Central European republic, EU member, NATO ally.
Celtic devastates Kilmarnock with a hat-trick from Kasper Hogh, sealing a commanding win after a dominant first half. Celtic marked their return with clinical finishing while Kilmarnock struggled defensively.
The latest reports show North Korea has offered 30,000 more soldiers to Russia, while US officials warn of a potential Russian incursion against a NATO member. European leaders are recalibrating defense plans as Washington pushes for a Europe-ready strategy should US support wane. Analysts emphasize a unity among core allies but warn the alliance could weaken if US backing fades.
Since his April landslide, Prime Minister Péter Magyar has moved to dismantle Viktor Orbán’s network: parliament has passed a constitutional package that has ended President Tamás Sulyok’s term, forced retirements for senior judges and imposed 12‑year term limits on MPs. Tisza is replacing Orbán appointees, suspending public broadcasters’ newsrooms and creating an anticorruption office.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has carried out a surprise cabinet reshuffle that has removed defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, nominated Serhii Koretskyi as prime minister and named SBU head Yevhenii Khmara as acting defence minister. The moves have provoked mass protests in Kyiv and other cities, prompted at least one senior military resignation and raised questions about unity in Kyiv’s war effort.
California debates a 5% wealth tax; ultra‑rich residents have moved assets out of state, with Alphabet’s Larry Page and Sergey Brin among notable relocations. Tax plans are spurring residency audits and significant corporate and political pushback.
The European Commission has proposed extending free emissions permits and slowing the rate at which caps fall, extending some allowances to 2038 and allowing outside-EU carbon credits from 2036. The shift aims to cushion industry from energy shocks while keeping climate targets in view, triggering debate among member states and green groups.
FIFA president has spoken at a United Nations session to frame the World Cup as a catalyst for youth mental health and global unity. The tournament in North America has set attendance records, with Argentina and Spain preparing for Sunday’s final in East Rutherford after 102 matches across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Wrexham has confirmed a high-profile pre-season tour to the United States, with fixtures against Leeds United, Liverpool and Sunderland. The team is focused on training and results as injuries shape squad selection ahead of the Championship campaign.
Scottish clubs Hearts, Rangers, Hibernian and Motherwell will learn their European paths after the draws in Nyon. Rangers face Jagellonia Bialystok in the Europa League third qualifying round; Hearts could meet Benfica if they advance from Sturm Graz; Hibs and Motherwell discover potential third-round opponents in the Conference League. The fixtures are two-legged and scheduled in August, with seedings shaping seeds and matchups.
France has approved a law that will require social platforms to verify users' ages and bar under‑15s from accounts. The measure also bans mobile phones in secondary schools, phases in from September and will apply to existing accounts from January 2027. The law faces constitutional review and questions about technical feasibility and privacy.
Ukrainian club were in fourth tier in 2021 but, despite war with Russia, will contest European qualifiers for first time
Spain has captured a second World Cup title with a 1-0 victory over Argentina in New Jersey. The win completes a dramatic tournament, with Messi’s form a defining thread. Post-match celebrations are underway across Spain while FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings over on-field clashes.
Hungary’s new government is pursuing investigations into grant-misuse tied to the National Cultural Fund from Orbán’s era. Six current and former officials face charges over about 17 billion forints ($53.5 million) distributed opaquely to artists linked to Fidesz. Pro-government officials say the raids aim to seize party communications systems, a move they call unprecedented since 1990.
The Geopolitics World Cup has dominated headlines, but focus is shifting as Real Madrid, Arsenal and other clubs shape bid plans around Vinícius Junior and Yan Diomande amid ongoing contract talks. The tournament continues to influence transfer chatter and create a miasma of speculation.
The bagel has arrived in America with Eastern European Jews escaping poverty and antisemitism. It has moved from New York street carts to supermarket freezers and breakfast orders nationwide. Its first bite delivers a crunchy crust and a dense interior, with toppings ranging from cream cheese to everything bagels. Immigrant families built businesses that spread the bagel across the country, remaining a symbol of cultural connection in Jewish American life.
