Led by close allies of Israel—including the UK, France, Australia, Canada, and the European Union—a group of 25 countries has issued a strong statement calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The statement describes the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as having reached "a new level" and condemns the killing of civilians, including children, and attacks on aid seekers. It urges Israel to adhere to international law, support peace initiatives, and release hostages held by Hamas.

Muslim umbrella organizations from across Europe have jointly issued the "Gaza Declaration" in Brussels, calling for an immediate ceasefire, release of detainees, and unrestricted humanitarian aid in Gaza. Representing over 15,000 mosques and Islamic institutions, the leaders condemned civilian killings, infrastructure destruction, and violations of international law. They outlined seven key demands, including recognition of Palestine and press freedom in Gaza. The declaration also emphasized unity against extremism and urged continued respectful dialogue with Jewish communities across Europe.

A recent study reveals that extreme heat driven by climate change caused the deaths of over 2,300 people across Europe between June 22 and July 2. The deaths occurred in 12 major cities, including Paris, Milan, Barcelona, and others in France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Italy. At least 1,500 fatalities were directly attributed to climate-related heatwaves. Milan was the worst affected, followed by Paris and Barcelona. Experts warn that heatwaves are becoming silent killers and could pose even greater public health risks in the future.

A wildfire on Greece’s Chios Island, reportedly caused by a discarded cigarette, burned 10,000 acres over three days. A Georgian woman was arrested for suspected accidental arson. Fires have since spread to other Greek islands and parts of Europe, including Germany and Spain, driven by extreme heat and strong winds. Thousands have been evacuated, and homes damaged, with at least two deaths in Spain’s Catalonia region. Experts say climate change is intensifying the frequency and impact of such wildfires across southern Europe.

Europe is enduring an unprecedented heatwave, with Spain and England recording their warmest June ever. Spain’s average temperature in June surpassed typical summer highs, while England set a new June record at 16.9°C. Portugal hit a scorching 46.6°C in June, signaling extreme summer heat. Meanwhile, Italy declared red alerts across 17 cities due to heat-related deaths and work restrictions. Turkey battles severe wildfires, evacuating 50,000 people in Izmir alone, as emergency teams fight hundreds of blazes.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s stance in a phone call on Sunday, declaring unequivocally that Iran should never possess nuclear weapons. Von der Leyen stressed the need for diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, while also calling for an immediate ceasefire. Speaking from the G7 Summit in Canada, she also warned that Iran-manufactured drones and ballistic missiles are wreaking havoc in both Ukraine and Israeli cities, calling for unified global action against the threats.

May 2025 was the world’s second warmest May on record, with Europe experiencing an exceptionally dry spring, especially in the northwest. Data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service shows global temperatures were 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Experts warn of worsening drought if rainfall doesn't arrive soon, threatening agriculture and water supply. Similar dry conditions were observed in parts of the U.S., Africa, Central Asia, and Australia. The trend reflects ongoing global climate change and increasing climate extremes.

NATO has urged Europe to boost defense production to secure its borders. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized the need for increased defense budgets and higher production of military equipment. He stated, “We must spend more to keep ourselves safe.” He also pointed out that the production of military supplies has been insufficient. After the U.S. halted military aid to Ukraine, its effects are already visible, as Russian forces have surrounded thousands of Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region.

Following the U.S. suspension of military aid to Ukraine, European Union leaders are planning an $860 billion increase in defense spending, a move welcomed by Ukraine. On March 3, European heads of state and government convened in Brussels to discuss strategies for supporting Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also attended the meeting. The discussions focused on how the EU could compensate for the halted U.S. assistance. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia would not relinquish any of its controlled territories, insisting that victory must lead to a “peace that suits us.” On the other hand, Trump urged Zelensky to strike a mineral resources deal.

The European Union has reaffirmed its stance that a two-state solution is the only viable resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Following the EU-Israel Association Council meeting on Monday, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated, “We support the Palestinian Authority’s return to Gaza and back the right of every displaced Palestinian to return to their homes.” She also emphasized that the EU would work with regional partners to facilitate Gaza’s reconstruction when the time comes. Meanwhile, the EU has urged Israel’s foreign minister to agree to a ceasefire and reconsider its military operations in the West Bank.

A recent comment by the U.S. President, which appeared to blame Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the war, stirred controversy. In response, EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas clarified on Thursday that she initially assumed the U.S. President had mistakenly confused Zelensky with Russian President Vladimir Putin when referring to a “dictator.”

Kallas emphasized that Zelensky is a democratically elected leader, chosen through free and fair elections. She further explained that during wartime, many countries suspend elections as per their constitution, and Ukraine has followed the same practice.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by labeling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky a “dictator without elections” and urging immediate action to “save the country.” Zelensky dismissed Trump’s remarks, accusing him of being misled by Russian propaganda. In response, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the denial of Ukraine’s democratic legitimacy, while British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed support for Zelensky during a phone call. Sweden’s Prime Minister criticized Trump’s statement, and Canada reaffirmed its commitment to Ukraine. Meanwhile, controversy is growing over the recent U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, which excluded Ukraine and Europe.

The European Union warned on Friday that U.S. sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) could undermine global justice and threaten the court’s independence. The U.S. imposed sanctions following the ICC’s issuance of an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The sanctions may impact ongoing investigations, including those related to Ukraine. The EU has stated that it will monitor and assess the implications of these actions. Meanwhile, the U.S. claims the ICC is engaging in unlawful activities, particularly in its investigations into alleged war crimes by U.S. forces in Afghanistan and Israeli forces in Gaza, despite neither country being an ICC member.