An opinion column by financial expert Olena Sosedka.
Ukraine's leading allies in Europe plan to approach the EU for tens of billions of euros in loans for joint procurement of weapons for Ukraine and to strengthen their own defense. The SAFE program envisages loans for weapons, financed by EU debt with a 45-year repayment period.
Over 1,300 firefighters and dozens of aircraft are involved in battling three large forest fires in Portugal. Due to prolonged heat and drought, a red alert has been declared in the country, and residents have been evacuated and tourist routes closed in the Arouca area.
Nine countries have officially expressed interest in borrowing funds from the EU military procurement program SAFE by the deadline. Poland plans to request 25 billion euros, and Greece – at least 1.2 billion euros.
Ukraine increased booking capacity of the Trans-Balkan gas route by 2. 6 times, which expands access to resources from the southern direction. The cost of transportation through this corridor decreased by 25%, opening new opportunities for supply diversification.
The Prosecutor General's Office of Moldova denied information about Plahotniuc's consent to extradition. The Athens Court of Appeal confirmed his refusal, which will not affect the decision of the Greek authorities.
Forest fires continue to rage in Greece and Turkey, where the highest temperature in history has been recorded. In Turkey, three volunteers died in a water tanker accident while extinguishing a fire in Kestel.
Greece is facing five large-scale wildfires that have engulfed several regions, including Attica, where an evacuation has been announced. Due to intense heat and wind, the flames are spreading rapidly, causing injuries to firefighters, destruction of property, and forest areas.
The European Commission has sent warning letters to 18 EU member states for failing to notify the full implementation of the Directive on criminalizing the violation of EU restrictive measures. Countries have two months to respond and complete implementation.
A forest fire in the Limassol area of Cyprus has led to the death of two people and the destruction of dozens of homes. Approximately 100 square kilometers have burned, with assistance provided by Spain and Jordan.
Fugitive Moldovan oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc, detained in Greece, has been placed under pre-trial arrest for 40 days. He was apprehended at Athens airport as he was about to fly to Dubai.
Greece is closing the Acropolis and urging outdoor workers to suspend operations due to a third heatwave that will bring temperatures up to +43°C. Authorities are on high alert, and tourists and residents are advised to avoid the heat and crowds.
The Shalimov Center team presented a unique case of simultaneous intervention on coronary and peripheral arteries at an international congress in Athens. This operation, performed by two teams, received high praise from the international medical community.
Shipowners and oil traders are distancing themselves from the Indian company Nayara Energy Ltd. after its inclusion in the EU sanctions package. The tanker Talara turned around and left the port of Vadinar without loading fuel, and Nayara began demanding prepayment due to concerns about payments.
Former leader of the Democratic Party of Moldova, Vlad Plahotniuc, has been detained in Greece. He was wanted in connection with three criminal cases, including the theft of a billion dollars from banks.
A number of countries issued a joint statement, calling on Israel to cease hostilities in the Gaza Strip due to the suffering of the civilian population. The Israeli Prime Minister's advisor called this statement a "delusion" that sends Hamas a "wrong and dangerous signal" because it does not pressure the group.
Greek shipping companies transporting Russian oil are likely to continue deliveries despite a new EU sanctions package. They will adhere to the established price cap, ensuring about 20% of trade.
The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine reports on the Kremlin's nervous reaction to the bans on Russian state media in Europe. The restrictions, imposed by a number of European countries, have dealt a blow to Russia's foreign propaganda system.
The average duration of working life in the EU in 2024 is 37. 2 years, with notable differences between countries. The Netherlands, Sweden, and Denmark lead with indicators of over 42 years, while Romania, Italy, and Croatia have the lowest indicators.
Ukrainians are adapting to new recreation conditions, choosing short trips within the country, mainly to the West and Odesa. Bulgaria has become popular abroad due to its accessibility and lower prices.
Foreign ministers of Southeast European countries supported Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership. Participants of the meeting in Dubrovnik reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine's independence and territorial integrity.
In June 2025, solar energy accounted for 22. 1% of the EU's total electricity, surpassing nuclear energy and fossil fuels. The Netherlands and Greece became record-breakers, while dependence on coal sharply decreased.
Large-scale fires are raging in Greece, causing evacuations near Athens and on the island of Thassos. Significant parts of Europe, including Germany, Great Britain, Spain, and France, are preparing for the return of an anomalous heatwave with temperatures above 30°C.
A forest fire near Marseille, which covered 700 hectares, resulted in 110 injuries, including firefighters and police officers, and the evacuation of 400 residents. Marseille Provence Airport resumed operations after a temporary closure.
Greece's main archaeological site, the Acropolis, was partially closed on Tuesday due to a four-day severe heatwave. Temperatures in Athens will reach 38 degrees Celsius, and in other regions up to 42 degrees.
In 2024, the gender gap in employment in the EU cultural sector narrowed to 0. 8 percentage points, reaching its lowest level in a decade. However, women in the cultural sector are more likely to receive low wages than men.
In the first quarter of 2025, housing prices in the European Union increased by 5. 7%, and rental prices by 3.2% compared to the same period in 2024. Since 2010, housing prices in the EU have risen by 57.9%, and rental prices by 27.8%.
Forest fires in Turkey claimed two lives, one of whom was an excavator operator fighting the blaze. A little-known group, "Children of Fire," claiming ties to Kurdish militants, has taken responsibility for dozens of arsons.
Ryanair is increasing the maximum dimensions of under-seat carry-on baggage from 40×25×20 cm to 40×30×20 cm, which increases the bag's volume from 20 to 24 liters. These changes will be implemented in the coming weeks and will exceed the minimum dimensions recommended by the EU.
A large-scale wildfire is raging on the Greek island of Crete, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of residents and tourists. Strong winds complicate firefighters' efforts, and several people have been hospitalized with respiratory problems.
