Europe

Météo-France has placed 24 departments under red heat alerts affecting more than 22 million people, as Paris landmarks including the Eiffel Tower announce early closures amid another intense heatwave.

General Oleksandr Syrskyi warns that a turning point in Ukraine’s war with Russia remains distant, as Moscow continues to pursue its objective of fully occupying the Donbas region.

Local authorities across Russia have called on residents to stay home and reduce car use as a growing fuel crisis puts pressure on everyday life and raises broader questions about the country’s energy management.

Ireland assumes the EU Council Presidency on 1 July 2026 with enlargement as a defining priority, as Montenegro nears accession and Ukraine gains new momentum.

Moldova opens its Fundamentals accession cluster as the first EU-Moldova summit convenes in Brussels, signalling real membership momentum.

EU leaders formally endorse Ukraine and Moldova’s accession milestone at the June 18-19 European Council, marking the bloc’s most significant enlargement step since 2022.

A preliminary US-Iran deal has sent Brent crude tumbling $8. Europe’s energy markets and ECB policy now hang in the balance.

The EU launched accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova on 12 June 2026, opening the Fundamentals cluster covering rule of law and anti-corruption.