Ahead of today's World Cup semi-final between France and Spain, certain comments by former Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy have sparked a heated debate in Europe's press and beyond. He wrote that France had "a top-level squad. That said, they don't have any French players". Aurore Bergé, France's Minister for the Fight Against Discriminations, condemned the politician for making racist remarks.
The Hungarian parliament on Monday passed several constitutional amendments that among other things pave the way for the removal of the president on the grounds of a 'serious loss of confidence' – a provision which the government camp intends to use to oust incumbent Tamás Sulyok, who has close ties to former ruling party Fidesz. If he refuses to endorse the resolution, impeachment proceedings will be initiated, Prime Minister Péter Magyar has said. The press reacts with scepticism.
Oligarch Andrey Melnichenko, one of the wealthiest men in Russia with vast holdings in the fertiliser and energy sectors, has given an in-depth interview to The Economist. The British magazine also published an opinion piece by Melnichenko with the title: "Why a broken Russia is bad for the world". The media are divided over how to interpret this.
The Romanian state has accused businessman Viorel Pașca of running several retirement and care homes without a licence and depriving more than 400 people of their pensions and benefits. However, it has emerged that the vulnerable people in question were referred to Pașca directly by state institutions. For this and other reasons, commentators question what the real scandal is here: Pașca's behaviour or that of the state?
The US has launched a new wave of attacks on military targets in Iran. The US Regional Command said the aim was to weaken Tehran's ability to attack merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has responded with counter-attacks on US bases in the Gulf region. Commentators discuss strategies and risks.
Petrol and diesel are in short supply across Russia. Filling stations are either closed or dispensing limited quantities, and prices have soared. The shortages are the result of relentless attacks by Ukrainian drones on refineries across the country and in places as remote as Siberia. The Kremlin has responded with export bans and is now trying to import fuel. Commentators are divided over whether the crisis could destabilise the Putin regime.
Ann Widdecombe, who served as a minister for the Conservatives in the 1990s, was found dead at her home on 9 July with serious blunt force trauma to her head. The police say they do not believe her murder was politically motivated. Widdecombe had recently become active in the right-wing populist Reform UK party and attracted attention with extreme statements, for example when she likened Brexit to slaves rising up against their masters.
Water supplies in the coastal region around Almada in Portugal have been repeatedly disrupted for over a week – in the middle of the high season. The shortages are the result of rising resident and tourist numbers and an ageing infrastructure in which around a third of the water volume is lost through leaks. Portuguese media call for action.
The US and Iran have resumed fighting. Washington confirmed strikes on targets in Iran, Tehran has attacked US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. Shortly beforehand, merchant ships had come under fire in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has since said that the agreed ceasefire is over. Europe's press tries to gauge the risk of further escalation.
Nato members made a show of unity at the end of the summit in Ankara. The final declaration states that Europe and Canada will shoulder a greater share of the defence burden in future. Plans were drawn up for massive investment in the defence industry and the modernisation of member states' armed forces. Military aid totalling 140 billion euros over two years was also pledged to Ukraine. The media takes stock.
An appeal court has upheld the conviction of French far-right leader Marine Le Pen for embezzlement of EU funds. However, the ban on holding public office has been reduced, which allows her to run for president in the 2027 election. Two years of her three-year prison sentence have been suspended. For the remaining year, she will be required to wear an electronic ankle tag. Le Pen plans to appeal the decision and has said she will run for president "without a tag".