Newsflash

Is Spain's opposition plotting to oust weakened PM soon?

Spain's left-wing coalition government faces a significant crisis following the imprisonment of former Socialist heavyweight Santos Cerdán on corruption charges. The scandal has also implicated former transport minister José Luis Ábalos, a key figure in Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez's rise to power. Audio recordings published by the media have revealed discussions of kickbacks for public contracts and other illicit activities, leaving little doubt about the alleged wrongdoings. Additionally, separate investigations are targeting Sánchez's wife and brother, further complicating his political standing.

The rival Popular Party (PP) is capitalizing on the Socialists' turmoil, with their upcoming congress in Madrid taking on heightened significance. The PP is set to re-elect Alberto Núñez Feijóo as leader and appoint Miguel Tellado as the new secretary general, a figure known for his aggressive rhetoric against the Socialists. The PP's strategy involves portraying the Socialists as corrupt and undemocratic, while avoiding a no-confidence motion due to the lack of a parliamentary majority. An alliance with the far-right Vox party is theoretically possible but would alienate other potential allies.

Sánchez's government, meanwhile, is struggling to maintain its fragile coalition of far-left and regional separatist groups. The influential PP leader of the Madrid region, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, has cautioned her party against missteps that could inadvertently strengthen Sánchez. However, pressure on Sánchez is mounting, with calls for his resignation growing both within and outside his party. The Socialist leader of the Castilla-La Mancha region, Emiliano García-Page, has even suggested that there is no dignified way out for the prime minister. As the scandal unfolds, early elections appear increasingly likely, although Sánchez could potentially survive until the end of his term in 2027 if his allies remain steadfast. 🇪🇸💥

The church by the airport: Inside Russia’s suspected spy activities in Sweden

In the serene Swedish city of Vasteras, a striking Russian Orthodox church stands near the strategically important Stockholm-Vasteras Airport, raising eyebrows among local residents and security experts alike. The Church of the Holy Mother of God of Kazan, with its tall, onion-domed spire, is shrouded in mystery and suspicion. Its proximity to the airport, a key site for NATO exercises and military operations, has sparked concerns about potential espionage and hybrid activities threatening Sweden’s national security.

The church’s elusive priest, Father Pavel Makarenko, has ties to Russian intelligence services, and the Moscow Patriarchate, which oversees the church, is known for its close links to the Kremlin. The church’s construction was marred by irregularities, including the approval of an unusually tall spire despite local zoning restrictions. Moreover, the church has received significant funding from Russian state-owned entities and has hosted high-ranking Russian officials, further fueling suspicions.

The Moscow Patriarchate’s expansion in Sweden is part of a broader strategy to establish Russian influence abroad, often using churches as cover for intelligence-gathering and other hostile activities. In Ukraine, similar churches have been suspected of housing weapons and spies. In Sweden, the security service SAPO has warned that the Moscow Patriarchate is using its churches as platforms for intelligence operations and has encouraged support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The church in Vasteras is not an isolated case. The Moscow Patriarchate has attempted hostile takeovers of other Russian Orthodox churches in Sweden, aiming to bring them under its control and advance Russian political interests. These attempts have often involved flooding churches with new members to seize control and have targeted strategically located churches near critical infrastructure.

The Swedish government is taking notice. The city of Vasteras has proposed investigating the potential expropriation of the church, citing its possible use for espionage activities. Meanwhile, the Moscow Patriarchate continues to expand its footprint in Europe, using churches as tools for Russian influence and intelligence operations. The situation highlights the complex and often hidden ways in which geopolitical tensions play out, even in seemingly peaceful settings. 🇷🇺🕵️‍♂️

Trump agrees to work with Kyiv on strengthening air defences, Zelensky says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a significant agreement with U.S. President Donald Trump to enhance Ukraine’s air defenses. This development comes amidst growing apprehension in Kyiv following the U.S. decision to pause shipments of critical weapons, which has raised concerns about Ukraine's ability to defend against ongoing Russian attacks. Zelensky highlighted the importance of this collaboration, emphasizing the need for robust air defense capabilities to protect Ukrainian skies.

