Europe is a continent and is different to the European Union.
Switzerland’s non-membership of the EU means it is viewed as more neutral than countries like Austria, Ireland or Sweden.
(Friday 11 July 2025) – Ursula von der Leyen survived her no-confidence vote with ease, after MEPs sought to oust her. The political fallout could still be significant, with the motion reigniting concerns about her leadership style, lack of transparency and political positioning.
Much of the European news has been dominated by the ongoing heatwave sweeping the continent, with the UK set for a third heatwave this week. Plenty of European countries have issued health warnings, whilst other European nations are battling wildfires amid the extreme heat.
The Euro 2025 is in full swing, with this Sunday marking the final matches in the group stages. England’s Chelsea and France’s PSG face off for the Club World Cup final.
Poland’s government has announced temporary border controls along its frontiers with Germany and Lithuania, beginning 7 July for 30 days.
France has established a “Diplomatic Reserve”, aiming to recruit 1,000 volunteers by year-end to support citizen services abroad, strengthen diplomatic outreach, and counter misinformation.
Germany recorded just 61,300 new asylum applications in the first half of 2025, almost half the volume compared with 121,426 in H1 2024.
From dancing in Austria to international workshops in computational chemical biology, there are some huge cultural and innovation events this week across the European continent. Check out what’s happening in the EU/ Europe this week.
Cliff Notes – Wildfire tears through southern Crete A raging wildfire tears through southern Crete forcing more than 1,500 to flee homes and hotels The…
A fast-moving wildfire ravaging near Ierapetra on Crete’s southern coast has prompted the emergency evacuation of over 1,500 people, including tourists staying in hotels and local residents.
The Portuguese Football Federation has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, in a car accident in Spain.
The European Parliament will hold a no-confidence vote against President Ursula von der Leyen, emphasising rising discontent in Brussels following controversial decisions.
A severe heatwave is gripping much of Europe, with record-breaking temperatures exceeding 40°C reported in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Germany.
The European Parliament is preparing to debate and vote on a motion of censure against President Ursula von der Leyen and her Commission next week, during the Strasbourg plenary.
Prime Minister François Bayrou survived an eighth no‑confidence vote after the far‑right National Rally abstained, with only 189 MPs supporting the motion, well below the 289 required to oust him.
Most of Europe is under a “heat dome”, affecting southern and eastern England, while amber alerts have been issued across various UK regions for high temperatures.
On a drive to strengthen the EU, especially with the threat of Trump’s growing allies within the union, who won’t allow a stronger EU.
Attending the United Nations Conference on Financing for Development in Seville. And using the opportunity to sweeten relations with former African colonies.
Clashes erupted in Belgrade as police used pepper spray to disperse anti-government protesters demanding early elections and an end to President Vucic’s rule.
(Thursday, 3 July 2025) – Europe is reeling after the death of Liverpool and Portugal player Diogo Jota, who died, alongside his footballer brother, in a car crash in Spain. The Portuguese FA has asked UEFA for a minute’s silence across all games as the Women’s Euros begins and Portugal face Spain today.
Europe is still sweltering under record-breaking temperatures sweeping the continent, with several countries considering a work-from-home order. The heatwave is the biggest story for the region, with reports of deaths and rising illnesses.
It’s been announced that the European Commissioner is set to face a no-confidence vote next week, and the EU are pushing back on Hungary, which has vetoed Ukraine joining the bloc.
The week has seen protests across the region as well as Pride events taking place.
Turkish police detained 54 individuals, including six lawyers and at least three journalists, as they attempted to join a banned Istanbul Pride march in central districts.
Intense wildfires near İzmir’s Gaziemir district have forced the closure of Adnan Menderes Airport, cancelling and diverting multiple flights.
Denmark’s parliament has approved expanding compulsory military service to include women for the first time. From summer 2025, all Danish citizens turning 18 will enter a gender-neutral draft lottery, replacing previous voluntary enlistment for women.
Cannes will implement a ban on cruise ships carrying more than 1,000 passengers, starting next year, to tackle overtourism.
From festivals to Pride, there are a handful of big events taking place this week across the European continent. With Europe in the middle of a heatwave, if you head out to a festival this week, make sure you keep yourself safe – sunscreen, hats, shades and plenty of water!
Tens of thousands attended the Budapest Pride march, with estimates ranging from 100,000 to 200,000 participants, despite a police ban imposed by Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government.
Cliff Notes – Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez marry in Venice. Jeff Bezos married Lauren Sanchez in a lavish ceremony on San Giorgio Maggiore island,…
Cliff Notes – Scorching heat grips the European continent How Athens is preparing for wildfires — Focus on Europe Extreme heat is being felt across…