Thousands of residents across southern Europe have been forced to evacuate as new wildfires spread through Portugal, Spain, France, and Greece. Authorities in France banned spectators from Monday’s Tour de France stage through the Pyrenees due to the fire threat. More than 20,000 hectares of land have burned across the region, with temperatures reaching 43°C in parts of Spain. In France’s Pyrénées area near Perpignan, over 10,500 people were told to leave their homes as flames consumed more than 4,600 hectares.

Firefighters are battling multiple blazes, including in France’s Drôme region and Greece’s Thessaloniki area, where fires reached factories. In Spain’s Costa Brava, more than 2,200 hectares burned in two days. Portugal reported controlling a northern fire that destroyed 13,000 hectares, while Croatia’s Hvar island and Albania’s Tale area also suffered major losses.

Scientists from World Weather Attribution said June’s record heat in Europe would have been “virtually impossible” without human-induced climate change. Authorities have extended heat alerts in Portugal, Spain, and France, warning that the new heatwave could last through the weekend.

Health authorities in France, Belgium and the Netherlands have reported at least 3,700 deaths linked to a recent severe heatwave that swept across Europe. Officials cautioned that the figure is preliminary and could increase as more data becomes available. The heatwave, which lasted from June 20 to 28, disrupted power generation, damaged infrastructure and placed heavy pressure on hospitals.

In France, about 2,025 excess deaths were recorded, with a sharp rise among people over 45, according to Health Minister Stéphanie Rist. Between June 22 and 28, home deaths rose by 91 percent compared with the previous week, and fatalities also increased in nursing homes and healthcare centers. The French public health agency warned that the actual toll may exceed initial estimates.

Belgium reported around 1,200 excess deaths between June 18 and 29, including 530 people aged 85 or older and 180 under 65. Authorities described the situation as unprecedented. In the Netherlands, officials said roughly 480 additional deaths occurred, mostly among those over 80. Scientists noted that climate change has almost certainly intensified the extreme heat.

The European Union’s top court has upheld a €4.1 billion antitrust fine against Google, rejecting the company’s appeal in a long-running legal battle. The ruling, delivered on Thursday, confirmed that Google and its parent company Alphabet misused their dominant position in the Android operating system to promote Google Search unfairly. The decision marks a significant setback for the U.S. technology giant after years of litigation.

The case originated in 2018 when the European Commission accused Google of anti-competitive behavior by requiring smartphone manufacturers to pre-install Google Search and Chrome through licensing and pre-installation agreements. The Commission initially imposed a €4.34 billion fine, later reduced by a lower court to €4.125 billion while maintaining the core finding of abuse of dominance.

In its final judgment, the EU Court of Justice stated that the lower court had not misinterpreted the law. It found that Google’s pre-installation and anti-fragmentation agreements restricted competition and hindered new market entrants. The court also dismissed Google’s argument that its market position resulted solely from user preference or product quality.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that more than 1,300 excess deaths have occurred across Europe since June 21 due to an unprecedented summer heatwave. The extreme temperatures have broken records in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic, with Germany recording 41.7°C and Poland 40.5°C. France’s health ministry said nearly 1,000 additional deaths were recorded since Wednesday, mostly among people over 65. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that Europe is warming twice as fast as the global average and described heat stress as a “silent killer.”

Authorities across Europe have taken emergency measures to mitigate the crisis. France banned outdoor alcohol sales and canceled the Paris Pride March to ease pressure on emergency services, while the Netherlands canceled the Defqon.1 music festival after a “code red” alert. In France, at least 74 people drowned in rivers and lakes amid the heatwave. Meteorological agencies attributed the extreme conditions to a “heat dome” effect, which traps hot, dry air and intensifies surface temperatures.

WHO urged European nations to implement heat-health action plans as climate change continues to drive more frequent and severe heatwaves across the continent.

A severe heatwave is sweeping across Europe, with forecasts on Sunday, June 28, 2026, indicating that about 191 million people are experiencing temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius. According to a report by AFP, the heat is most intense in Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland. Data from the German Weather Service and Austria’s NGO ClimateDashboard show that excluding Turkey, around 381 million people across Europe are facing temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius.

The forecast suggests that nearly all of Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic will see temperatures surpassing 35 degrees Celsius, while about 42 million people in Germany, including those in Berlin, are affected. The heatwave also extends to Slovakia, Serbia, Croatia, Italy, Austria, and western Ukraine. In France, although a red alert is expected to be lifted by evening, around 11 million people continue to suffer from the heat.

