Europe News highlights: Revolut to create 400 jobs in Paris amid push for French banking license

Financial technology company Revolut has announced plans to create 400 new jobs as it establishes a new Western European headquarters in Paris, according to a report in Euronews. The recruitment drive follows the recent appointment of a CEO for the region and is a key part of the company's strategy to secure a French banking license. Obtaining this license is a significant step, as it would grant Revolut "passporting rights" to offer its services across the entire European Union single market.

A new mural has been unveiled in northeast Paris to celebrate the life and legacy of entertainer and civil rights activist Josephine Baker, as per a report in Euronews. The artwork pays homage to the American-born performer who became a star in the city, while also recognizing her historical roles as a spy for the French Resistance during World War II and as a prominent civil rights hero.

UK Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced a Labour Party pledge to implement a new sanctions regime targeting corrupt foreign officials, including police officers, who profit from people smuggling, as per a report in The Guardian. The proposed policy, which Lammy stated would be ready to activate quickly, would allow the UK to impose travel bans and asset freezes on any individuals found to be involved in facilitating illegal immigration. This announcement outlines the opposition's intended approach to tackling the issue.

Security firms The Shadowserver Foundation and Eye Security have reported that a cyberattack leveraging Microsoft systems has affected 100 organizations, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The firms have declined to disclose the names of the specific organizations that were impacted by the security breach. This incident occurs amid a pattern of heightened cyber threats targeting European entities and highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in widely used software platforms.

An ongoing rescue operation is underway in the Piedmont region of Italy to free a cave explorer who was injured and trapped by falling rocks, The Independent said in a report. The individual is located approximately 130 feet underground. Emergency services are on the scene managing the complex effort to reach and extract the injured person.

The United States and Germany have agreed to deliver five Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine, according to a report in Euronews. This decision comes in response to Ukraine's ongoing requests for more sophisticated air defense capabilities to counter persistent Russian missile and drone attacks. The Patriot system is regarded as one of the world's most advanced, capable of detecting and intercepting a wide range of aerial targets, including high-end ballistic missiles. The delivery aims to significantly enhance Ukraine's ability to protect its cities and critical infrastructure.

The Ibiza Rocks venue in Spain has temporarily paused its events following the deaths of two British men, according to a report in BBC. In a statement, the venue expressed that it is "shocked and devastated by the recent incidents" that occurred at the location. The suspension of activities is a direct response to the two fatalities.

England manager Sarina Wiegman announced that the women's national football team has decided to stop the practice of taking the knee prior to their games, according to a report in BBC. Wiegman explained the decision was made by the players, who believe that the impact of the anti-racism gesture is currently 'not good enough'.

In response to increasing violence associated with drug trafficking, several mayors in Southern France have implemented curfews for children and teenagers, as per a report in France 24. The measures are intended to keep young people off the streets, as they are often exploited by drug dealers for roles such as lookouts or low-level dealing. This local action addresses concerns about public safety and the recruitment of minors into criminal networks in a region that serves as a key hub for drug trafficking.

A court in France has sentenced three individuals to jail for human trafficking, specifically for exploiting undocumented migrants to work in the country's champagne industry, France 24 said in a report. Victims in the case testified that they were treated "like slaves," being compelled to work 13-hour shifts. The exploited workers were also reportedly left to sleep in an abandoned building and were deprived of food and water.

A group of more than two dozen foreign ministers, predominantly from European countries, has issued a collective denouncement of Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians attempting to receive humanitarian aid in Gaza, Al Jazeera said in a report. The joint statement adds to international pressure on Israel regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza and its military conduct. The position taken by the European ministers differs from that of the United States, which has maintained a separate stance on the conflict.

Cyprus commemorated the 51st anniversary of the 1974 Turkish invasion on Sunday, July 20, 2025, Euronews says in a report. The event marks the day when 40,000 Turkish soldiers began a monthlong, two-phase offensive, which resulted in Turkish forces seizing more than 35% of the island's territory. The division of the island has persisted since the 1974 events, which followed a Greek-backed coup aiming to unite Cyprus with Greece.

Foreign ministers from approximately 20 European nations, joined by counterparts from Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, have issued a joint call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, according to a report in Euronews. The statement, also signed by the EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, reflects growing international pressure for a cessation of hostilities amid the escalating conflict and severe humanitarian crisis in the region.

