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.
Ukraine had 225 air defense systems in 1992, and by 2019, only about 60 remained. Partners have transferred about 100 air defense missile systems to Ukraine, but the country has lost 171 systems.
Ryanair has canceled 170 flights, affecting over 30,000 passengers, due to a nationwide air traffic control strike in France. The disruptions affect flights to/from France and over its airspace, impacting routes from the UK to Greece and from Spain to Ireland.
The Donald Trump administration eased sanctions against Russia, allowing related companies to transfer funds and critical components. This led to a decrease in the effectiveness of existing restrictions, allowing the import of computer chips and military equipment.
Ukraine extended the agreement with Poland on gas imports until September 2024, doubling the permitted volume to 12. 4 million cubic meters per day. This strengthens the country's energy security and opens access to new supply sources, including LNG terminals in Poland and Lithuania.
The tanker "Vilamoura", which belongs to Russia's shadow fleet, exploded on June 27, 2025, in the engine room near Libya. The vessel, flying the flag of the Marshall Islands and loaded with a million barrels of oil, is being towed to a Greek bay.
The UK stated that all members of the Eurofighter Typhoon consortium support the sale of fighter jets to Turkey, overcoming Germany's previous blocking. This increases the prospects for realizing the deal, which has been under negotiation for years.
Europe is experiencing an intense heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in many countries. Spain recorded a June high of 46°C, leading to fires and evacuations, while the UK and Germany are also expecting historical highs.
Kirsty Coventry has taken over as head of the International Olympic Committee, becoming the first woman and African to hold the position. She criticizes the automatic suspension of countries from the Olympics due to conflicts, proposing the creation of task forces to assess specific situations.
An Azerbaijani citizen with a Polish passport was arrested in Greece for espionage near a naval base. 5,000 files with photos of ships entering and leaving the base were found on his devices, and a possible connection to other arrests is being investigated.
On June 23, a number of important events are celebrated in Ukraine, including Midsummer's Eve, World Whistleblower Day, Typewriter Day, International Dravet Syndrome Awareness Day, International Olympic Day, and the Day of Holy Martyr Agrippina. These events encompass ancient traditions, modern social initiatives, significant inventions, and the honoring of historical figures.
Ukraine's junior national team won three gold medals on the first day of the Underwater Sports World Championship held in the Greek city of Chios. Yelyzaveta Hrechykihina, Veronika Vorobyova, and the 4x100 relay team became champions.
Energy regulators of Greece and Moldova have simplified access to the Trans-Balkan Corridor, increasing the attractiveness of natural gas transportation to Ukraine. Greece has lifted restrictions on gas exports to Ukraine, and Moldova has introduced a new capacity product for gas transportation to Ukraine.
The UK leads Europe in the number of days of remote work, averaging 1. 8 days per week, due to individualism, prolonged lockdowns, and the structure of the labor market. At the same time, Greece has the lowest indicator – 0.6 days, due to the peculiarities of its economy and culture.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized a visit of foreign diplomats to the site of the Russian strike on a building in Kyiv. Representatives of more than 60 missions saw the consequences of Russian terror in Ukraine.
Roman Svichkar became the European Fencing Champion, and Alina Komashchuk won a silver medal. These are the first personal awards at the European Championships in the careers of athletes.
Due to Israeli attacks on Iran, ships are advised to avoid the Gulf of Aden. Britain and Greece call for the registration of flights through the Strait of Hormuz and to exercise caution.
During the Ukraine - Southeast Europe summit, additional defense packages from some countries were confirmed. Support for Ukraine's energy resilience was also discussed.
Serbian President Vucic did not sign the summit declaration condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Other leaders of Southeast European countries reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and condemned the war.
Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced a project to connect three ports, promoting Ukraine's integration with the EU. The route may receive funding from the European Union, strengthening economic ties.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Odesa. They discussed joint efforts for peace, energy security, reconstruction and strengthening transport links.
Zelenskyy, together with the leaders of the countries participating in the Ukraine – Southeast Europe Summit, honored the memory of fallen soldiers in Odesa. Foreign guests were told the stories of Ukrainian defenders.
