has been absent from the political scene for the last decade. Commentators assess his chances but are already incensed by his plans to campaign against gay pride parades.