During a phone conversation, the two leaders discussed opportunities to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses and agreed to work together on this critical front. Zelensky also mentioned exploring joint defense industry capabilities and production, particularly in areas such as drones and related technologies. This collaboration is seen as crucial for Ukraine's security, especially in the face of persistent Russian aggression. 🇺🇸🇺🇦🛡️

Today in Denmark: A roundup of the news on Friday

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Denmark to meet with Danish and EU leaders, emphasizing the need for strengthened cooperation with Brussels and NATO amidst uncertainties surrounding U.S. military aid. Zelensky reiterated Ukraine's support for a ceasefire and planned to discuss the situation with U.S. President Donald Trump. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen echoed the importance of European security and pledged to advocate for Ukraine's EU membership during Denmark's presidency of the bloc. She asserted that supporting Ukraine is crucial for Europe's security and freedom, and that Ukraine belongs in the EU.

Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department has requested extensive documentation from U.S. embassy staff in Denmark, including private communications related to President Trump's interest in purchasing Greenland. This unusual demand has raised eyebrows due to its broad scope and tight deadline. In another development, Denmark denied compensation to four individuals of Greenlandic origin who claimed they were adopted under questionable circumstances in the 1950s to 1970s. Their lawyer has vowed to take the case to court, highlighting the contentious history of adoptions between Greenland and Denmark. 🇩🇰🇺🇦🇬🇱

Zelensky says Russia's record aerial attack on Ukraine shows Putin's 'disregard' for US, peace

On May 26, Kyiv experienced a devastating aerial assault, the largest drone attack of the war, which resulted in the death of one person and injuries to at least 23 others. The assault, involving 539 drones and 11 missiles, caused widespread damage to buildings, cars, and railway infrastructure across the city. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack as "deliberately massive and cynical," highlighting Russian President Vladimir Putin's disregard for peace and international efforts to end the conflict.

The attack occurred shortly after a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Putin, during which no progress was made towards a ceasefire. Zelensky later spoke with Trump, and they agreed to enhance Kyiv's air defense capabilities through joint production, purchases, and investments. The U.S. has temporarily paused some missile deliveries to Ukraine due to stockpile concerns, prompting Germany to consider acquiring Patriot air defense systems to fill the gap.

The assault damaged numerous apartment blocks, schools, kindergartens, cafes, and cars in six of Kyiv's districts. Poland reported damage to its embassy's consular section, while Ukrainian officials found Chinese components in one of the Shahed drones used in the attack. Russia claimed to have targeted drone factories, a military airfield, and an oil refinery, but Ukraine did not confirm any significant military losses.

Zelensky called for increased sanctions against Russia, emphasizing the need for consequences for Moscow's actions. The Ukrainian Air Force reported destroying 478 of the launched weapons, with airstrikes recorded in eight locations. Despite both sides denying targeting civilians, thousands have been killed, and many more injured in the ongoing conflict. 🇺🇦💥

Hundreds of flights cancelled across Europe as travel chaos continues

As summer holidays commence, French air traffic control strikes have led to widespread flight cancellations and delays across Europe. The European Airlines for Europe (A4E) association reported that approximately 1,500 flights were canceled on Thursday and Friday, impacting around 300,000 passengers. The strikes, organized by minority unions demanding better working conditions, have caused significant disruptions, with nearly 500,000 minutes of delays affecting around 33,000 commercial flights.

Ryanair, Europe's largest airline, canceled over 400 flights, with CEO Michael O'Leary criticizing the strikes and urging the EU Commission to protect overflights by law. Paris airports were particularly hard hit, with cancellations reaching 25% on Thursday and expected to rise to 40% on Friday. French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou condemned the strike, describing it as "shocking" and accusing the unions of taking the French public hostage. The strike's timing, coinciding with the start of summer holidays, has exacerbated the impact, with many families' travel plans disrupted. The cancellations extend beyond France, affecting flights that overfly the country, highlighting the broader European implications of the strike. 🛬️🛫

Poland criticises Germany’s “unacceptable” nighttime return of Afghan migrant over border

Poland has strongly condemned an incident where German officers left an Afghan migrant unaccompanied at the Polish border in the middle of the night, describing the action as "unacceptable" and "intolerable." The event, captured on video, shows German officers escorting the man to the border without notifying Polish authorities or following established procedures. Poland's interior ministry spokesman, Jacek Dobrzyński, stated that this incident justifies the country's decision to reintroduce border controls with Germany starting next week. This move comes amid heightened tensions over Germany's policy of returning thousands of migrants to Poland, with around 11,000 migrants sent back in the past 14 months. The issue has sparked protests and the formation of "citizen patrols" along the border, with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warning that Poland may stop complying with international agreements on migrant returns. The reinstated border controls aim to prevent the "uncontrolled flow of migrants," with 52 checkpoints established along the German border and 13 along the Lithuanian border. 🇵🇱🇩🇪🚨

