Europe

Spain experienced its first total solar eclipse in over a century on Wednesday, transforming day into night for a brief period. Crowds gathered across the country to witness the spectacle, as the lunar shadow journeyed from the northern coast to the Balearic Islands, captivating onlookers with the Sun’s shimmering corona.

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Switzerland is increasing water discharge from Lake Lugano to aid Lake Maggiore amid severe water shortages affecting northern Italy. The flow will rise from 3 to 8 cubic metres per second, a temporary measure to support irrigation needs and lake levels, coordinated through the Italian-Swiss Bilateral Consultation Body.

Jamie Shea, former NATO security adviser, articulates a shift towards NATO 3.0, emphasising it will predominantly be “a European show” rather than an American-led initiative. He notes the US is expected to play a reduced role in collective defence, diverging from its historical influence during the Cold War.

Barcelona recorded its highest ever temperature of 40.5C on Wednesday, exceeding the previous record of 40C set in July 2024. The heatwave, which began on Sunday, is expected to persist, prompting AEMET to issue red warnings for extreme heat across Catalonia and Valencia.

Hungary’s Prime Minister Péter Magyar proposes a constitutional amendment to remove President Tamás Sulyok, citing his allegiance to Viktor Orbán. The Tisza Party’s supermajority facilitates this change, prompting Fidesz to schedule a demonstration in support of Sulyok, who criticises the move as a threat to democracy.

Tens of thousands protested in Tirana against plans for a luxury tourist resort linked to the Trump family, marking 35 consecutive days of demonstrations. Initially an environmental campaign, dissatisfaction has expanded to anti-government sentiment, demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation amid accusations of corruption and ecological threats.

Thousands protested across France following the rape and murder of 11-year-old Lyhanna, demanding urgent government action against sexual violence. Criticism centred on systemic failures in the justice system, with Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin pledging to review 70,000 unresolved child abuse cases by mid-July.

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