Hungary has announced a deal with Serbia and Russia to construct a new pipeline for Russian oil, according to a report in Euractiv. The development comes as European Union lawmakers and governments are negotiating legislation aimed at ending the bloc's reliance on Russian fossil fuels, including a stated goal to phase out Russian gas imports by 2027. This move by Budapest, which has consistently sought exemptions from EU sanctions on Russian energy, highlights ongoing divisions within the bloc regarding its collective energy policy towards Moscow.

A live television interview in Berlin with Alice Weidel, co-leader of Germany's far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, was disrupted by protesters on Sunday, according to a report in The Guardian. The noise from whistling and shouting made it difficult for Weidel to hear questions during the exchange with public broadcaster ARD. Following the incident, which took place on a provisional outdoor stage, ARD announced it would review its procedures for future events to prevent similar interruptions.

Irish airline Ryanair is considering increasing a bonus paid to staff for identifying passengers with oversized luggage, according to a report in The Guardian. The budget carrier currently pays employees approximately €1.50 for each instance where they intercept a customer bringing an oversized bag onto an aircraft. This bonus is currently capped at €80 per month for each staff member, but the airline's chief executive has indicated this ceiling could be raised.

A recent survey on perceptions of justice systems across the European Union reveals that among citizens who hold a positive view of their national judiciary, a significant majority link independence to the role of judges, as per a report in Euronews. The findings indicate that more than three-quarters of this specific group of respondents believe that the status and position of judges are crucial elements that help guarantee their independence from external or political influence.

Britain's Labour government has decided to scrap Ofwat, the current economic regulator for the water industry in England and Wales, and create a new regulatory body, Euronews says in a report. This move is a direct response to the severe financial and environmental crisis at Thames Water, which has faced public criticism for high debt levels, sewage discharges, and executive bonuses. The government's stated goal for the new watchdog is to prevent the "abuses of the past" and address systemic issues across the entire privatized water sector.

Poland has announced a significant energy discovery in the Baltic Sea, described as one of the largest in Europe in the last ten years, Euronews says in a report. The specific well, named Wolin East 1, is estimated to hold approximately 22 million tonnes of crude oil and 5 billion cubic metres of natural gas. This discovery is notable as European nations, including Poland, continue efforts to diversify their energy supplies and bolster their energy security.

Belgian authorities questioned two members of the Israeli army who were attending a music festival in the country regarding allegations of serious violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza, according to a report in AP. The Belgian Federal Prosecutor's Office confirmed the questioning, while Israel's Foreign Ministry stated that an Israeli citizen and a soldier on vacation were interrogated and released shortly afterward.

Automaker Stellantis has reported a plunge in profits, attributing the decline to the financial impact of tariffs, according to a report in The New York Times. The company, which owns brands such as Peugeot, Fiat, and Jeep, indicated that as a result of the rising costs, it may soon need to increase prices for its vehicles. This development occurs amid heightened trade tensions, including an EU investigation into Chinese electric vehicle subsidies which has raised the prospect of tariffs and retaliatory measures.

Spain's government is facing criticism over its decision to contract Chinese technology firm Huawei for the storage of highly sensitive judicial wiretaps, according to a report in Politico. The move has sparked concerns from opposition parties and data privacy advocates regarding national security and the potential for foreign access to confidential information. The decision highlights the ongoing debate within the European Union on how to handle high-risk technology vendors and puts Spain at odds with pressure from the United States, which has urged allies to exclude Huawei from critical infrastructure.

The United Kingdom is moving to formalize the funding process for its intelligence agencies, including MI5, MI6, and GCHQ, bringing a traditionally secretive financial allocation system into public view, Politico says in a report. This change will subject the agencies' budgets to greater parliamentary scrutiny, primarily through the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC). The move away from an opaque funding mechanism is aimed at increasing transparency and accountability for how public money is spent on national security.

The Wimbledon tennis expansion plan has cleared a significant legal hurdle after the UK's High Court rejected a challenge to the planning permission granted for the project, according to a report in the Financial Times. The ruling upholds the decision by London Mayor Sadiq Khan to approve the All England Lawn Tennis Club's (AELTC) expansion onto adjacent land. The Mayor's approval had previously overridden a rejection by the local Merton council, a decision which was then legally challenged by community groups concerned about the development on protected Metropolitan Open Land.

