Newsflash

Wildfires: Firefighters mobilized to tackle blazes all over Europe

Intense heatwaves across Europe have sparked widespread wildfires, prompting firefighters to mobilize in multiple countries. On a single Saturday, significant blazes erupted in Germany, Greece, and Turkey, challenging emergency services and putting communities at risk. The relentless heat has created tinderbox conditions, exacerbating the spread and intensity of these fires. Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the blazes and protect lives and property, but the situation remains critical as the heatwaves persist. 🔥🌡️🇪🇺

Heatwaves and wildfires break out in Europe

Intense heatwaves are sweeping across Europe, sparking numerous wildfires that are causing significant damage to vegetation and property, particularly along the Mediterranean coast. As global temperatures continue to rise, experts warn that such blazes will become increasingly frequent and severe. The current fires serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective wildfire management and climate change mitigation strategies. The escalating frequency and intensity of these events underscore the growing threat to European ecosystems and communities, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures to safeguard against future disasters. 🌡️🔥

Poland to impose border checks at 13 points on Lithuanian border

Starting July 7, Poland will implement enhanced border controls with Lithuania, affecting 13 designated checkpoints. These measures, set to begin at 1 a.m. Lithuanian time, aim to curb illegal immigration, particularly from Belarus. The checkpoints will be located at key border crossings, with Polish authorities monitoring and protecting the so-called "green belt" areas along the border.

The exact scope of the inspections remains unclear, but Polish officials have not indicated that all vehicles will be subject to checks. The move comes amid a significant increase in illegal migrant crossings from Belarus into Latvia and Lithuania, with 352 migrants detained in the first half of the year—a 2.5-fold increase compared to the same period last year. Additionally, the State Border Guard Service (SBGS) has opened 25 pre-trial investigations into suspected human smuggling and arrested 31 smugglers.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has emphasized the necessity of these border checks to prevent migrants from crossing into Poland from Belarus. The SBGS has reported a substantial rise in attempted border crossings, with 14,975 migrants pushed back at the Polish border this year alone. This heightened security measure underscores Poland's commitment to managing its borders and addressing the challenges posed by illegal immigration. 🚨🇵🇱🇱🇹

Germany to follow Austria and deport convicted Syrians

Germany is intensifying efforts to deport Syrian individuals deemed dangerous or involved in serious crimes, as part of a broader strategy to enhance national security. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has been directed to take action against such individuals, with the understanding that committing serious crimes can lead to the revocation of asylum status. This initiative is supported by a coalition agreement between Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservatives and the Social Democrats, which includes provisions for deportations to Afghanistan and Syria, focusing on delinquents and perceived threats.

Between January and May, the BAMF initiated over 3,500 procedures that could result in the revocation of asylum rights for Syrian nationals. During this period, refugee status was withdrawn in 57 cases, and lower-level protection was revoked in 22 others. Additionally, around 800 Syrians have voluntarily returned to their home country as part of a German-funded repatriation program, with approximately 2,000 more having signed up for the initiative. Germany is in contact with Syrian authorities to facilitate these deportations.

The push for deportations comes amidst heightened security concerns, following several deadly attacks by jihadists and far-right violence in recent months. This has elevated the issue of security on the political agenda. With around a million Syrians residing in Germany, primarily having arrived during the 2015-2016 refugee crisis, the fall of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 has prompted several European countries, including Austria and Germany, to suspend asylum procedures. Austria recently deported a Syrian criminal convict, marking a significant step in European deportation policies. 🇩🇪🛂

Sweden to map immigrants' values to boost integration

Sweden's right-wing government, supported by the far-right Sweden Democrats, has prioritized addressing immigration and promoting the integration of immigrants since taking office in 2022. Integration Minister Simona Mohamsson acknowledges the challenges faced by immigrants from more traditional, conservative backgrounds in adapting to Sweden's secular, unpatriarchal society. She emphasizes that while Sweden's values may seem extreme to newcomers, they are essential for fostering an inclusive society.

Mohamsson criticizes the lengthy process of value assimilation, noting that it can take up to a decade for immigrants' values to align with those of native Swedes. This delay, she argues, can have significant consequences, such as limiting personal freedoms for individuals, particularly regarding relationships and sexual orientation. To better understand and address these integration challenges, Sweden will conduct a survey this autumn, involving 3,000 participants of both Swedish and non-Western backgrounds.