A mix of sources shows momentum for expanding the World Cup beyond 48 teams. CONMEBOL and some FIFA officials advocate a 64-team format for 2030, while others remain skeptical about logistics and the broader impact on the football ecosystem.
Ceasefire talks have stalled as fighting intensifies across Gaza. Mediators are pressing for a durable pause, while civilians bear the brunt of renewed bombardment and displacement.
Italy is pursuing a back‑to‑nuclear energy strategy, aiming to legalize next‑generation technologies and use small modular reactors to meet rising demand, climate goals and energy security. Debates trace to a historic shift after Chernobyl and Fukushima, with authorities projecting a timeline toward 2033–2035 for potential operations.
The European Commission has approved a Paramount-Warner merger with conditions, saying competition persists in film production and streaming but warns over theatrical distribution. Paramount must divest its UIP stake and end its partnership with Universal within deadlines; the approval emphasizes consumer choice and scale to compete with tech platforms. U.S. regulators pause the case as states challenge the merger; a preliminary injunction hearing is slated for Aug. 3.
England’s track and field team has seen a wave of withdrawals from the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with Johnson-Thompson and Hodgkinson among those pulling out to prioritise the European Championships in Birmingham. Replacements are named; the team cites injuries and scheduling as reasons.
Vietnam is drafting a decree to allow under-16s to stay logged in to social platforms but under restricted posting, with parent registration guiding monitoring and time limits. The move mirrors similar actions in Australia, France and elsewhere as governments seek safer online spaces for youths.
UNESCO has inscribed Mount Olympus as a mixed cultural and natural World Heritage Site, marking Greece’s 12-year campaign. The designation accompanies South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Landscape and Japan’s Asuka-Fujiwara sites, while Normandy’s D‑Day beaches receive protection as part of the agency’s latest batch of recognitions.
Authorities have identified 21-year-old Abdul Ballout as the suspect who has driven a van into a crowd near Berlin’s Christopher Street Day closing party, then stabbed people; one woman has died and about 29–31 people have been injured. Police have shot and killed Ballout after a manhunt, and investigators have found a video and other material referencing Islamic State on devices linked to him.
A 21-year-old German national, Abdul Ballout, has driven a van into crowds near Berlin's Pride festival, then stabbed others. One woman has died and numerous people are injured as authorities investigate an Islamic State link. Ballout has been killed in a police confrontation; prosecutors say he sought to join IS and had prior convictions. Investigations focus on how he moved freely after prior sentences.
Dr. Gunther von Hagens, inventor of plastination and creator of Body Worlds, has died at 81 after a cerebral haemorrhage following a Parkinson’s diagnosis. His death comes as Body Worlds remains a global, controversial phenomenon in anatomy and public spectacle.
Waters near wastewater plants release DNA that carries resistance genes, enabling bacteria to acquire resistance even after treatment. New South Africa study shows extracellular DNA persists and can transfer resistance, suggesting advanced treatments are needed.
The Odyssey has sustained strong demand for its rare IMAX 70mm screenings, with limited global reels and high ticket prices. Studios are extending availability and audiences travel far to experience Nolan’s work as theatres struggle to meet demand.
The Independent reports opening statements in Lindsay Clancy’s trial reveal that both sides agree she strangled her children in 2023. The disorder postpartum psychosis is rare but dangerous; experts say immediate help is essential as mothers with severe cases may harm themselves or others. The coverage contrasts postpartum psychosis with postpartum depression and baby blues, noting prevalence and risk factors.
European football bodies are voicing strong concerns as FIFA presses ahead with plans to create a private-investor vehicle to run World Cup rights. UEFA warns of a boycott, while governments and fans ask who benefits from the staged investment, and how development funds will be distributed.
FIFA has unveiled a $20 billion subsidiary to run World Cup rights, offering 20% stakes to private investors. UEFA and other confederations decry the move as dangerous for football, with potential funding promises to member associations. The plan has triggered swift political and sporting backlash as the global football community weighs the risks and rewards.