Russia's attempts to disrupt German society through espionage and other hybrid measures have increased sharply this year, according to a report in Politico. Martina Rosenberg, the President of Germany's Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD), stated that there has been a "sharp increase in cases of espionage and hybrid measures." She described Russia's current approach as "more massive and also more aggressive" in comments to the German press agency DPA.

The right-wing Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, has proposed considering partnerships with other nations, specifically mentioning El Salvador, to house British convicts, according to a report in Politico. The proposal is framed as a tough-on-crime measure and draws on the model of El Salvador's controversial mega-prison system. As part of the announcement, Farage also praised Rudy Giuliani, a prominent ally of current U.S. President Donald Trump.

Protesters in Germany successfully disrupted a scheduled 'summer interview' on live television featuring Alice Weidel, a prominent co-leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, Euronews said in a report. The demonstrators' noise and chanting drowned out the broadcast, preventing the interview from proceeding as planned. The event was part of a traditional series in German political journalism where public broadcasters interview major political figures during the parliamentary summer recess.

Hamburg, Germany, has implemented a district heating system that captures and uses industrial waste heat, Euronews says in a report. The system sources hot water from a local copper smelter, recycling the excess heat generated during the smelting process. This method provides warmth for parts of the city without releasing additional CO2, contributing to local decarbonization efforts.

Russia has ramped up its domestic drone production, reportedly employing teenagers at the Yelabuga plant to manufacture thousands of unmanned aerial vehicles each month, according to a report in Euronews. This increased output is aimed at strengthening Russia's strategy of conducting frequent attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilian targets. Video evidence reportedly confirms the involvement of young workers in the drone manufacturing process at the facility.

Six people have been arrested in the UK after a protest outside a hotel used for asylum seeker accommodation became violent on Sunday evening, Euronews says in a report. Over 100 demonstrators gathered outside the Bell Hotel, chanting slogans such as "Save our kids" and "Send them home." The protest escalated as night fell, leading to flares and projectiles being thrown toward police vans that were blocking the hotel's entrance.

Czech political frontrunner and former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš has stated he would resist increasing the country's defence spending to meet NATO's 2% of GDP target if he is elected in the upcoming October elections, according to a report in the Financial Times. Babiš, a prominent Eurosceptic figure, indicated he would align with other member states like Spain that have also been slow to meet the alliance's spending benchmark. This position contrasts with the push by many NATO members to increase defence investment following the conflict in Ukraine.

Germany's women's national team will face Spain in the European Championship semifinal without defender Sarai Linder, who has been ruled out with an injury, AP says in a report. The German soccer federation announced late Sunday that Linder sustained a "capsular ligament injury to her left ankle" during the quarterfinal match against France. The absence of the Wolfsburg left back leaves the eight-time champions with a shortage of defenders as they prepare to play the tournament favorites.

A UK bioethanol plant is at risk of closure and has warned of significant job cuts unless it receives a government bailout, according to a report in Politico. The company states its viability is threatened by the withdrawal of protective tariffs, which were in place before the UK's departure from the EU. This change has reportedly made it difficult for the firm to compete with cheaper bioethanol imports from the US, prompting its appeal for government financial assistance to remain operational.

Social media platform X is refusing to comply with a French criminal investigation's demand for access to its algorithm, according to a report in Politico. The company claims the probe is politically motivated and that providing access would "restrict free speech." The demand from Paris for algorithmic transparency aligns with broader European regulatory efforts, such as the Digital Services Act (DSA), which aims to increase platform accountability for content moderation and algorithmic processes.

In the draw for the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round held in Nyon, Switzerland, José Mourinho's Fenerbahce was paired with Feyenoord, AP said in a report. The Turkish club will travel to Rotterdam for the first leg on August 5 or 6, with the return match scheduled for Istanbul on August 12. In another significant pairing, Benfica will play against Nice. The winners of these matchups will advance to a final playoff round in August, competing for a place in the lucrative 36-team league phase of the tournament.

Greece has implemented a new disembarkation fee for cruise ship passengers, with the cost for travelers varying depending on the specific port and the time of year, according to a report in Euronews. The measure is part of the country's broader strategy to manage public finances and address the environmental and infrastructural pressures caused by over-tourism on its popular islands. This type of levy aligns with a growing trend among popular European destinations to use tourism taxes to generate revenue and promote sustainability.

