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- French government activates extreme heat plan amid renewed heatwave
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Europe
The French government has activated the “Orsec extreme heat plan” for nine departments due to a persistent heatwave, with red alerts extended to 24 areas, including Ile-de-France. This unprecedented measure is aimed at protecting vulnerable populations amid increasing wildfires, which have already burned twice as much land as last year.
Andy Burnham, a veteran politician, has garnered support from 322 Labour MPs in his bid to succeed Keir Starmer as Labour leader. With nominations closing on 16 July, Burnham stands poised to become the sole candidate, potentially taking office on 20 July following a special conference.
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.
French President Emmanuel Macron met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, focusing on the Iran crisis and advocating for diplomacy. Both leaders criticised US President Donald Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric. Macron’s visit, devoid of political meetings with Italian officials, underscored institutional and religious engagement.
The ripple effects of the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine are impacting Europe, leading to divisions among citizens regarding political and military responses. Public opinion varies significantly as nations navigate their involvement in these conflicts.
Stressed and disengaged employees risk productivity, with Gallup estimating a global GDP loss of 9% in its 2026 report. Employee engagement has reached a low of 20%, with Europe showing the least engagement levels, particularly among younger, non-managerial workers, demonstrating a pressing workplace issue.
Claims suggest Italy denied US military aircraft access to the Sigonella base in Sicily due to political reasons tied to the Iran war. However, official statements and reports clarify that the issue is primarily procedural, rather than politically motivated.
Operational restrictions have been imposed at four strategic Italian airports—Milan Linate, Bologna, Venice, and Treviso—amid severe fuel shortages. The measures prioritise ambulance and state flights, limiting short-haul aircraft to a supply ceiling of 2,000 litres, risking direct domestic routes without prior refuelling.
Serbia has launched an investigation into attempted pipeline sabotage after explosives were discovered near Kanjiža. Military intelligence suggests a trained migrant may be involved, increasing tensions ahead of Hungary’s critical election on Sunday.
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