Category: Europe

Eight people died during a failed attempt to cross the English Channel from northern France on Saturday night. A rescue operation saved 53 migrants, with six hospitalized, including a 10-month-old baby. The incident occurred near Ambleteuse, with survivors from various countries. This tragedy follows another recent Channel crossing accident that left 12 dead. UK officials expressed sadness, pledging to crack down on criminal gangs. French authorities warn of significant risks in crossing attempts amid stormy weather conditions.READ FULL

Storm Boris has caused severe flooding across central and eastern Europe, resulting in four deaths in Romania. The storm has affected Romania, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia, causing widespread disruption. In Romania, 5,000 homes were damaged in the Galati region. The Czech Republic mobilized 100,000 firefighters, with nearly 2,900 incidents reported. Austria declared parts of its northeast a natural disaster area. Leaders attribute the extreme weather to climate change and stress the need for better preparedness.READ FULL

Despite claims of a “coolcation” trend by Scandinavian tourism boards, experts say there’s no significant shift towards cooler vacation destinations. While EU studies suggest climate change may affect tourism patterns long-term, with potential growth in northern countries, current data shows southern European destinations remain highly popular. Beach vacations and warm weather continue to be top priorities for most European travelers, including Germans. Any major changes in vacation patterns due to climate change are likely to take decades to materialize. READ FULL

French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Michel Barnier, the EU’s former Brexit negotiator, as France’s new prime minister. The 73-year-old Barnier replaces Gabriel Attal after a 50-day caretaker government following inconclusive legislative elections. Barnier, a veteran politician with extensive ministerial experience, is tasked with forming a “unifying government” amid a divided parliament. The appointment comes after weeks of consultations to find a candidate who could potentially build parliamentary support. However, far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon has already voiced opposition to Barnier’s appointment.READ FULL

Ukrainian forces have captured 300 square miles of Russia’s Kursk region in a surprise offensive. Deputy CIA Director David Cohen expects Putin to mount a counteroffensive, but predicts it will be difficult for Russian forces. Ukraine has claimed control of 100 settlements in Kursk and is building defensive lines. While Russia continues to make gains in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, Cohen says these are not strategically significant. Ukrainian President Zelenskiy believes the war will eventually end in dialogue, but wants Ukraine to negotiate from a position of strength.READ FULL

A knife attack at a festival in Solingen, Germany, left three dead and four severely wounded. The suspect is at large, prompting a major police operation. The incident occurred during the city’s 650th anniversary celebrations. Mayor Tim-Oliver Kurzbach expressed shock and grief. The festival has been cancelled. This attack follows several knife-related incidents in Germany over the past year, leading to calls for stricter measures against knife crime. Reuters

Maria Branyas Morera, the world’s oldest living person, has died in Spain at 117. Born in the US, she lived through major 20th-century events, including both World Wars. Her family announced her peaceful passing on social media. Japan’s Tomiko Itooka, 116, now becomes the world’s oldest person. Branyas was known for her resilience, having survived the 1918 flu and COVID-19 at 113. AFP

Massive wildfire threatens Athens for third day, claiming one life and injuring dozens. Thousands evacuated as flames destroy homes and businesses across 10,000 hectares. European nations send assistance. Greek government faces criticism over response. Heatwave and strong winds fuel the blaze, reviving memories of deadly 2018 fires. Scientists link increased wildfire intensity to climate change. AFP

European auto leasing firms have doubled electric vehicle (EV) lease prices over the past three years due to low resale values. This price jump, coupled with subsidy cuts, is slowing EV adoption in Europe. Leasing companies, which dominate the EV market, are concerned about potential losses and warn they may exit if forced to electrify too quickly. The situation is compounded by sliding second-hand EV prices and the pivotal role leasing plays in Europe’s auto market. Reuters

A study published in Nature Medicine reveals that extreme heat caused nearly 50,000 deaths in Europe in 2023, the world’s warmest year on record. Southern Europe was most affected, with older people at highest risk. While adaptation measures have reduced potential deaths by 80%, researchers stress the urgent need for more effective strategies to combat the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves due to climate change. AFP

Rushanara Ali, a British-Bangladeshi MP, has been appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the UK’s Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. She’s the second Bangladeshi-origin member in the Labour government cabinet after Tulip Siddiq. Ali won her fifth term representing Bethnal Green and Stepney in the July 4 election. Born in Sylhet, Bangladesh, Ali moved to the UK at age seven and has served in various shadow ministerial roles since 2010. Prothom Alo