Hundreds of migrants reached the Greek island of Crete over the weekend, with the Greek Coast Guard rescuing a group of 74 people, according to a report in Euronews. The recent arrivals highlight a trend of human traffickers shifting their operations to longer and more dangerous routes across the Mediterranean Sea originating from North Africa.

Russia launched one of its largest recent aerial attacks on Kyiv, killing two people and injuring 15, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, as per a report in AP. The assault occurred hours before the UK and Germany were scheduled to host a meeting with the US defense chief and NATO leader to discuss U.S. President Donald Trump's plans for supporting Ukraine. Ukraine continues to seek American-made Patriot missile systems and has also recently fired drones at Moscow.

Around 60 leading German companies on Monday announced a significant 'Made for Germany' investment initiative aimed at reviving the country's economy and boosting investor confidence following a period of economic stagnation, Euronews said in a report. The pledge was presented to Friedrich Merz, the leader of the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, signaling a private sector push to address the economic challenges.

The government of Portugal has pledged to implement stricter enforcement of public access rules for a popular 45-kilometre section of its coastline, according to a report in Euronews. The move responds to public concerns that the development of luxury resorts is leading to restricted beach access and contributing to rising housing prices. These stricter rules will focus on enforcing existing laws that designate beaches as public property, which may involve removing illegal barriers, ensuring clear public access points, and increasing penalties for properties that violate access rights.

In response to heightened security concerns across Europe, the Swiss army has initiated a project to revive and modernize its extensive network of wartime bunkers, according to a report in Euronews. The government is calling upon technology companies, researchers, and startups to propose innovative and cost-effective solutions to transform these historical structures into contemporary defense hubs. This move reflects a broader reassessment of national defense strategies on the continent.

Greece will create two new national marine parks in an effort to meet the EU's 2030 ocean protection targets early, according to a report in Euronews. The initiative aligns with the European Union's broader Biodiversity Strategy and Green Deal. The designation of the parks has diplomatic implications due to long-standing maritime disputes with Turkey over sovereignty and jurisdiction in the Aegean Sea, as the establishment of protected areas can relate to claims over contested waters.

Microsoft has announced a partnership with French cultural institutions to create a detailed 3D digital model, or 'digital twin', of Notre-Dame Cathedral to aid in its preservation, Euronews says in a report. The project also aims to boost the representation of European languages in Microsoft's AI models and will involve digitizing historic opera sets and millions of other artifacts from leading French cultural organizations.

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has advocated for the European Union to enhance its security ties with Asian nations, even in the face of pressure from the United States, according to a report in the Financial Times. The call positions the EU as a more reliable international partner than Washington and aligns with broader European efforts to achieve greater strategic autonomy in its foreign and security policy. Kallas's statement emphasizes the need for the bloc to diversify its partnerships and assert a more independent role in global security affairs.

A hospital in Barcelona, Spain, has been evacuated after being flooded during a period of severe weather that has lashed the country, according to a report in The Telegraph. The region has been hit by heavy rain, high winds, and thunderstorms, which have caused significant disruption. Emergency services are responding to the situation, and authorities have reported that two people are currently missing as a result of the extreme weather.

An early drought that began in May has caused natural springs to dry up on Suva Planina in southeast Serbia, endangering more than 1,000 cows and horses that rely on them for water, AP says in a report. In response, Serbian authorities have started bringing in emergency water supplies via tanks to the mountain. Local cattle owners report that the springs have never dried up this early in the year, highlighting the severity of the drought, which is affecting people, animals, and agriculture across this part of southeast Europe with water and power restrictions.

The North Coast 500, a popular driving route through Scotland's remote northern Highlands, has attracted millions of visitors but is now facing criticism from local residents, according to a report in The New York Times. People living along the route have cited significant negative consequences from the surge in tourism, including overwhelmed infrastructure leading to traffic congestion. They also report an increase in litter and waste, as well as safety concerns arising from the high volume of vehicles, with some incidents reportedly resulting in deaths.

German footballer Florian Wirtz has completed a transfer to FC Liverpool, making him the most expensive German player ever, according to a report in Der Spiegel. The player is represented by his parents, and his father, Hans-Joachim Wirtz, explained the decision to move to the Premier League team by stating that "Florian wanted to take a new step."