The minister clarifies that the goal is not to impose Swedish values but to uphold them, emphasizing that immigrants have a responsibility to engage with and contribute to Swedish society. Mohamsson asserts that residing in Sweden is not a human right but a privilege that comes with responsibilities. Sweden has a long history of accepting refugees, particularly from countries like Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Syria, and the former Yugoslavia. However, following a significant influx in 2015, both left- and right-wing governments have tightened asylum rules. Today, around 20% of Sweden's population was born abroad, up from 11% in 2000, reflecting the country's diverse and evolving demographic landscape. 🇸🇪🌍

Foreign minister in Benghazi Sunday for high-level talks

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis will visit Benghazi on Sunday for crucial talks with Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, the head of the Libyan National Army and de facto ruler of eastern Libya. The primary focus of their discussions will be on strengthening bilateral relations and resuming negotiations on maritime boundary delimitation, particularly the definition of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) between the two nations. Greece emphasizes its commitment to international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea in these negotiations. Gerapetritis is also scheduled to visit Tripoli on July 15 for separate talks with the Tripoli-based authorities.

The relationship between Greece and Haftar has deteriorated in recent months due to increased migrant arrivals from eastern Libya and the potential ratification of the Turkey-Libya maritime memorandum by the eastern Libya-based House of Representatives. This agreement, which Haftar previously opposed, aims to establish an EEZ from Turkey’s southern Mediterranean coast to Libya’s northeast coast, disregarding the presence of Crete. Greece strongly opposes this memorandum, deeming it "unsubstantiated, invalid, and against international law." The upcoming meetings aim to address these tensions and find a mutually beneficial path forward for both countries. 🇬🇷🇱🇾🌊

Spain ruling party bars members from hiring sex workers

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is navigating the most significant crisis of his seven-year tenure, exacerbated by the detention of a former high-ranking official in his Socialist party, Santos Cerdan, on corruption and prostitution charges. In response, the Socialist party has implemented a strict ban on soliciting or obtaining sexual services in exchange for money, with expulsion as the penalty. Sánchez, acknowledging the severity of the situation, apologized for trusting those involved in the scandal but firmly stated his intention to remain in power, comparing himself to a ship's captain steering through a storm.

The party also announced a leadership overhaul, replacing Cerdan with Rebeca Torro. However, the meeting was disrupted by the resignation of another close Sánchez ally, Francisco Salazar, who faced allegations of inappropriate behavior. Former transport minister Jose Luis Abalos is also implicated in the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, the conservative opposition People's Party (PP) is seizing the opportunity to position itself as the viable alternative, criticizing the Socialists' leadership and promising a government that serves the people honestly and effectively. 🇪🇸🌪️

Finland backs Nokia-led plan for AI gigafactory

The Finnish government, led by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, has enthusiastically endorsed a proposal to establish an artificial intelligence (AI) center, dubbed an AI gigafactory, in Finland. This initiative is part of a broader European Commission scheme to create five such facilities across the EU. The proposal, led by Nokia, aims to leverage Finland's strengths in technology, data resources, and sustainable energy to attract significant investments in AI and high-performance computing.

The AI gigafactory is envisioned to be built alongside the Lumi supercomputer in Kajaani, which began operations in mid-2022 and is currently Europe's fastest supercomputer. The European Commission's InvestAI initiative targets €200 billion in investments, with a strong emphasis on AI infrastructure. The proposed factories are expected to have four times the computing power of existing AI centers. The private sector is anticipated to cover about two-thirds of the investment costs and all operational expenses, making it a largely market-driven project.

Finland is positioned as an ideal location for the AI gigafactory due to its clean energy grids, available land, and expertise in AI-related technologies. Nokia, Europe's largest network manufacturing company, is well-equipped to lead this initiative, given its extensive experience in international tech ventures. The Finnish government sees the AI gigafactory as a means to drive sustainable growth and investment, aligning with its strategic objectives. The European Commission is currently engaging with 76 applicants who have expressed interest in the project, with a full call for proposals expected this autumn. The initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing Europe's AI capabilities and technological sovereignty. 🇫🇮🤖💻

