Two to three firefighters died battling wildfires on the Greek island of Crete as southern Europe confronts an escalating wildfire crisis. In France, an uncontained blaze four times the size of Paris has generated rare fire-induced thunderstorms, marking what experts describe as a new era of megafires for the continent.
A Paris appeals court is set to deliver a verdict on Tuesday in Marine Le Pen's embezzlement case, determining whether the far-right National Rally leader can run in France's 2027 presidential election. Le Pen is appealing her 2025 conviction for embezzling European Parliament funds, with Jordan Bardella positioned to become the party's candidate if she is barred.
Burkina Faso's military government announced it is breaking off diplomatic relations with France, its former colonial ruler, accusing Paris of harboring neo-colonial ambitions and supporting subversive networks in the Sahel region. The move marks a dramatic escalation in deteriorating relations since Captain Ibrahim Traore came to power in a 2022 coup.
Brutal heat waves are striking Europe with increasing frequency, exposing the continent's lack of air conditioning infrastructure. Workers in cities like Paris struggle to cope with record-breaking temperatures, while cultural and practical factors keep AC adoption low compared to the US, Australia and Japan.
France has issued red heat alerts for half the country, including Paris, and banned public alcohol consumption at festivals while canceling outdoor sports events as temperatures exceed 40°C (104°F). The extreme heat wave is affecting much of Europe, with Germany issuing near-nationwide alerts and Madrid closing World Cup fan zones.