From ancient Athens to AI: The evolving anatomy of misinformation

Misinformation, often perceived as a modern digital phenomenon, has been a persistent issue throughout history, from ancient Athens to today's AI-driven world. While the core problem remains the same, the speed, scale, and fragmentation of misinformation have intensified, making it nearly impossible to achieve a universally accepted truth. Empirical studies, such as those conducted by MIT and Pew Research Center, highlight the rapid spread of false news, particularly when it is emotionally charged or novel, and the widespread encounter with misinformation online.

Psychological factors, like motivated reasoning, contribute to our susceptibility to misinformation. People tend to accept information that aligns with their worldview and reject evidence that challenges it, often driven by a desire for belonging, reassurance, or outrage. This phenomenon is not new; historical examples from ancient Athens, such as the accusations during the plague and the mutilation of herms, illustrate similar patterns of distorted information and suspicion.

In contemporary times, misinformation spreads rapidly across digital platforms, shaping public discourse and even influencing high-level political decisions. Examples include the "birther" conspiracy in the U.S. and the QAnon conspiracy theory, which have led to real-world consequences, including violence and political instability. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated these patterns, as eroding trust in institutions led individuals to rely more on rumors and closed online groups.

The problem of misinformation is not solely a "bottom-up" issue but also a "top-down" phenomenon, driven by leaders who dismiss objections and speak with omniscient authority. This behavior encourages hyper-partisan attitudes and cynicism among the public. Artificial intelligence exacerbates the issue by industrializing misinformation, with AI search engines and tools often providing inaccurate or nonexistent citations, masquerading as factual information.

The lesson from ancient Athens to modern AI is clear: both human suffering and technological advancements can distort reality. To resist the captivity of fabricated truths, skepticism and a willingness to doubt easy consolation are essential. The phrase "Dubito, ergo sum" (I doubt, therefore I am) encapsulates the need for critical thinking and resistance to unquestioned authority. 🧠💭

Young people in Spain will have to retire at 71 to get decent pension

Young Spaniards facing difficulties entering the job market will likely confront significant challenges later in life, including the necessity to work well into their seventies to maintain their standard of living and secure a full pension. A recent study, "The Present and Future of Spanish Youth," by the BBVA Foundation and the Valencian Institute of Economic Research, highlights that delayed career starts will force many to work until age 71 to accumulate the required 40 years of social security contributions for a full pension. This issue is exacerbated by Spain's high youth unemployment rates, with men under 25 experiencing a 26% unemployment rate and women under 25 facing a 27.1% rate, both the highest in the EU.

The study reveals that the employment rate among 16- to 29-year-olds in Spain is just 43.2%, a 15% drop from 2007. This late entry into the job market means many young people will have contributed to social security for only 30 years by 2065, leading to reduced pension benefits. Starting in 2027, the standard retirement age will be 67, requiring 37 years of contributions for a full pension, although this age may be reduced to 65 with 38.5 years of contributions. Those with only 30 years of contributions will need to delay retirement to 71 to maintain their living standards.

The report warns that shorter working lives will result in lower pensions relative to final salaries, compounded by lower base salaries, potentially leading to reduced well-being during working life and retirement. This situation underscores the urgent need for policies addressing youth unemployment and supporting early career entry to ensure long-term economic stability for Spain's younger generation. 📉💼

Wildfires wreaking havoc

Wildfires have caused significant destruction across Greece, with a major blaze erupting on Marathonas Avenue near Penteli in the Rafina municipality. The fire, which began at 3 p.m. on Thursday, rapidly spread through residential areas, damaging several homes and prompting urgent evacuations. Spata-Artemida Mayor Dimitris Markos reported that the fire covered approximately 4 kilometers, with at least 5-6 houses destroyed in Spata settlements. Emergency services mobilized 170 firefighters, eight forest commando teams, 48 vehicles, 14 aircraft, and seven helicopters to combat the blaze. Authorities issued 112 emergency evacuation messages for residents in Agia Kyriaki, Etos Steko, and Imeros Pefkos, with police conducting numerous rescues and evacuations.