Germany’s Steinmeier to attend national day celebrations in Lithuania

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will visit Lithuania this Sunday to participate in the country's national day celebrations in Vilnius. Steinmeier has been invited as a guest of honor by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, a gesture that underscores the strong bilateral ties between the two nations. The festivities will feature a military ceremony, a church service, and a reception at the presidential palace. During his visit, Steinmeier plans to meet with the personnel of the German armored brigade stationed in Lithuania, a deployment aimed at bolstering NATO's eastern flank and safeguarding the Baltic region from potential Russian threats. The brigade, officially activated in May, will see around 5,000 soldiers permanently stationed in Lithuania starting in 2027. However, the full deployment is contingent upon the completion of barracks and housing for the soldiers and their families. This visit highlights the strategic importance of Lithuania in NATO's defense strategy and the deepening security cooperation between Germany and Lithuania. 🇩🇪🇱🇹🛡️

Monthly payment of VAT

Greece is intensifying its efforts to combat tax evasion by implementing a new monthly Value-Added Tax (VAT) submission and payment system for small businesses and professionals. Starting this month, approximately 92,590 entities that began operations between January 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, are required to file monthly VAT returns and remit the corresponding taxes by the end of July. This initiative builds upon a previous pilot program that involved 5,000 businesses starting in early April, which was deemed successful by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE).

The shift from quarterly to monthly VAT submissions aims to address issues with seasonal businesses that evade taxes by operating briefly and then closing. Additionally, it targets professionals who have used VAT as a source of liquidity, leading to debt settlement problems. Businesses under the new monthly regime can opt to revert to quarterly submissions after 24 months of operation.

The AADE expects this change to significantly reduce tax evasion, particularly among short-lived enterprises that fail to meet their tax obligations. The goal is to narrow the "VAT gap" and align with the EU average of 7% tax loss. Previous measures, such as increased use of electronic transactions, electronic books, and interconnected cash registers with point-of-sale (POS) systems, have already contributed to reducing VAT evasion. The new monthly submission requirement is anticipated to further enhance tax compliance and revenue collection. 💰📉

Fugitives wanted for murder in Turkey arrested near Athens

Three fugitives wanted for a 2024 case of robbery, kidnapping, and murder in Turkey were apprehended near Athens, Greece. The suspects, aged 29, 31, and 36, are accused of abducting a man in provincial Turkey, robbing him, and fatally shooting him. Turkish authorities launched a manhunt that extended beyond their borders, leading to the suspects' arrest in the coastal town of Artemida, east of Athens. Greek police conducted a multi-day operation to capture the fugitives, who were actively evading capture by frequently changing locations. The suspects have been brought before a public prosecutor, and authorities are now proceeding with the legal steps for their extradition. 🚔🏴‍☠️

Every other employee wants another job

In Greece, nearly half of all employees are actively seeking new job opportunities, driven by a desire for greater professional development and job satisfaction, according to a recent survey conducted by kariera.gr in partnership with the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB). This trend reflects a labor market marked by high mobility, increased demands, and significant professional dissatisfaction. The survey was presented at the Xecutive Xperience event, a strategic dialogue on the future of work involving top-level executives.

Key findings reveal that 47% of professionals are currently looking for new job opportunities, with women and younger workers being the most active in their job searches. The most sought-after positions include office roles (46%), human resources (22%), and sales (19%). The primary reasons for leaving current jobs include better financial offers (66%), increased stress or work pressure (56%), poor relationships with supervisors (55%), lack of recognition (48%), and the need for work-life balance (43%).

Conversely, factors that encourage employees to stay with an organization include competitive salary packages (60%), work-life balance (59%), job security (56%), the company's financial strength (41%), and career development opportunities (38%). The research highlights that job satisfaction is closely tied to qualitative aspects of the work environment, such as meritocracy, respect, collaborative culture, and effective communication with management. These elements, though not directly measurable, significantly enhance employee commitment and overall workplace well-being.

Professor Ioannis Nikolaou of AUEB notes that while salary remains crucial, it is no longer the sole motivating factor. Other elements, such as work-life balance, job security, and stable working hours, gain importance depending on an individual's life and career stage. This shift underscores the evolving priorities of the modern workforce, emphasizing the need for employers to focus on holistic employee satisfaction. 💼📈

Discrepancies in Greece’s livestock data raise concerns

Greece's livestock data has raised significant concerns due to notable discrepancies between reported animal numbers and actual milk production. According to the 2024 Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) declarations, Greece has 15.9 million sheep and goats. However, these figures do not align with milk production data, particularly in regions like Crete, which reports 48% of the animals but contributes only a fraction of the national milk output. Conversely, regions with fewer animals, such as Thessaly and western Greece, produce significantly more milk.

