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Hungary Suspends State News Broadcasts to Reform Public Media

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Hungary has temporarily suspended news broadcasts on its main public television channel, M1, and halted programming on the state-run Kossuth radio station as part of a major media reform announced by Prime Minister Péter Magyar. A message aired on M1 apologised for “lying for years” and said public media would be restructured to become independent and trustworthy.

The move follows the defeat of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whose government was widely accused of maintaining tight control over state media during his 16 years in power. Magyar called the development a “historic day” and described it as the end of propaganda in Hungary’s public broadcasting system.

State broadcaster MTVA said M1 would return with a new format and editorial team before gradually reintroducing news bulletins. Orbán criticised the decision, calling it an example of government overreach, while the reforms are being presented by the new administration as a step toward strengthening media independence and press freedom.

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French Lawmakers Approve Controversial Police Shooting Bill

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French lawmakers have approved a controversial bill that would presume police officers acted lawfully in fatal shootings unless proven otherwise. The proposal, backed by the government, passed the lower house of parliament by 313 votes to 199 and now moves to the upper house for final approval.

Supporters, including Interior Minister Laurent Nunez, say the measure is necessary to protect police officers working in dangerous situations. However, critics argue the bill could make it harder to hold officers accountable and may increase the number of fatal police shootings. Human rights groups have described the proposal as a “licence to kill.”

The debate comes amid growing concerns over police violence in France, where fatal police shootings have risen in recent years. High-profile cases, including the 2023 killing of Nahel Merzouk, sparked nationwide protests and renewed calls for police reform. Opponents warn the proposed law could weaken investigations and reduce justice for victims’ families.

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Trump Ends Interim U.S.-Iran Peace Agreement

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Donald Trump has declared that the interim agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending their conflict is “over.” Speaking ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump said he no longer wished to engage with Tehran, following the collapse of indirect negotiations and renewed U.S. military strikes against Iran.

The temporary agreement, brokered by Pakistan, had created a 60-day window for talks on a permanent peace deal. However, negotiations held in Qatar failed to produce progress, and tensions escalated after the United States launched fresh strikes on Iranian targets earlier this week.

The U.S. also revoked a license that had temporarily allowed Iran to sell crude oil and petroleum products. The Treasury Department has given Iran until July 17 to wind down transactions previously permitted under the agreement, marking another step in the worsening relations between Washington and Tehran.

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Spanish Cardinal Suspends Himself Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

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Cristóbal López Romero, the Spanish cardinal and Archbishop of Rabat, has suspended himself from public ministry after allegations of inappropriate behaviour toward adult women. The Vatican confirmed that a preliminary investigation has been launched following the accusations.

According to reports, at least five women have accused the 74-year-old cardinal of sexual assault. López Romero has denied all allegations, stating that he committed neither assault, violence, nor sexual harassment. He also pledged to cooperate fully with the Vatican’s investigation.

To avoid influencing the inquiry, López Romero said he would refrain from leading public religious celebrations and participating in pastoral activities until the investigation is completed. A cardinal since 2019, he has been regarded as a progressive figure within the Catholic Church and was previously considered a potential papal candidate.

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Le Pen Launches Fresh Presidential Bid

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French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has officially launched her fourth bid for the French presidency after an appeals court cleared her to run in the 2027 election. While the court upheld her conviction over the misuse of European Parliament funds, it reduced her electoral ban, allowing her to contest the vote. Le Pen said she will appeal the conviction while continuing her campaign, describing the legal battle as a challenge that has strengthened her resolve.

The decision marks a significant political comeback for Le Pen, whose presidential ambitions appeared uncertain after a 2025 ruling barred her from holding office. She is betting that French voters will look beyond her legal troubles and support her bid to become France’s first modern far-right president. Le Pen also confirmed that Jordan Bardella will remain her key political partner and would serve as prime minister if she wins the presidency.

Despite strong polling for the National Rally, the party still faces questions over its economic agenda. Internal debates continue over issues such as pension reforms, taxation, and public spending, as the party seeks to broaden its appeal among both conservative and working-class voters ahead of the 2027 election.

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France Cuts 2026 Economic Growth Forecast to 0.7%

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France has lowered its economic growth forecast for 2026 to 0.7%, down from the previously projected 0.9%, according to a mid-year public finance update presented to lawmakers by the Finance Ministry. The revised outlook reflects weaker-than-expected economic performance during the first half of the year.

Finance Minister Roland Lescure said the downgrade was driven by a slower start to the year, partly due to the impact of special budget legislation. He also cited the challenging international environment, including ongoing instability caused by the conflict in the Middle East, as a factor weighing on France’s economic prospects.