Meanwhile, difficult conditions persisted in Ierapetra, Crete, where forest fires reignited due to strong winds reaching 9 on the Beaufort scale. Four settlements received new evacuation orders as flames reached the sea, necessitating the involvement of the coast guard and private vessels to rescue stranded beachgoers. In Chios, the WWF Greece reported that recent fires had destroyed 4,700 hectares of forest and agricultural land, adding to the 2,000 hectares previously burned in 2012 and 2016. The organization warned that without immediate intervention, the affected areas could face desertification. The wildfires have highlighted the urgent need for enhanced firefighting resources and preventive measures to mitigate future disasters. 🔥🌳

Rome petrol station explosion: What we know so far

In Rome, two powerful explosions rocked a neighborhood near a petrol station, causing widespread damage and injuries. The first blast occurred at 8:18 AM, followed by a more intense explosion just three minutes later. Eyewitnesses reported a strong smell of gas preceding the initial blast, which sent residents fleeing into the streets. The second explosion was described as "hellish," with a mushroom cloud and debris flying into the sky, shaking nearby multi-story buildings.

At least 45 people were injured, including civilians, police officers, firefighters, and rescue workers. Two men were in critical condition with severe burns. The explosions occurred while emergency responders were at the scene investigating a gas leak. The cause of the blasts was initially unclear, but it was later attributed to a "BLEVE" – a boiling liquid expanding vapour explosion – following a truck collision with a gas pipeline. The incident damaged several buildings, including a sports center and a scrap metal yard, and led to the evacuation of three residential buildings and a summer camp with 15 children.

Authorities advised residents to stay away from the area, keep windows closed, and wear protective masks when outside. They also recommended washing locally grown produce before consumption. The nearby metro station and several bus routes were temporarily disrupted, and parts of nearby roads were closed to traffic. The Public Prosecutor's Office in Rome is expected to investigate the incident. 💥🏙️🚒

Outdated stereotypes

In a notable shift, a recent German public opinion poll revealed a favorable perception of Greece among Germans, coinciding with a warm reception for former German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Athens. This positive sentiment marks a significant departure from outdated stereotypes that once portrayed Germans as "cold" and "ruthless" and Greeks as "lazy" and "corrupt." These stereotypes, fueled by populist sentiments in both northern and southern Europe, appear to have waned, paving the way for a more unified and empathetic understanding between the two nations. This change reflects a broader trend of overcoming divisive prejudices and fostering greater mutual respect and cooperation within Europe. 🇩🇪🇬🇷🤝

Water level falls to record low of 19cm in Warsaw’s Vistula river

Poland is currently facing an unprecedented hydrological drought, with the Vistula River, the country's longest, reaching its lowest recorded water level in Warsaw. The river level has dropped to just 19 centimeters at the Vistula boulevards measuring station, far below the minimum safe level of 150 centimeters. This severe drought is due to a prolonged period of hot, dry weather, with temperatures consistently above 30°C (86°F) and minimal rainfall. The situation is exacerbated by the exceptionally mild winter, which resulted in low snow coverage. Agnieszka Prasek, a spokeswoman for Poland’s state meteorological and hydrological institute, described the situation as critical, with agriculture expected to be the most affected sector. 🌡️💦

Most of Poland is classified as being in a state of hydrological drought, with river, lake, and groundwater levels significantly lower than their normal multi-year average. The Municipal Water and Sewage Company in Warsaw is closely monitoring the situation but assures residents that water supplies are currently secure, with emergency plans in place. The city has implemented measures to improve the river's condition, such as replacing concrete banks with plants to enhance moisture retention. Warsaw has also launched a campaign to encourage water conservation amid the ongoing heatwave.