The data suggests unusually low milk yields in certain areas, with some regions like Rethymno showing milk output per animal far below expected norms. Nikos Kallinis, program manager for the Greek Common Agriculture Policy Strategic Plan (2023-2027) at the European Commission, has described Greek data as unreliable, highlighting that Greece's average milk yield per sheep is just 70 liters, far below the European average of 250 to 550 liters. These inconsistencies extend to cattle, where reported births and slaughters do not match, raising questions about herd tracking.

Additionally, many farmers are withdrawing from organic subsidy programs following an announcement that payments will only be made after inspections. The sudden surge in applications for organic beekeeping, from a budgeted €18 million to €166 million in requests, has prompted scrutiny and ongoing investigations into alleged misuse of EU agricultural subsidies distributed through Greece’s OPEKEPE agency. These issues underscore the need for accurate data and transparency in Greece's agricultural sector. 🐑🐄🍯

How will Italy’s national rail strike affect travel next week?

Train passengers in Italy are advised to prepare for potential delays and cancellations early next week due to a planned strike by rail staff. The walkout, organized by the Confederazione Unitaria di Base (CUB) trade union, will occur from 9 PM on Monday to 6 PM on Tuesday. The strike aims to improve working conditions for train drivers and conductors, enhance safety on railway construction sites, and secure a new labor agreement for the rail sector. The disruption is expected to affect both long-distance and regional lines, with varying levels of impact across different regions, cities, and operators.

Under Italian transport laws, rail operators must maintain a minimum level of service during weekday strikes to accommodate commuters. Trenitalia, Italy's national rail operator, has warned of potential disruptions even before or after the strike period. Essential long-distance services will be operated during the walkout, with regional trains running from 6 AM to 9 AM and from 6 PM to 9 PM. Passengers are advised to check the status of their journeys via Trenitalia's website, mobile app, or customer support center.

Trenord, which operates services in the Lombardy region, including connections to Milan’s Malpensa Airport, will run essential services from 6 AM to 9 AM on Tuesday and after 6 PM. Replacement buses will be provided for cancelled airport link services. Trenitalia Tper, operating in the northeastern Emilia Romagna region, will guarantee a minimum level of service during the same time slots as Trenitalia. Italo, a private long-distance operator, has not yet made specific announcements but will operate some guaranteed services in case of severe disruption. Passengers are encouraged to contact the respective operators for the latest updates and to understand their rights regarding refunds or alternative travel arrangements in case of cancellations. 🚄🚨

Trump calls Elon Musk’s new political party ‘ridiculous’

President Donald Trump has criticized Elon Musk’s recent announcement of a new political party, dismissing the idea as "ridiculous" and arguing that third parties only create confusion in the U.S. political system. Trump, speaking to reporters in New Jersey, emphasized the longstanding success of the two-party system and expressed skepticism about the viability of a third party. He acknowledged that the Democrats have "lost their way" but maintained that the two-party structure has historically served the country well.

Musk, who previously served as a special adviser in Trump’s administration and was a significant donor to his 2024 campaign, launched the "America Party" with the stated goal of restoring freedom to voters. However, their relationship soured after Musk publicly criticized Trump’s "One Big Beautiful Bill," a controversial domestic spending package. Musk accused the legislation of being fiscally irresponsible, warning it would increase the federal deficit and undermine cost-cutting efforts. He labeled the bill a "disgusting abomination" and the "Debt Slavery Bill," while Trump attributed Musk’s opposition to the removal of electric vehicle subsidies. 🌐🏛️

London-bound Eurostar train stranded 9 hours in northern France

A Eurostar train experienced a significant malfunction on Sunday morning, leaving passengers stranded without air conditioning or working toilets between Lille and Calais. The train came to a complete stop due to a power failure, prompting Eurostar to initiate a "long and complex" operation to transfer passengers to another train. Passengers were provided with water, and the train doors were opened to allow air circulation.