Climate researchers warn that the actual number of affected people may be higher, as the weather model used does not fully capture urban heat island effects in densely populated cities.

A severe heatwave scorched Europe on Saturday, stretching from Scandinavia to the Alps and causing at least 12 deaths. Temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in several regions, breaking long-standing records in Germany, Denmark, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland. Authorities issued extreme heat warnings across Germany and neighboring countries as the heat moved eastward. France, Italy, and the United Kingdom also recorded unprecedented highs earlier in the week.

Scientists said such an intense heatwave would have been nearly impossible without human-induced climate change, which has made extreme nighttime temperatures far more likely. Governments across Europe took emergency measures: France restricted alcohol sales and postponed outdoor events, while Italy declared red alerts in 18 cities. Nuclear power plants in Hungary and Switzerland reduced or halted operations due to overheated river water. Rail operators in Germany and other countries reduced services and allowed free cancellations to prevent infrastructure damage.

Meteorologists forecast that the extreme heat will ease later in the week, with thunderstorms expected by Sunday. The phenomenon, known as an “omega block,” has trapped hot air over Europe, pushing seasonal averages far above normal and straining public health and essential services.

A severe heatwave sweeping across Europe has disrupted daily life in France, Spain, Italy, and Germany, with record-breaking temperatures prompting emergency alerts. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu reported that at least 40 people have died in water-related accidents since Thursday as residents sought relief from the extreme heat. Among the victims was a 13-year-old girl who drowned in the Seine River. The Eiffel Tower closed early on Tuesday, and the Louvre Museum shortened its visiting hours through Saturday due to the heat.

France recorded its highest-ever average June temperature at 29.8°C, while Monday night was the warmest in its history with a minimum average of 21.6°C. Two children were found dead in a car in Carpentras, and a young footballer was hospitalized after being rescued from the Rhône River. Spain, Italy, and Germany also faced dangerous conditions, with Spain’s Andalusia region reaching 45°C and Italy issuing red alerts in 15 cities. Germany reported several drowning deaths linked to the heat.

Meteorologists expect slight cooling in the Iberian Peninsula from Wednesday, but warn that the heatwave could intensify in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany by Friday.

A sweeping heatwave has engulfed Europe, with France, Belgium, Germany, and the United Kingdom reporting record or near-record temperatures. Scientists have identified the recurring heatwaves as a clear sign of global warming and warned that such events will become more frequent, prolonged, and intense. In France, nearly 20 people drowned over the weekend as citizens sought relief in rivers and lakes, prompting the sports minister to urge safety compliance. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu was scheduled to chair an emergency cabinet meeting to address the crisis.

The heat forced the shutdown of a reactor at the Golfech nuclear power plant in southwestern France after river water used for cooling exceeded safe temperature limits. Over 1,350 schools were closed as the national average temperature reached 29.2°C, surpassing all previous June records. Belgium’s weather agency forecast that the heatwave could last a week, possibly marking the country’s hottest period on record. Germany reported at least five drowning deaths, while the UK issued its highest-level heat alert for parts of England.

Authorities across Europe have advised limiting travel and outdoor activity, particularly for vulnerable groups, as infrastructure and public health systems face mounting pressure.

A severe heatwave has gripped Europe, disrupting daily life and breaking temperature records across multiple countries. On Monday, June 22, temperatures soared to unprecedented levels, with France reporting at least 18 deaths linked to the extreme heat. In Bordeaux, the temperature reached 41.9°C, surpassing previous records, while Poitiers recorded 41.2°C, breaking a 1947 record. Authorities closed or rescheduled classes in several French regions as a precaution.

The UK Met Office warned that the ongoing heatwave could break the country’s June temperature record, forecasting highs of up to 39°C. Spain also faced unusually high temperatures, with forecasts of 40°C in San Sebastián, while Italy issued red alerts in 12 cities due to the heat. Wildlife in Belgium has been affected, with birds suffering from extreme roof temperatures reaching 50–60°C.

Experts attribute the heatwave to an atmospheric pattern known as the “omega block,” which traps warm air over Europe. They note that climate change is intensifying such extreme weather events, increasing both heatwaves and heavy rainfall.

The European Parliament is scheduled to give final approval on Wednesday to a stricter migration law that will expand authorities’ powers to detain and deport irregular migrants. The legislation also allows the establishment of deportation centers outside the European Union. The vote in Strasbourg marks one of the final steps in a lengthy legislative process aimed at tightening migration control amid rising political pressure across member states.