The updated forecast highlights the pressures facing Europe’s second-largest economy as it navigates domestic fiscal challenges alongside global geopolitical uncertainty. The government is expected to continue monitoring economic conditions while adjusting its fiscal strategy to support growth and maintain financial stability.

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WHO Warns Europe Faces More Deadly Heatwaves as New Extreme Temperatures Build

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that Europe could face “more deadly weeks” as another powerful heatwave develops over the Atlantic. Temperatures in parts of Portugal and southern Spain are expected to reach as high as 43°C in the coming days. WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge urged governments to strengthen preparedness, noting that countries with established heat-health action plans responded more effectively during the recent extreme weather.

The previous heatwave, which swept across Europe between June 20 and June 28, is considered by experts to be the most severe ever recorded in the region. The intense heat disrupted power generation, damaged infrastructure, strained healthcare systems, and contributed to around 3,700 preliminary excess deaths in France, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Scientists have linked the record-breaking temperatures largely to climate change.

The WHO emphasized that vulnerable groups, including elderly people living alone, care home residents, and homeless individuals, continue to face the greatest risks during prolonged heat events. With fewer than half of the WHO’s European member states having comprehensive heat-health action plans, the organization is urging governments to improve emergency preparedness and build more resilient healthcare systems ahead of future heatwaves.

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NATO Selects Saab GlobalEye Aircraft in $4.5 Billion Early-Warning Deal

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NATO has announced plans to acquire up to 10 Saab GlobalEye airborne early-warning and surveillance aircraft in a deal valued at approximately $4.5 billion, choosing the Swedish system over Boeing’s competing E-7 Wedgetail. The new fleet will replace the alliance’s ageing AWACS aircraft and strengthen NATO’s surveillance and early-warning capabilities against modern threats, including drone swarms and evolving battlefield challenges.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the GlobalEye platform, built on Bombardier Global 6500 business jets, represents a multinational programme involving European, Canadian, and U.S. industries. Saab said deliveries could begin as early as 2030 if negotiations are completed soon, with each aircraft expected to cost between $400 million and $450 million. The alliance is now entering formal contract negotiations with the Swedish defence company.

The decision comes as NATO members continue increasing defence spending amid heightened security concerns in Europe. While the initial GlobalEye aircraft will not include air-to-air refuelling capability, officials expect that feature to be added in future upgrades. The announcement boosted Saab’s shares, while reinforcing NATO’s long-term strategy to modernize its airborne surveillance fleet.

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Suspect in Monaco Parcel Bomb Attack Found Dead in Ukraine

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A Ukrainian woman wanted in connection with a parcel bomb attack in Monaco has been found dead in Ukraine, according to the country’s Security Service (SBU). Anastasiia Berezovska, 39, was the subject of an international manhunt after authorities accused her of planting an explosive device at a Monaco apartment building on June 29, injuring three people, including two seriously. Her body was discovered with gunshot wounds to the head.

The SBU said Berezovska returned to Ukraine on July 1, where she contacted family members and two men, including a current officer in Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence intelligence directorate and a former law enforcement officer. Both have been detained on suspicion of her murder, with investigators alleging the intelligence officer confessed to the killing. Authorities also reported finding a basement room resembling a torture chamber during searches linked to the investigation.

Monaco prosecutors believe Berezovska disguised herself as a man while carrying out the attack before fleeing through Italy and Germany. Interpol had issued a Red Notice seeking her arrest on charges including attempted murder and criminal conspiracy. Local media reported that the intended target was businessman Vadym Yermolaiev, a sanctioned Ukrainian-born real estate developer living in Monaco, though authorities have not officially confirmed the victims’ identities. The investigation into the bombing and possible accomplices remains ongoing.

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French Court Verdict to Decide Marine Le Pen’s 2027 Presidential Bid

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Marine Le Pen is set to learn whether she can contest France’s 2027 presidential election as a Paris appeal court delivers its verdict on her electoral ban. Le Pen was convicted in 2025 for embezzling more than €4 million in European Parliament funds and received a five-year ban from holding public office. She has denied any wrongdoing and appealed the ruling.

If the court upholds the ban, Jordan Bardella is expected to become the presidential candidate for the National Rally. Opinion polls suggest Bardella would remain a strong contender, although Le Pen has played a key role in transforming the party into one of France’s leading political forces over the past decade.

The appeal court could also reduce or remove the electoral ban while still upholding her conviction, potentially allowing Le Pen to run. However, if her prison sentence, including home detention with electronic monitoring, remains unchanged, campaigning would become significantly more difficult. Le Pen is expected to address the nation in a televised interview following the court’s decision.

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