Europe

• Trump’s dismissive attitude has actually helped Ukraine in the war 9 July 2026
  Ukraine has intensified long-range strikes against military and energy targets inside Russia, supported by advances in domestically developed drones and missile technology. Analysts suggest these capabilities have enabled Kyiv to conduct operations with greater independence than in earlier stages of the war, when the use of Western-supplied weapons was subject…
• France: Le Pen found guilty, but will run for presidency nonetheless 9 July 2026
  Far-right leader Marine Le Pen has confirmed she will stand in the 2027 French presidential election despite an appeal court upholding her conviction for embezzling EU funds. Although the court ruled she must wear an electronic monitoring tag for one year, that requirement has been suspended while she appeals to…
• EU talks with Afghanistan raise concerns about undermining human rights 9 July 2026
  Human rights advocates are expressing concern that the EU has set an unfortunate example by holding discussions with the Taliban about returning failed asylum seekers to Afghanistan. The meeting was held to discuss possible cooperation on deportations, even though the EU does not formally recognise the Taliban government. While no…
• Greece: firefighters receive assistance from satellite technology 2 July 2026
  Greece has become the first country to deploy a dedicated constellation of firefighting satellites, introducing a new system designed to detect wildfires quickly and improve emergency response. Four nanosatellites launched into low Earth orbit are now fully operational, using thermal sensors and artificial intelligence to identify fires as small as…
• Switzerland: four bishops ordained by breakaway group despite Pope’s appeal 2 July 2026
  On 1 July thousands of people gathered in Écône, Switzerland, to witness the ordination of four new bishops by the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), despite a direct appeal from Pope Leo XIV not to proceed. The Pope described the ordinations as a ‘schismatic act’ that could further divide…