Southern France’s port city, capital of Bouches-du-Rhône
Public Health France has reported 5,764 excess deaths between 17 June and 2 July, the highest heatwave excess mortality since 2003. Researchers in the UK have estimated about 2,700 heat-related deaths in England and Wales across May and June, and EuroMOMO and national agencies have reported over 10,000 excess deaths across western Europe in late June, mostly among those over 65.
France and Spain are in the spotlight as the Geopolitics World Cup moves toward the final. Mbappé’s form is under scrutiny after a semi-final exit, while Spain’s control solidifies their title bid. The bronze match in Miami and the closing ceremony in New York will cap a dramatic tournament.
More than 160 activists aboard a Gaza-bound aid flotilla have been taken to Crete after Israeli forces intercepted the vessels in international waters. Organisers say 168 crew members have been moved to Greek boats, with 22 ships intercepted and 47 still at sea. The United States has warned of consequences for supporters, while European states express concern over international-law questions surrounding the detentions.
The Giro d'Italia has continued with stage updates from Bulgaria and Italy. Guillermo Thomas Silva remains in pink, while Paul Magnier has won a sprint on the opening Bulgarian stage and Giulio Ciccone moves into the overall lead ahead of tougher climbs on Stage 4.
France has seen multiple developments reshaping the 2027 presidential contest: Edouard Philippe has had a judicial inquiry opened over a 2020 Le Havre digital-hub contract; Reuters has reported a suspected disinformation campaign tied to a shadowy firm called BlackCore; and public rows between Kylian Mbappé and National Rally figures are intensifying the political debate.
A mounting body of studies shows climate hazards are increasingly disrupting data centers worldwide, raising costs and threatening reliability. Insurers warn of higher premiums; operators push for water-efficient cooling and location strategies. With heat waves intensifying, a systemic rethink of cooling, water use, and siting is underway.
Crystal Palace has appointed Pierre Sage as head coach after Oliver Glasner’s departure. Sage signs a three-year deal, aiming to continue Palace’s winning approach as they enter another European campaign.
UNICEF warns that a vast majority of children worldwide are exposed to multiple climate risks—heat, droughts, floods and more—jeopardising health, education and survival; governments must accelerate renewable energy and resilience efforts.
Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi has been cleared to travel to Canada for a World Cup clash with Germany after authorities briefly barred him from entering. The move follows reports he was linked to a probe into sports corruption in France. FIF says it has confidence in him and he will join the squad in Toronto for the group match.
A string of Portugal’s Fishermen’s Trail coastal sections is drawing hikers to remote beaches and cliff-top scenery along the Algarve and the Atlantic coast. From Lagos to Sagres, walkers are finding serene coves, rugged paths and local seafood, while towns like Salema and Sagres offer base camps for weekend treks.
France and Spain face renewed heat, with forecasts reaching up to 44C in parts of the southeast. June’s heat has already caused thousands of excess deaths, prompting warnings of increased forest fires and pressure on hospitals.
Wildfires are raging in southern France and central Greece amid a heatwave that has intensified across Europe. French fires have prompted evacuations near Marseille, while Greek blazes in Fthiotida threaten homes and forests. Greece is harnessing satellite technology to monitor the fires as climate change amplifies the threat.
Belgium has rallied from a 2-0 deficit to beat Senegal 3-2 in extra time, with Lukaku and Tielemans scoring late to force extra time and Tielemans sealing the win from the spot in the 125th minute. The turnaround sets up a clash with the United States in Seattle.
France battles wildfires across Aude, Hérault and Marseille regions as temperatures stay high and vegetation remains parched. Firefighters are expanding operations while evacuations continue and authorities warn the heatwave could persist.
A trio of articles shows how heat is changing living spaces in Europe. One piece argues white roofs and reflective coatings can reduce indoor temps and counter urban heat. Montpellier residents stay comfortable without air conditioning through latticework and sunshades. Media coverage questions how heat rhetoric has evolved amid rising temperatures.
Wildfires in the Var region near Paris have escalated under a heatwave, forcing evacuations and disrupting transport as firefighting crews battle fires described as virulent and of exceptional scale. Firefighting planes have been deployed from the south, with thousands of hectares burned and dozens of homes affected.
Italy is tightening access to popular beaches, with Sardinia imposing booking and fees at La Pelosa and other coves. Authorities cite crowd limits and environmental protection, while critics fear costs will deter visitors and hurt local economies. The policy is part of a broader trend toward managed beach access across the country.