A region of the northern African coast, defined by its core states and varied by governance bodies.
Nigel Farage has launched "Operation Fortress", a Reform UK plan to deploy the Royal Navy to intercept small boats in the Channel, detain occupants, and return them to France or Belgium. The proposal has drawn immediate legal, military and diplomatic scepticism, French condemnation and accusations from rivals that it is a distraction from party financial scandals.
Two early‑season heatwaves have broken June temperature records across western Europe, pushing many locations above 40°C, triggering red alerts, disrupting transport and power, and causing dozens of deaths in France and other countries. Scientists have said human‑caused warming has made this event far more likely and night‑time temperatures have remained unusually high.
A persistent high-pressure heat dome is trapping heat and humidity over continental Europe, driving record temperatures from France to the UK. The phenomenon is linked to escalating temperatures due to fossil-fuel emissions, with authorities warning of health risks, wildfires, and rising energy demand.
A new study in Nature Climate Change finds heat stress is spreading beyond traditional hot regions, with nights warming faster than days. The world’s population exposed to at least one day of extreme heat stress has risen to about 1 billion more people since the 1970s, and nights that stay warm hinder recovery after daytime heat.
As temperatures surge across the UK and Europe, schools face red heat warnings. Authorities urge adaptive measures from headteachers, including flexible timings, ventilation, hydration, and possible early closures. The debate over whether to close schools or keep them open intensifies as unions demand better climate-ready infrastructure.
A chorus of firsthand accounts shows travel and everyday life are being reshaped by technology, cost, and shifting priorities. From AI packing hacks to pandemic-era lessons, readers describe how trips and routines adapt in 2026.
A new Nature Climate Change study shows heat stress is expanding globally, with hotter nights intensifying risks. Europe faces record heat, sleep deprivation, and mounting health and infrastructure impacts as nights fail to cool. Authorities warn this will demand adaptation and resilience measures in coming years.
Pope Leo XIV has addressed the United States’ migrant history and urged Americans to live up to the Declaration of Independence. He is delivering a message from Rome ahead of a July 4th memorial in Lampedusa, highlighting the ongoing migrant crisis and Europe’s response.
A sweeping heat dome has kept tens of millions under heat alerts from the Midwest to the East Coast. Overnight temperatures are failing to cool, heightening health risks and straining power grids. El Niño is intensifying the heat, and cooling centers, water, and hydration remain critical.
France and Morocco have strengthened their security, defence and energy cooperation during a high-level two-day visit, as both nations push for closer economic ties while facing fresh allegations that Morocco used Pegasus spyware against French officials.
France and Morocco are expanding security, energy and investment cooperation amid Pegasus spyware allegations. Lecornu’s visit signals a renewed strategic partnership as Paris seeks stability in North Africa and Rabat presses economic and technological collaboration.
The Sudan conflict between the army and the RSF has escalated, intensifying a humanitarian crisis. WFP reports food rations are stretched as aid access narrows; millions remain displaced, with fears of renewed attacks around key cities like El-Obeid and El Fasher. International bodies warn of mass atrocities and rising hunger.
Uber has offered €41.50 per Delivery Hero share in a deal valuing the company at $14.8 billion. The all-stock transaction would expand Uber Eats across 99 countries and increase the overlap with its ride-hailing business. Regulators will scrutinize competition; 14 markets will be divested to SSW Partners to satisfy antitrust concerns. The deal is expected to close in H2 2027.
ECOWAS members have endorsed the Nigeria–Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a 6,800-km conduit linking 13 West African states with potential to export 30 bcm of gas annually. The project aims to diversify energy supplies, boost regional integration and support electricity generation, while weighing security and financing risks as construction eyes 2028 start.
The UK has seen a record-hot July and persistent drought across large parts of England and Wales. Hosepipe bans remain in force as cooling rain is forecast to be patchy and limited this weekend. Forecasters warn that heat and dry conditions will continue into next week, with a potential return of hotter spells in parts of the country.
The US has finalised a 30‑year civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia and has submitted it to Congress for review. The pact will allow US firms to help build Saudi nuclear power, could permit domestic uranium enrichment after a joint study, and has drawn warnings that it will increase proliferation risks and regional tensions.
Since late May more than 160,000 foreign nationals have returned or been repatriated from South Africa, with governments reporting 115,000 back to Zimbabwe and 56,000 to Malawi; many returns have followed protests that have targeted migrants, sparked violent attacks and diplomatic rows across Africa. Petitioners have asked the ICC to examine whether the violence and state failures constitute crimes against humanity.
Thousands have crossed into Ceuta, according to police and TVE, with late-night crossings and chaotic scenes. Spain has deployed troops as officials wrestle with a surge that has left deaths reported and a push to return migrants swiftly.
European authorities are coordinating responses as tens of thousands of migrants surge at Ceuta’s border with Morocco. At least 72 deaths have been reported, with hundreds treated in Ceuta and thousands returning to Morocco as Spain and Italy coordinate measures amid diplomatic tensions.
Since Thursday, tens of thousands have crossed into Ceuta, triggering a cross-border crisis. Spain reports dozens of deaths and ongoing efforts to account for victims as migrants return to Morocco. The political fallout involves Spain, Morocco, and wider EU concerns about migration policy and regional stability.
Wildfires around Spokane, Washington, have destroyed hundreds of structures and forced tens of thousands to evacuate. Aaron Farinacci has been arrested on arson charges in connection with the Old Trails Fire, which is part of a broader fire cluster threatening the region. Firefighting efforts are ongoing amid hot, dry conditions as authorities assess missing persons and containment progress.
Iran and Oman are nearing an agreement on a temporary, bilateral route through the Strait of Hormuz to restore shipping, but Tehran says this does not guarantee safe passage or a full reopening. U.S. officials anticipate a broader deal is still needed, and regional actors warn that security remains contingent on U.S. actions and broader ceasefire negotiations. Prices have been sensitive to these developments.