The drought has led to a high risk of forest fires across the country, with some areas facing an "extreme" level of risk. Despite these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope: the record low water levels in Warsaw revealed a well-preserved medieval sword, hidden in the riverbed. The drought is expected to stabilize in the coming days with more rainfall and lower temperatures, but the long-term effects on agriculture and water supplies remain a concern. 🌳🔥

Greece expands space industry with defense, naval ties

Greece's space industry is experiencing significant growth, with 60 companies generating €500 million in revenue in 2024, a substantial increase from €230 million in 2020. This expansion was highlighted at the 2nd Greek Space Tech Forum, where industry leaders emphasized the importance of leveraging two decades of investment and capitalizing on current defense-related opportunities. Athanasios Potsis, president of the Hellenic Industrial Space Association (HASI), stressed that Europe's rearmament efforts and the crucial role of space technologies present a unique window of opportunity for Greece.

To further strengthen its position, Greece has forged a new agreement between EFA Ventures and the Hellenic Navy. This partnership aims to enhance aerospace collaboration, focusing on advanced technologies for naval operations and the integration of space tech into sectors like shipping. This strategic move underscores Greece's commitment to expanding its space industry and solidifying its role in Europe's defense and technological landscape. 🚀🇬🇷

EU task force on energy price disparities to convene Monday, says Papastavrou

The European Union is taking decisive steps to address energy price disparities between northern and southeastern Europe. The EU task force on energy pricing, established in Luxembourg, is set to convene on Monday. This meeting will bring together deputy ministers, alternate ministers, energy managers, and regulatory authorities to collectively examine and address the systematic price inequalities that have been burdening households and undermining the competitiveness of industries and businesses in the region.

Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou emphasized the broader political implications of these price disparities, warning that they pose a significant risk to the legitimacy of the European project. The task force aims to foster collaboration and find solutions to this persistent issue.

In addition to energy pricing, Papastavrou discussed recent developments with Libya, noting that a tender announced by Libyan authorities respects the median line between the continental shelves of Greece and Libya. This development, which involves major international energy companies, offers a glimmer of optimism for positive progress in the region.

Papastavrou also addressed the OPEKEPE scandal, acknowledging the government's failure in this specific case but asserting that it should not overshadow broader efforts in the fight against corruption. The minister's remarks underscore the EU's commitment to energy market fairness and political stability, as well as the importance of international cooperation in energy matters.

'Stuck at Charles de Gaulle' - Hundreds more flights cancelled as French air traffic controllers strike

A significant strike by two minority unions in France is causing widespread disruptions at Paris airports and across Europe. The strike, which began on Thursday and is set to continue until July 5, is demanding better working conditions and staffing for air traffic controllers. The French aviation authority, DGAC, reported 933 flight cancellations on the first day, affecting 10% of the scheduled flights. The strike is particularly impactful as it coincides with the final day of school before summer holidays, with many families planning early getaways.

The strike has drawn criticism from French Prime Minister François Bayrou, who described it as "shocking" and accused the unions of taking the French public hostage. The European Airlines for Europe (A4E) association reported that 1,500 flights across Europe were cancelled on Thursday and Friday, affecting 300,000 passengers. Ryanair, Europe's largest airline, cancelled over 400 flights, with its CEO, Michael O'Leary, urging the EU Commission to protect overflights by law in case of strikes.

The striking unions, representing around 30% of air traffic controllers, are calling for increased staffing, technical modernization, and a focus on operational priorities. They also denounce what they describe as authoritarian management practices within the French civil aviation authority, which they claim create a climate of pressure and mistrust incompatible with the safety requirements of air traffic control. The strike's impact is expected to cause significant disruptions over the weekend and beyond, affecting both domestic and international travelers. 🛬️🇫🇷

Hundreds of flights cancelled across Europe as travel chaos continues

Air traffic control strikes in France have led to significant disruptions across Europe, with over 1,500 flights cancelled on Thursday and Friday, impacting approximately 300,000 passengers. The European Airlines for Europe (A4E) association criticized the strikes, highlighting that French air traffic control already has some of the worst delay records in Europe. The strikes, called by minority unions demanding better working conditions, have caused nearly 500,000 minutes of delays across Europe, affecting around 33,000 commercial flights.