The incident sparked frustration among passengers, who expressed their discontent on social media, criticizing Eurostar for poor communication and the inconvenience caused. This disruption follows a previous incident in late June when Eurostar services were severely impacted by cable theft from tracks in northern France. 🚄💨💦

Raincheck: Paris shuts Seine swim spots day after reopening

The Seine River in Paris, recently reopened for swimming after a nearly century-long ban, faced temporary closures due to poor water quality exacerbated by heavy rainfall. The reopening, a significant milestone in the city's efforts to clean up the river, was celebrated with enthusiastic bathers enjoying the Seine for the first time since 1923. However, Paris' aging sewage system struggles with heavy rain, leading to overflows that contaminate the river with waste and faecal bacteria. To ensure swimmer safety, city officials implemented daily water quality assessments and a flag system to indicate pollution levels. The seasonal swimming initiative is a key legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympics, which saw significant investments in improving the Seine's water quality. Despite these efforts, record rainfall during the Games led to the cancellation of several river-based competitions, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by weather-related water pollution. 🌧️🏊‍♀️

Wildfire in southern France 'under control' but region remains on alert

A series of wildfires swept through southern France over the weekend, prompting significant firefighting efforts and traffic disruptions. The fires, which broke out in the departments of Hérault, Bouches-du-Rhône, and Aude, were exacerbated by a recent heatwave, although the orange alert for extreme heat was lifted on Sunday. In Hérault, a fire in the Gardiole massif closed the A9 motorway for five hours, causing extensive traffic jams and stranding motorists under the intense sun. Firefighters distributed water to those affected.

In Bouches-du-Rhône, a fire on the popular Côte Bleue, near Marseille, was contained after burning through about a hundred hectares of forest. Meanwhile, in Mireval, near Montpellier, residents were evacuated due to a blaze fueled by strong winds, with one local describing the scene as terrifying due to thick smoke and falling ashes. In Aude, a new fire, sparked by a car fire on the A61 motorway, consumed 400 hectares of vegetation, requiring the deployment of 300 firefighters and aerial resources.

Despite the lifting of the heatwave alert, parts of Hérault and all of Bouches-du-Rhône were placed on red alert for forest fires on Sunday. The Var and Aude departments were also set to be on red alert from Monday, with access to forest areas prohibited. Firefighters remain vigilant, with 200 personnel on site in Hérault to monitor critical areas and edges, ensuring the fire stays under control. The recent heatwave, lasting 16 days, matched the duration of France's deadly 2003 heatwave, highlighting the ongoing risks posed by extreme weather conditions. 🔥🌡️

On the Agenda: what’s happening in France this week

In France, the upcoming week is marked by a series of significant events and announcements. Brevet exam results for nearly 900,000 students aged 15 or 16 will be published from July 7th to 10th. Meanwhile, Paris Fashion Week will showcase autumn/winter collections until July 10th. Public transport workers in Marseille will initiate a strike on Monday, protesting new working conditions, with the potential for further action.

President Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron will embark on a three-day state visit to Britain starting Tuesday. The week also features the Fêtes de Bayonne, a five-day celebration of Basque culture from July 9th to 13th, including bull runs, parties, and traditional dances. On Wednesday, the U.S. pause on higher tariff rates for EU nations, including France, will end, and France will play its second Group D match in Euro 2025 against Wales.

The European Court of Human Rights will rule on a case involving South African athlete Caster Semenya, who argues against World Athletics' requirement for her to take drugs to lower her testosterone levels. Additionally, a Paris court will rule on the appeal of a woman found guilty of defaming Brigitte Macron. The Ligue de football professionnel (LFP) will launch its own pay-TV channel to broadcast Ligue 1 football.

Weather forecasts predict a potential nationwide heatwave starting over the weekend. Inflation figures for June will be revealed, and roads watchdog Bison Futé forecasts heavy traffic on key arterial routes as holidaymakers begin their summer getaways. The second men’s Test between New Zealand and France will take place in Wellington on Saturday. On Sunday, the RER C line in Paris will undergo a six-week shutdown for maintenance and upgrades, affecting services until August 23rd. Finally, July 14th will be a public holiday in France for the Fête nationale. 🇫🇷🌞🏟️

Three Tampere stabbing victims released from hospital

In central Tampere, three out of the four victims of a recent stabbing incident have been discharged from the hospital. The remaining victim, a woman born in 1964, is still hospitalized but is not in critical condition. The other released victims were born in 1990 and 1973. The suspect, a 23-year-old Finnish man with a history of violent offenses, faces four counts of attempted murder. His most recent conviction, for assault, was issued on June 17. Investigators believe the attack was premeditated, as indicated by surveillance footage and other evidence. The suspect's remand hearing is set for Monday afternoon at the Pirkanmaa District Court in Tampere. Police are continuing their investigation, including reviewing surveillance recordings and questioning the suspect. The victims were reportedly chosen at random. 🚨