A massive wildfire is wreaking havoc along Croatia's Adriatic coast, forcing hundreds of tourists to evacuate from popular sites near Split. Authorities suspect arson as multiple fires erupted simultaneously, complicating firefighting efforts amid harsh weather conditions.

Europe is pushing for 'digital sovereignty' amid concerns over U.S. tech firms' influence, spurred by Donald Trump's second presidency. Citizens and governments are turning to local tech solutions to regain control over privacy and politics.

AirHelp's analysis reveals that 29% of Irish summer travelers in 2024 faced flight disruptions, with Ireland West Airport being the most affected. The report emphasizes the importance of route selection as EU proposes changes to compensation rules, potentially reducing passenger protections.

Portugal eyes a €150 billion EU loan to enhance national defense and support joint military purchases, including the locally produced KC-390 aircraft. This move aligns with a broader EU defense strategy amid growing geopolitical tensions, emphasizing NATO's 2% GDP defense spending target.

Serbia secures a €51.66 million advance from the EU's Western Balkans Growth Plan, marking a milestone in its path to EU integration and reform. The funds will support renewable energy projects and economic reforms.

Right-wing extremism in Baden-Württemberg schools has surged from 9 incidents in 2022 to 62 in 2024, reflecting a broader rise in extremist activities among students. Experts warn that children as young as nine are adopting Nazi symbols, indicating a troubling normalization of far-right ideologies.

The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) seeks to impose tariffs on carbon-intensive imports, risking economic fragmentation and trade tensions. Critics argue it unfairly burdens developing nations lacking compliance resources, prompting calls for reform to support low-carbon development.

Portuguese authorities seized 1.6 tons of cocaine and arrested three crew members on a sailboat near the Azores, disrupting a major drug operation. The international effort, dubbed 'Vikings,' involved multiple agencies, highlighting global cooperation against drug trafficking.

A MediaLab report highlights immigration as the leading topic in misinformation campaigns ahead of Portugal's May 2025 elections, surpassing corruption in focus. With right-wing narratives framing immigration as an 'invasion,' these claims have garnered significant online attention, reflecting a polarized political climate.

The Portuguese Socialist Party demands government transparency on 18 U.S. refueling aircraft at Lajes Air Base amid Middle East tensions and an upcoming NATO summit. The U.S. confirms their presence, citing routine operations, while the PS seeks clarity on potential links to NATO or regional conflicts.

Belgium faces pressure to boost defense spending to meet NATO's 5% GDP target, as Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot criticized past neglect and proposed tax hikes. The government debates funding strategies ahead of the NATO summit.

Belgium's medical community is set to strike on July 7 over a proposed health law by Minister Frank Vandenbroucke, which caps additional medical fees. Doctors argue it threatens their autonomy and patient care quality, as the law also aims to regulate costs and access within the health system.

Portugal faces net job losses, not seen since 2013, with March 2025 showing a net hiring rate of -0.3, contrasting last year's positive rate. Economists urge caution, noting economic growth still exceeds European averages despite unfavorable conditions.

GEOTA's vice-president Miguel Macias Sequeira criticizes Portugal's €470 million investment in natural gas infrastructure as a threat to climate goals. The association urges a shift towards sustainable energy solutions, citing the need for a strategic phase-out of the gas network to align with climate commitments.

French President Macron is urging Europe to reduce dependence on US fighter jets, advocating the Rafale as an alternative to foster European defense autonomy. This push addresses shifting US policies under Trump and reduced military aid to Ukraine, urging a strategic pivot.

Germany's bathing water quality ranks eighth in Europe, with 90.5% of sites rated excellent, according to the European Environment Agency's latest report. However, two sites have inadequate quality, highlighting ongoing challenges, while overall European water quality has improved due to strict EU regulations.

The European Investment Bank has announced a record €100 billion lending capacity for 2025 to strengthen EU defense, energy, and tech sectors. This move precedes the NATO summit and aims to counteract reduced U.S. security commitments by financing dual-use military projects and boosting tech innovation.

The EU has flagged potential human rights violations by Israel in Gaza and the West Bank, leading to an assessment by top diplomat Kaja Kallas. While humanitarian concerns grow, concrete actions face hurdles as sanctions require unanimous EU member approval.

German Foreign Minister Wadephul, at a Kiel conference, warned of rising military tensions in the Baltic Sea due to Russia's aggressive activities. He emphasized the need for increased NATO defense spending and strategic military presence to counteract Russian provocations.