Ryanair, Europe's largest airline, cancelled more than 400 flights due to the strikes, with CEO Michael O'Leary urging the EU Commission to protect overflights by law in case of future strikes. Paris airports were particularly hard hit, with cancellations rising to 25% on the first day of the strike. The French aviation authority, DGAC, has asked companies to cancel 40% of flights on Friday to manage the strike's impact, as it coincides with the start of summer holidays in France. French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou condemned the strike, describing it as "shocking" and accusing the strikers of "taking the French hostage." The strike's effects extend beyond France, causing hundreds of flight cancellations for aircraft overflying the country. 🛬️💥

Thirty years after end of war in Bosnia-Herzegovina, tensions remain

Three decades after the Dayton Accords ended the brutal war in Bosnia-Herzegovina, deep-seated tensions and divisions persist among the country's ethnic communities. The 1995 agreement, while halting the violence, left Bosnia-Herzegovina with a complex political structure that reflects, rather than resolves, the ethnic fault lines. The nation is still grappling with the legacy of the war, as Serbs, Bosniaks, and Croats struggle to coexist peacefully.

The political landscape remains fragmented, with each ethnic group often prioritizing its own interests over national unity. This division is evident in the country's governance, where power is shared among three constituent peoples, each with its own political institutions. The lack of a unified national narrative and the persistence of ethnic-based politics hinder progress towards reconciliation and shared citizenship.

Economic challenges further exacerbate the situation, with high unemployment and poverty rates disproportionately affecting certain regions and communities. The slow pace of reconstruction and development in some areas has left many feeling marginalized and disillusioned. Moreover, the failure to address war crimes and promote accountability has contributed to a climate of impunity, making it difficult for victims to heal and for society to move forward.

Despite these obstacles, there are efforts towards reconciliation and cooperation. Civil society organizations, youth initiatives, and grassroots movements work tirelessly to bridge divides and promote understanding. However, their impact is often limited by the entrenched political and social barriers. The international community continues to play a crucial role in supporting Bosnia-Herzegovina's path towards stability and integration, but sustained progress requires genuine commitment from all ethnic groups to overcome their differences and build a shared future. 🇧🇦🕊️

Three sentenced to prison on counterfeiting charges

In a significant legal ruling, the District Court of Eastern Uusimaa has sentenced three men to prison for their involvement in a large-scale counterfeiting operation. Jaadvinder Singh Sekhon and Ahmed Bin Sherif were each sentenced to four years and two months, while Henry Lylle received a slightly reduced sentence of three years and ten months due to his cooperation in revealing hidden counterfeit money. The court found all three guilty of aggravated counterfeiting, noting their joint responsibility in attempting to circulate tens of thousands of euros in forged currency. The operation, which involved smuggling counterfeit cash from France to Finland, posed a serious threat to the integrity of the payment system.

The counterfeit banknotes, totaling over 180,000 euros, were shipped via PostNord in two separate consignments. The first package, worth 96,300 euros, was retrieved from a service station in Vantaa, with a significant portion later seized from an Espoo woman's kitchen. The second shipment, containing 90,000 euros in counterfeit notes, was intercepted by Finnish Customs. The forged notes, printed using inkjet printers, displayed sophisticated features mimicking genuine currency, including holograms, watermarks, and security threads. One of the convicted individuals was ordered to forfeit nearly 23,000 euros found in his possession. The verdict, while not yet legally binding, underscores the severity of the crime and the potential impact on the financial system. 💸🚓

Hundreds of flights cancelled across Europe as travel chaos continues

As summer holidays commence, French air traffic control strikes have led to significant disruptions in European air travel. The European Airlines for Europe (A4E) association reported that approximately 1,500 flights were canceled on Thursday and Friday, impacting around 300,000 passengers. The strikes, organized by minority unions advocating for better working conditions, have caused extensive delays, with nearly 33,000 commercial flights experiencing almost 500,000 minutes of delays across Europe.

Ryanair, the largest European airline by passenger numbers, canceled over 400 flights due to the strikes, with CEO Michael O'Leary criticizing the disruptions and urging the EU Commission to protect overflights by law. Paris airports were among the most affected, with cancellations rising to 25% on Thursday and expected to reach 40% on Friday. French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou condemned the strike, describing it as "shocking" and accusing the unions of taking the French hostage by choosing the peak travel day for their action.

The strikes have had far-reaching effects beyond France, with airlines forced to cancel flights that overfly the country. The French aviation authority, DGAC, has requested companies to cancel 40% of flights to manage the strike's impact. The disruptions come at a critical time, as Friday marks the final day of school in France before the summer holidays, with many families planning early getaways. The situation highlights the broader challenges facing European air travel this summer, including potential further strikes and extreme weather conditions. 🛬🌡️