A wildfire has erupted near Aspropyrgos, west of Athens, prompting immediate evacuation alerts and a substantial firefighting response. As of now, 108 firefighters and various aircraft are tackling the blaze on Mount Poikilo, amid a high risk of wildfires classified as Category 4.

European football associations are considering a boycott of the World Cup, as a draft letter reveals accusations against FIFA President Gianni Infantino for leveraging the organisation as a “political career ladder.” The document underscores rising tensions within the sport’s governance.

EU UPDATE

This morning, the European Union addresses pressing energy and trade challenges,
focusing on strategic partnerships and regulatory enforcement.

Italy’s foreign minister Antonio Tajani has proposed closing the Schengen area to Spain, citing security concerns following significant migrant crossings from Morocco to Ceuta. Tajani’s remarks, deemed “inappropriate” by Spain, prompted a military deployment for increased border security amid rising political tensions between the two nations.

Suspicions are rising that specific open mesh fabrics may contain Chinese glass fibre, which is already subject to EU anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties due to unfair pricing and state support. This development raises concerns about compliance within the European market.

Three firefighters died battling wildfires in Greece as gale-force winds intensified the blazes. Over 150 firefighters are responding near Rethymno, with multiple aerial and ground units deployed. Evacuations are ongoing in affected areas, including Agia Galini, amid heightened alerts for local hotels and tourists.