Greek prime minister; centre-right reformist leader
President Donald Trump has overridden the NATO agenda at a summit in Ankara by pressing allies to boost defence spending, threatening trade with Spain, and floating withdrawal of US troops from Europe. He has also signalled he will lift sanctions on Turkey and is considering selling F‑35 jets and engines to Ankara, prompting Israeli and European alarm.
European sanctions targeting Russia’s energy and financial sectors have progressed, with Greece blocking a wider ban and Ireland pushing a compromise on LNG exports. The package aims to curb Russia’s war effort as Kyiv pursues drone strikes and as the oil price cap remains in flux.
European wildfires have expanded across France, Spain and other parts of southern Europe as heatwaves intensify. Authorities report mass evacuations, tens of thousands of hectares burned, and mounting casualties among firefighters. The crisis is testing climate resilience and driving calls for stronger forest management and funding.
Scientists have found that human-caused warming has made the hot, dry and windy weather that fuelled this summer’s wildfires far more likely: roughly 20 times more likely in central Spain and about twice as likely in parts of France. The results accompany mass evacuations, record burn areas and heavy smoke that has crossed international borders.
Widespread wildfires in southwestern France and across Europe have intensified, prompting massive evacuations and triggering a coordinated EU response as heatwaves persist and drought tightens conditions.
Australia’s under‑16 social-media ban shows limited early success. A regulator’s three‑month follow‑up finds most youths retain or recreate accounts; age-checks remain weak and offline activity has shifted little. Governments may tighten enforcement and penalties.
A record summer of heat, drought and wildfires has prompted an emergency Cobra meeting and voluntary retailer suspensions of disposable-barbecue sales. Green groups have written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging him to call the crisis 'climate change' and stop new North Sea drilling; Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice has questioned net zero and urged adaptation and celebration of warmer weather.
Greece has faced a megafire near Porto Germeno, with firefighters battling dozens of blazes across the country amid extreme heat. Authorities warn fire risk will stay high in Athens, Voiotia and Crete, as winds ease but temperatures remain scorching.
Greece faces sustained wildfires in Attica as gale winds thwart firefighting efforts; France and Spain confront large blazes with mass evacuations. The crisis is linked to heatwaves and drought, intensifying Europe’s fire season.
Greece has faced a fresh round of wildfires, with two helicopters colliding during firefighting operations near Psatha, Attica. A Danish pilot and a Greek coordinator have died; one crew member on the second helicopter survived. Authorities say winds and heat have intensified blazes across Attica and nearby regions, with evacuations continuing.
Lebanon and Israel are engaged in direct talks mediated by the US, after Hezbollah-triggered conflict escalations. A framework signed in June calls for Hezbollah disarmament and a staged Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon, with Greece and Athens’ arms deal cited as regional context. Lebanon seeks renewed UNIFIL support as violence persists.
Israel has secured a nearly €3 billion defense export deal with Greece, delivering a multi-layered air‑defense array including David’s Sling, SPYDER and BARAK MX, plus radars and a national command system. A supplementary €26 million deal covers Rafael’s Drone Dome. The package elevates relations amid regional tensions and Europe’s security recalibration.
The twin-seat F‑4 Phantom crashed during a low-altitude display at Athens Flying Week. The crash killed two pilots; a large fire followed, prompting emergency crews and evacuations. Organisers cancelled remaining events as Greece mourns.
Greece and Israel have strengthened defense, security and energy cooperation over the past decade. A 3 billion euro deal to build an air defence shield in Greece has been signed, with Greece spending at least 3.5% of GDP on core defence. Greece plans further engagements, including a visit to Cairo, as tensions with Turkey persist.
Greece has pressed for the permanent return of the Parthenon sculptures from the British Museum. Prime Minister Mitsotakis has argued that any arrangement must recognise Greece’s ownership and reject a “borrowed” solution, framing reunification as essential to cultural integrity. The conversation follows recent remarks about a Bayeux Tapestry loan model as a potential template for a deal.