A study published in The Lancet suggests the true death toll in Gaza could exceed 186,000, far higher than the official count of 38,000. The estimate includes indirect deaths due to infrastructure destruction and health system collapse. The study applies a conservative ratio of four indirect deaths per direct death, potentially affecting 8% of Gaza’s pre-war population. It emphasizes the importance of accurate documentation for historical accountability and legal requirements.Source:Jagonews

Russia launched a devastating missile attack on Ukraine, targeting Kyiv’s main children’s hospital and other cities. At least 41 civilians were killed, including children, in the deadliest air strikes in months. President Zelenskiy reported over 100 buildings damaged, including hospitals and homes. Ukraine’s air defenses intercepted 30 of 38 missiles. The government declared a day of mourning and urgently called for upgraded air defenses from Western allies.Source:Daily Star

France faces political uncertainty after Sunday’s parliamentary elections resulted in no party winning an outright majority. The left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) emerged as the largest bloc, followed by President Macron’s centrists and the far-right National Rally. Prime Minister Attal is expected to resign, but may stay on as caretaker. The NFP plans to choose a prime minister candidate within a week, while Macron faces challenges in forming a new government.Source:Daily Star

Twenty-seven people, including two journalists, were killed in Gaza as Israeli attacks intensify. The Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis is overwhelmed. Israel reports “gaps” remain in ceasefire talks with Hamas but will send a delegation to Qatar next week for further negotiations. The US sees a “significant opening” for an agreement. The ongoing conflict has killed at least 38,011 Palestinians and displaced 90% of Gaza’s population. Netanyahu is expected to meet Biden during a visit to Washington in July. Source: AFP, Al Jazeera 

An Israeli airstrike on a school in Gaza’s Nuseirat refugee camp killed at least 16 people and injured dozens more, according to Palestinian officials. The school was sheltering thousands of displaced people. Israel claims it targeted terrorists in the area. In a separate incident, 10 people were reportedly killed in another airstrike on a house in the camp. Five local journalists were among those killed in Saturday’s attacks, Hamas reported. Source: BBC

Iran’s reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian won the presidential runoff election against ultraconservative Saeed Jalili. Pezeshkian received over 17 million votes, while Jalili got more than 13 million. Voter turnout was 49.8%. The election followed a first round with historically low turnout. Pezeshkian, supported by reformists, has called for improved Western relations and easing internet restrictions. The election occurred amid regional tensions, nuclear disputes, and economic challenges. Pezeshkian’s victory raises hopes for reformists after years of conservative dominance. Source:Daily Star

French President Macron and allies are campaigning intensively ahead of the second round of legislative elections on July 7. The far-right National Rally party led by Marine Le Pen won the first round, raising concerns about a potential far-right majority in parliament. Macron’s centrist camp trailed in third place. The outcome could lead to a historic shift in French politics if the far-right gains control. Macron has called for a broad alliance against the far-right in the second round. AFP

France holds snap parliamentary elections on Sunday, with the far-right National Rally party led by Marine Le Pen poised for a potential historic win. Polls show National Rally leading, followed by the left-wing alliance and President Macron’s centrists. The elections, called by Macron after the European Parliament vote, could reshape French politics. High turnout is expected, with results projected after polls close. The outcome may impact France’s stance on various issues, including support for Ukraine. AFP

Gunmen attacked churches and synagogues in Dagestan, a predominantly Muslim region of Russia, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 police officers. Sergei Melikov, the region’s leader, described the incident as a terrorist act in a video statement on Telegram. He emphasized that the officers sacrificed their lives to protect civilians during the attacks. The tragic event highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region. Source AFP

Gunmen attacked synagogues and churches in Russia’s Dagestan region, killing eight people including a priest, six police officers, and a national guard member. The attacks occurred in Makhachkala and Derbent on Pentecost Sunday. Two attackers were killed in Makhachkala. Russia’s Investigative Committee opened terrorism probes. The attacks caused fires in synagogues, with ongoing shootouts reported. This incident follows recent arrests in Dagestan linked to the Moscow Crocus City Hall attack in March. Source Reuters

Ten migrants died and dozens are feared missing after two separate shipwrecks off Italy. A migrant rescue charity found 10 bodies below deck while rescuing 51 people from a wooden boat off Lampedusa. Meanwhile, the Italian coastguard is searching for missing migrants after a shipwreck off Calabria, with survivors reporting up to 60 people overboard from a boat that departed Turkey.