A signal failure at London's Waterloo station on Monday has led to the cancellation of trains, causing significant disruption for commuters, according to a report in BBC. The problems are affecting South Western Railway services, with updates on the situation expected later in the day. In the UK, the rail infrastructure, including signals, is maintained by the public body Network Rail.

A reburial service was recently held in France for soldiers from the Essex and Bedfordshire regiments who fought in World War One, as per a report in BBC. The men were formally laid to rest with military honors after their remains were discovered in the area, which was a former battlefield. The ceremony provided a final, dignified resting place for the soldiers more than a century after the conflict.

Russia launched a deadly overnight missile and drone attack on Ukraine, killing at least one person and causing multiple fires in Kyiv, according to a report in France 24. The barrage of drones and missiles occurred just hours before French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot arrived in the Ukrainian capital for a two-day visit aimed at supporting the country in its defense against Russia's invasion.

Lars Klingbeil, co-leader of Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD), has stated that concerns regarding the party's nominee for the Federal Constitutional Court, Ines Brosius-Gersdorf, have been cleared, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung said in a report. Klingbeil announced his continued support for her candidacy, asserting that plagiarism allegations which had previously stalled her appointment process have been refuted. He is now calling for the election to be put back on the political agenda, signaling the SPD's intent to move forward with the nomination despite the prior controversy.

A corruption investigation in Spain is now focused on former conservative Finance Minister Cristóbal Montoro, who served in a previous Popular Party administration, according to a report in Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. The allegations reportedly involve illicitly granted tax reductions and the misuse of funds for personal expenses. This development follows separate, prior corruption cases that have impacted the current ruling Socialist party.

Russia has introduced a new law that will make it a criminal offense to search for "extremist" content online, according to a report in Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. This measure is an extension of Russia's ongoing efforts to control its domestic information space, which have included laws against "fake news" and the expansion of "foreign agent" designations. The term "extremism" in Russia is broadly and politically defined, having been used to target political opposition, religious minorities, and LGBTQ+ activism. The legislation reportedly faced some criticism from within the regime.

A self-proclaimed Polish vigilante group, calling itself the "Border Protection Movement," has established a presence on the German-Polish border, according to a report in Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. The group is monitoring the area and accuses German authorities of transporting migrants into Poland. The article notes that the group, equipped with camping chairs, is receiving support in the form of food from some local passers-by.

Prosecutors in Italy have launched an appeal against the acquittal of Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini and are now demanding a six-year prison sentence, according to a report in Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. The legal case concerns Salvini's decision, made during his previous tenure as Interior Minister, to prevent a ship with rescued migrants from docking in an Italian port. Following an initial verdict that cleared him, the public prosecutor's office is now challenging the acquittal in a higher court.

The Italian government has officially rejected proposed World Health Organization (WHO) health regulations concerning how nations should respond to future pandemics, according to a report in Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. Rome's position is that it will not accept external dictates on its national pandemic policy, a political move with significant implications. This decision comes amid ongoing international negotiations for a new WHO Pandemic Accord and amendments to the existing International Health Regulations (IHR), where issues of national sovereignty have been a point of contention for several countries.

UK Environment Secretary Steve Reed announced a new government pledge to overhaul the regulation of the country's water industry, as per a report in the Financial Times. The central commitment of the plan is to halve the number of sewage discharge incidents into rivers and coastal waters by the year 2030. This move comes in response to sustained public pressure and criticism over the high levels of pollution in UK waterways.

Greek companies have launched a tour across Europe to recruit skilled Greek nationals who emigrated during the sovereign debt crisis over a decade ago, according to a report in the Financial Times. The initiative is a key part of the Greek government's strategy to reverse the resulting 'brain drain' and address labor shortages. This effort aims to showcase an improved economic and business climate in Greece to lure back professionals and bolster the nation's workforce and economic growth.

The European Commission has proposed raising the entry fee to €20 for non-EU citizens from visa-exempt countries traveling to the Schengen Area, as per a report in Euronews. The fee is for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), a pre-travel authorization program similar to the U.S. ESTA, which is not yet fully implemented. This proposal represents a significant increase from the original €7 fee planned for the system. The primary goal of the higher fee is to generate new 'own resources' for the EU budget, aiming to increase the bloc's financial autonomy and reduce its dependence on direct contributions from member states.

