Spain
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.
The Minister of Defense of Ukraine discussed military support with Latvia and Spain. Latvia transferred UAVs and 42 Patria 6x6 APCs, Spain helps with air defense and military training.
A study by the "European Movement" showed that only a third of citizens in the largest EU countries consistently support democratic values. 64% of respondents do not rule out the advantages of authoritarian rule, yet almost half support the idea of European defense integration.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would recognize a Palestinian state in September, becoming the first Western member of the UN Security Council to do so. This move came after Great Britain and Canada refused to join the initiative due to their unwillingness to anger the United States.
On July 26, Italian airports will be paralyzed due to mass strikes, affecting Ryanair, EasyJet, Volotea, and Wizz Air. Strikes will also take place in Spain and Portugal, intensifying chaos for travelers.
Chinese automaker Zeekr, part of the Geely group, plans to expand its operations in the EU despite the imposed tariffs. The company is preparing to enter the markets of Germany, Great Britain, France, Italy, and Spain within the next 12-24 months.
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.
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.
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.
On July 21, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed new ambassadors to a number of countries and international organizations. Among the appointments are ambassadors to Kenya, Kuwait, Spain, Oman, Canada, Mexico, Cyprus, Malaysia, Belgium, Japan, Angola, Estonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, UAE, Algeria, and South Africa.
A study by the Barcelona Supercomputing Center found a direct link between climate extremes and sharp spikes in food prices. This highlights the growing vulnerability of food systems to environmental shocks, leading to inflation and affecting the consumption of poorer households.
July 20 marks International Moon Day in honor of the Apollo 11 landing in 1969, and Metallurgist's Day, a professional holiday for workers in the metallurgical and mining industries. Also on this day, International Cake Day, World Jump Day, International Chess Day, and St. Elijah the Prophet's Day are celebrated.
Law enforcement agencies from over ten European countries, Canada, and the USA conducted a joint operation "Eastwood" against the NoName057(16) network. As a result, over a hundred computer systems were destroyed and seven arrest warrants were issued, including for six Russian citizens.
Thunderstorms, localized hail, and strong wind gusts are expected in Chernivtsi, Khmelnytskyi, Vinnytsia, Zhytomyr, Kyiv, Cherkasy, and Odesa regions. The first level of danger has been declared, which may complicate the operation of enterprises and traffic.
In Spain, from mid-May to mid-July, about 1180 people died due to anomalous heat, which is ten times more than last year. This June was the hottest month in the country's history, and over 95% of those who died were over 65 years old.
Global sales of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids increased by 24% in June, reaching 1. 8 million units. Sales in China and Europe showed significant growth, while the US recorded a 1% decline.
The world's most influential finance ministers are gathering for the second time this year in South Africa for a G20 meeting, which the US Treasury Secretary will again miss. This comes amid the trade war unleashed by US President Donald Trump and his criticism of the BRICS countries.
Spain experienced a 5. 5 magnitude earthquake in the south of the country, including Costa del Sol and Alicante, which caused the collapse of the airport roof in Almeria and damage to a car dealership. This happened a day after sudden floods turned the streets of Catalonia into rivers and led to the evacuation of a hospital.
In Torre-Pacheco, Spain, violent clashes erupted between far-right groups, local residents, and migrants after an attack on an elderly man. Five people were injured, one was detained, and more arrests are expected.
Pedro Pascal, who played Reed Richards in "Fantastic Four: First Steps," said that the remake focuses on family ties and caring for humanity. The film, set to be released on July 24, 2025, in Ukraine, will introduce Marvel's first superhero family, who will confront Galactus.
The German government plans to purchase 15 more F-35 fighter jets from the US, increasing its planned fleet to 50 aircraft. This comes amid disagreements with France over the European next-generation fighter program.
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.
An express analysis showed that about 2,300 people died in 12 European cities from the severe heatwave that ended last week. Climate change made temperatures significantly higher, leading to 1,500 additional deaths.
Western Europe recorded its hottest June ever, with an average temperature of 20. 49°C. This is 2.81°C above the 1991-2020 average, indicating increased heat stress in the region.
Europe has been engulfed by wildfires, record heat, and storms. In Portugal, 284 deaths from overheating have been recorded, while other countries have experienced large-scale destruction and paralyzed infrastructure.