Poland has found debris and a 10m crater near Tarnawa-Kolonia after an object that Polish and NATO radars tracked disappeared from airspace and crashed; Warsaw and NATO say evidence points to a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile that crossed into Polish airspace during a large overnight Russian strike on Ukraine that has killed at least eight people.
The Asian Football Confederation, UEFA and CONCACAF have voiced strong opposition to FIFA Forward Enterprise, warning that it cannot win broad consensus. FIFA insists on continuing consultations ahead of a vote, while confederations press for governance reforms. The rhetoric signals a potential World Cup boycott if the plan proceeds.
FIFA has faced backlash over a proposed $20bn commercial subsidiary to run its events, prompting UEFA to threaten a boycott and prompting other confederations to voice concerns. Infantino’s plan risks fracturing global football; some bodies seek governance reforms.
A series of projects linking public greenspaces with community welfare are expanding across Britain and Europe. From Care Not Capital in the UK to Polish social forests and Tshwane’s climate-adaptive spaces, officials and organizers say investing in greenery is boosting biodiversity, health and resilience while underscoring funding fragilities for maintenance.
Ukrainian drone strikes have hit more Wildberries warehouses across Russia, while Moscow says it has downed hundreds of drones. The attacks are part of Kyiv’s long-range campaign to disrupt economic targets, with several sites damaged and casualties reported on both sides.
Joint letter from 22 EU members urges rapid, coordinated action to secure borders as about 60,000 migrants reach Ceuta from Morocco; most have returned, but the border spike triggers a Schengen debate and political backlash.
FIFA has scrapped its plan to sell a minority stake in World Cup assets after broad, global backlash. UEFA and other confederations had threatened boycotts and demand reforms. The leadership faces renewed scrutiny as talks to rebuild trust begin.
Kyiv has warned that interceptor stocks are depleted amid Russia’s intensified ballistic missile and drone attacks, with remnants of air defence proving insufficient to down incoming missiles. Kyiv is urging partners to release more interceptors from stockpiles as it pivots toward a European air-defence framework.
Rangers have secured the signing of 26-year-old Japanese winger Daisuke Yokota on a three-year deal with an option for a fourth. The move strengthens Rangers’ attacking options ahead of their Europa League third qualifying round match against Jagellonia, with Yokota registered in time for the tie.
Drones carrying explosives have been found at Leipzig/Halle Airport, triggering security responses and flight diversions. Investigations are under way to identify suspects and possible links to a broader Russian-linked network active in Europe.
The Kyiv government has said ballistic-missile interceptors could have saved lives after a large Russian barrage hit Kyiv, killing at least 17 and injuring dozens. Zelenskyy has urged partners to speed up supplies of air-defence missiles, arguing delays directly contribute to casualties.
FIFA leadership has reaffirmed support for Infantino, apologized for errors in the Forward Enterprise plan, and announced a review of the processes amid backlash from national associations. The meetings in Rabat aim to restore confidence, but critics warn scrutiny will continue ahead of the 2027/2030 election cycle.
Russia has intensified ballistic attacks on Kyiv, with Ukraine reporting 17 deaths and dozens wounded. Ukraine downed most drones but could not intercept missiles, prompting Zelenskyy to urge allies to accelerate air-defence provisions, amid a broader European heatwave.
European football’s governing body has lost confidence in FIFA president Gianni Infantino amid a backlash over proposals to privatise World Cup stakes. UEFA and other confederations are pressuring for withdrawal; a European boycott looms ahead of the U-20 Women’s World Cup and 2027 events.
Kim Le Court has won stage six of the Tour de France Femmes, launching from a small eight-rider breakaway to beat Cedrine Kerbaol on the Mont Lalouvesc climb in Tournon-sur-Rhône. Marlen Reusser retains the overall lead ahead of Demi Vollering after a 153.4km stage from Montbrison to Tournon-sur-Rhône.
European federations have threatened to boycott FIFA competitions if private investment in football events continues, despite an apology from FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The move could impact upcoming women’s World Cup qualifiers and youth tournaments in 2027, with Uefa insisting assurances against future proposals are required to lift any boycott.