EU Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner said the law clarifies that the EU, not smugglers, will decide who can stay or must leave. The law has faced criticism from human rights groups for provisions enabling the creation of ‘return hubs’ outside the EU, where people without legal residence rights could be sent. Several countries, including Denmark, Austria, Greece, Germany, and the Netherlands, have shown interest in hosting such centers, while France and Spain have opposed the plan.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated that the first agreements for these centers are expected by 2026, with operations starting in 2027. The EU’s focus has shifted toward improving repatriation systems, as only about 30 percent of those ordered to leave have returned home.

The European Parliament is preparing to give final approval to a tariff agreement with the United States, marking a potential end to a turbulent phase in transatlantic trade relations. The vote, expected on Tuesday, follows last year’s July accord that set a 15 percent tariff on most EU goods while eliminating tariffs on U.S. exports to the bloc.

Implementation of the deal had been delayed due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s dissatisfaction, tensions over Greenland, and a Supreme Court ruling that canceled several tariffs. All EU member states have already endorsed the agreement, leaving parliamentary approval as the final political step. The deal’s supporters include the European People’s Party and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Once approved, only administrative steps will remain before publication in the EU’s official gazette. The agreement includes safeguards limiting its duration to the end of 2029 and allowing suspension if the U.S. fails to meet commitments or disrupts trade and investment.

The European Union’s new Asylum and Migration Pact officially took effect across all member states on June 12, 2026, following prolonged discussions and debates. The reform aims to manage irregular migrant inflows like those seen in 2015, strengthen control at the EU’s external borders, and establish a fair solidarity mechanism for sharing responsibilities among member countries.

Under the new system, anyone arriving at EU borders without a valid visa or residence permit will not be allowed direct entry. Their identity, security, and health will be screened within seven days. Applicants will then be divided into two tracks: a fast-track border process for those with low chances of asylum or security risks, and a regular asylum process for those with stronger claims, which can take up to 20 months. The concept of “safe third countries” has been expanded, allowing transfers even without prior links.

The pact also extends biometric data collection to children aged six and above and enforces stricter rules to prevent secondary movement between EU states. A return order issued by one member state will now apply across the entire EU.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas reportedly compared Israel’s treatment of Palestinians to South Africa’s former apartheid regime during a private discussion, according to a report by Euractiv cited by Middle East Eye. The remarks were said to have been made between May 20 and 22 during her visit to Mexico as part of a high-level EU delegation. The report noted that her private comments contrasted with her public stance on the issue.

Officials and diplomats present at the meeting said Kallas referred to her previous visit to South Africa and her experience at the Apartheid Museum. She drew parallels between Israel’s control over Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank and the racial segregation system that existed in South Africa from 1948 until the early 1990s.

The report added that such comparisons are not new, as the United Nations, the International Court of Justice, and several human rights organizations, researchers, and legal experts have previously described Israel’s dominance over Palestinians as a form of apartheid. Ireland and Spain have also made similar statements in the past regarding Israel’s actions in the occupied territories.

The European Union has begun implementing its new European Migration and Asylum Pact from last Friday, introducing uniform rules for all 27 member states to manage irregular migration and asylum seekers. The European Commission urged countries to update laws, train officials, and strengthen border infrastructure, though it acknowledged that none are fully prepared. Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner called the pact a milestone, marking the start of a new phase in EU migration policy.

Under the new system, all foreign nationals entering the EU will undergo screening of up to seven days at the border. Applications from those deemed security threats or from countries listed as safe will be processed within three months, and rejected applicants will have only one chance to appeal. The pact also aims to expedite deportations, with rejected asylum seekers to be returned to countries considered safe, such as Syria and Bangladesh. Member states are also working on establishing return hubs in third countries.

Human rights groups have voiced concern that the new rules could undermine asylum rights and increase hardship for vulnerable people seeking protection in Europe.

A new survey by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) shows that trust in the United States as a security guarantor has dropped to its lowest level among Europeans. Across 15 European countries, only about 11 percent of respondents view the United States as an ally, and most doubt Washington would come to their aid if attacked. The survey was conducted in May across Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

The report notes that many Europeans expect relations with Washington to improve after Donald Trump’s presidency but are simultaneously preparing to strengthen their own defense systems and reduce reliance on U.S. military support. Factors such as U.S. actions in the Middle East, threats against Greenland, troop withdrawal pledges from European bases, and uncertainty about NATO’s future have encouraged Europe to take more independent security measures.

The survey also found strong support for reducing dependence on U.S. military equipment and prioritizing European-made products, with the highest backing in Denmark, the Netherlands, and Sweden.