Poland is in negotiations to acquire a stake in Iceye, a Polish-Finnish satellite start-up that has supported Ukraine's resistance against Russia, according to a report in the Financial Times. The company's chief executive stated that Iceye's valuation has increased significantly and is now above $1 billion. The talks underscore the strategic importance of the company's satellite imaging technology, which has been utilized in the ongoing conflict.

The United Kingdom has introduced a new audit standard for artificial intelligence systems to bring regulation to a rapidly growing market described as a 'wild west', according to a report in the Financial Times. The move aims to establish clear guidelines and procedures for evaluating AI, addressing the rise of numerous boutique companies offering audit services in an environment with few established rules. This new standard is designed to build trust and ensure safety in AI systems, aligning with the government's broader strategy for responsible AI development and regulation.

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are warning European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that the institution risks a legal breach by not honoring signed funding agreements with health-focused Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), according to a report in Politico. Health NGOs report that they are facing a significant "funding cliff" because partnership agreements signed with the Commission have not been fulfilled, jeopardizing their operations. The warning from MEPs raises concerns about the Commission's adherence to its contractual obligations and its administrative reliability.

Several people were injured in northwestern Germany on Sunday after a car crashed into a barn roof, The Guardian said in a report. According to police in the town of Bohmte, the vehicle first collided with a parked car, then broke through a hedge into a garden where it hit a seven-year-old boy who was on a trampoline. The car was then catapulted into the air, landing on its side on the roof of a nearby barn.

In the Women's European Championship quarterfinal in Basel, Switzerland, Germany's midfielder Kathrin Hendrich received a red card for pulling the hair of France's captain, Griedge Mbock, as per a report in AP. The incident, which occurred less than 13 minutes into the match, was identified by the video assistant referee (VAR). Following the foul, France was awarded a penalty, which Grace Geyoro successfully converted to give her team a 1-0 lead.

Russia has conducted an intense aerial assault on Ukraine, with Ukrainian officials reporting that at least 57 Iranian-made Shahed drones were launched in overnight attacks, according to a report in The Independent. The large-scale bombardment, part of a recent intensification of Russian attacks, occurred as Russian President Vladimir Putin simultaneously stated that he remains 'open to peace'.

Turkey's president has reaffirmed his full support for a two-state solution for Cyprus, a proposal that is rejected by Greek Cypriots, according to a report in AP. The statement was made as Turkish Cypriots marked the 51st anniversary of the 1974 military intervention that divided the island. The Turkish proposal for two separate states is a departure from the long-standing, UN-backed framework for a bizonal, bicommunal federation for the island, which is an EU member state.

French historian Jean-Pierre Azéma has died at 87, The New York Times said in a report. Azéma was a prominent figure among historians whose work challenged the post-war narrative of a universally resistant France during the German occupation in World War II. His research detailed the extent of the collaboration by the Vichy regime, demonstrating how parts of the French state and society actively participated with Nazi occupiers, including implementing their own antisemitic laws and assisting in the deportation of Jews.

Amid more frequent and intense heatwaves, European cities are seeking solutions to protect residents, with a focus on climate shelters as a viable option, Euronews says in a report. The initiative is driven by the growing issue of energy poverty, which leaves many people unable to afford adequate cooling in their homes, making them more vulnerable to extreme temperatures. These designated public cooling spaces are intended to make cities more resilient to the public health impacts of severe heat.

A new study has established a direct link between extreme weather events and short-term spikes in the price of basic foods, according to a report in the Financial Times. The findings are particularly relevant for Europe, which has recently experienced severe droughts and floods that impacted agricultural output. This weather-driven food price volatility contributes to persistently high inflation in the Eurozone, exacerbates economic pressures on farmers who have been protesting across the continent, and intensifies debates over the EU's environmental and agricultural policies, such as the Green Deal and the Common Agricultural Policy.

Libyan authorities have deported 700 Sudanese migrants back to their war-torn home country in a crackdown on those seeking to reach Europe, AP said in a report. The migrants were recently detained in central and southeastern Libya and were deported by land on Friday, according to a statement from the Directorate for Combating Illegal Migration in eastern Libya. The directorate also noted that some of the deported individuals were suffering from infectious diseases.