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EU Court Upholds Spain’s Catalan Amnesty Law

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The European Union’s highest court has ruled that Spain’s controversial amnesty law for those involved in Catalonia’s independence movement does not violate EU law. The decision strengthens Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s government, as the legislation was central to securing the support of Catalan separatist parties after the 2023 election.

The Court of Justice of the European Union said the amnesty is within Spain’s legal authority and can help reduce political tensions and promote reconciliation. However, it rejected one part of the law that required Spanish courts to suspend certain financial liabilities and legal proceedings within a fixed two-month period while awaiting broader EU decisions.

The ruling could benefit former Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont, who has been living in self-imposed exile in Belgium, though a final decision on whether the amnesty applies to him still rests with Spain’s Constitutional Court. While Spain’s government welcomed the judgment, separatist leaders said the law has yet to be fully implemented for many eligible individuals.

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Italy Coalition Seeks Pardon for Jeweller

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Italy’s ruling coalition has called for a presidential pardon for 72-year-old jeweller Mario Roggero after the country’s Supreme Court upheld his prison sentence for killing two robbers during a 2021 jewellery store robbery. Roggero was sentenced to 14 years and nine months in prison after the court ruled that he exceeded the limits of legitimate self-defence by chasing and shooting the suspects after the immediate threat had ended.

The case has drawn strong support from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s governing coalition, which argues that the jeweller was protecting himself, his family, and his business. Coalition leaders have announced plans to collect signatures for a pardon request, which would be reviewed by Italy’s Justice Ministry before being submitted to President Sergio Mattarella.

The incident continues to divide public opinion in Italy, with supporters viewing Roggero as a victim of violent crime, while critics maintain that the use of deadly force outside the shop went beyond lawful self-defence. Roggero has continued to assert his innocence and thanked supporters as he surrendered to begin serving his sentence.

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Boeing Nears 737 MAX Certification Milestone

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Boeing is in the final stages of securing regulatory approval for a redesigned engine anti-ice system on its 737 MAX aircraft, a key step toward certifying the delayed MAX 7 and MAX 10 variants. The updated system addresses a potential overheating issue that could lead to engine failure and has been the primary obstacle preventing the two models from entering commercial service.

The company said the 737 MAX 10 has completed 98% of its certification flight testing, with only two test flights remaining. Boeing has already built around 30 MAX 7 aircraft and nine MAX 10 jets awaiting delivery. Once approved, airlines operating existing 737 MAX aircraft will also need to retrofit the improved anti-ice system during scheduled maintenance to minimize operational disruption.

The certification process has faced years of delays following increased regulatory scrutiny after the fatal 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019, as well as quality concerns raised in recent years. Boeing also confirmed that its new safety enhancements, including an updated flight crew alerting system, will be installed across the entire 737 MAX fleet within two years of regulatory certification.

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French MPs Approve Assisted Dying Bill

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France’s National Assembly has approved a landmark assisted dying bill after years of political debate, voting 291 to 241 in favour of the legislation. The bill would allow eligible adults with a serious, incurable, life-threatening illness in an advanced or terminal stage to request assisted dying under strict legal safeguards. The law must still undergo constitutional review before it can take effect.

Under the proposed legislation, patients must voluntarily request the procedure and obtain approval from a doctor following consultations within 15 days. After a mandatory two-day reflection period, the patient would generally administer the life-ending medication themselves. If they are physically unable to do so, a doctor or nurse could assist, provided the patient’s consent is confirmed on the day of the procedure.

The legislation remains politically and socially divisive, drawing opposition from religious groups and some medical professionals, while opinion polls indicate broad public support. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has referred key provisions of the bill to France’s Constitutional Council for review, including the reflection period, consent rules for protected patients, and the role of palliative care facilities before the law can be formally enacted.

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Airbus in Talks to Sell More A330neo Jets to Saudi Carrier Flynas

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Airbus is in discussions with Saudi Arabian low-cost airline Flynas to sell additional A330neo widebody aircraft, according to industry sources. The announcement could be made as early as next week’s Farnborough Airshow, although neither Airbus nor Flynas has officially confirmed the deal. If finalized, the agreement would further strengthen Flynas’ long-haul fleet expansion plans.

Reports suggest that Flynas is looking to convert options for eight Airbus A330neo aircraft into firm orders. The move aligns with the airline’s strategy to expand its international operations as demand for air travel continues to grow across the Middle East. Airbus declined to comment on the ongoing discussions.

Meanwhile, industry sources played down reports that German airline Condor Flugdienst is preparing to place a similar order for the A330neo. Earlier media reports indicated that Condor was considering the purchase of around six aircraft, but no official confirmation has been provided. Any announcement related to the Flynas deal is expected to coincide with the Farnborough Airshow next week.

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Britain and EU Sign Gibraltar Treaty to Ease Border Crossings

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Britain and the European Union have formally signed a treaty defining Gibraltar’s post-Brexit status, marking a significant step toward reducing border restrictions and ending years of uncertainty surrounding the British overseas territory. The agreement was signed in Brussels by European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, UK Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares Bueno, and Gibraltar Chief Minister Fabian Picardo.

Under the new treaty, Gibraltar residents will be able to cross into Spain using their residence cards without passport stamps, while Spanish citizens can enter Gibraltar using a government-issued identity card. Passengers arriving at Gibraltar Airport will undergo passport checks by both Gibraltar and Spanish border authorities, creating a streamlined system for cross-border travel.

The agreement builds on a deal reached last year and is intended to strengthen cooperation between Britain, Spain, Gibraltar, and the European Union. Gibraltar, a British overseas territory at the southern tip of Spain, has remained a sensitive issue since Brexit. Britain has controlled the territory since the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht, making the new accord an important milestone in managing future border and travel arrangements.

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France Showcases Support for Ukraine at Bastille Day Parade

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France used its annual Bastille Day parade to highlight European unity and support for Ukraine, with around 500 troops from the “Coalition of the Willing” marching along the Champs-Elysees in Paris. The parade also featured about 25 Ukrainian soldiers and came a day after President Volodymyr Zelenskiy joined more than 25 world leaders in Paris for a summit focused on strengthening support for Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia.

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed leaders including Ukrainian President Zelenskiy, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to the national day celebrations. The event also included a joint fly-past by French and allied European aircraft, with Mirage fighter jets flown alongside Ukrainian co-pilots currently undergoing training. France described the international participation as a symbol of Europe’s growing commitment to collective security.

The display came as European allies announced a new air defence coalition to help Ukraine counter intensified Russian attacks and ammunition shortages. The Kremlin criticised the Paris gathering, calling the coalition “hostile.” Speaking ahead of the parade, Macron said Europe faces its most serious security challenges in decades and must be prepared to defend its values, freedom, and security if necessary.

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German Schools Become Election Battleground as AfD Pushes Education Agenda

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Schools in Germany’s eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt have become a major political flashpoint ahead of the September 6 regional election, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is leading opinion polls. The debate intensified after teacher Max Heckel received a formal warning for telling a student he had not voted for the AfD, citing its classification as extremist by security authorities. Heckel says the incident has led to online abuse, threats, and vandalism, while raising concerns about freedom of discussion in classrooms.

The AfD argues that teachers must remain politically neutral and has pledged sweeping education reforms if it wins power in the state. Party leaders say schools should focus on traditional values, German history, and academic standards while removing what they describe as political influence and ideological teaching. The party also proposes reducing social support and integration programmes in schools as part of a broader overhaul of the education system.

Mainstream political parties and critics warn that the AfD’s plans could weaken democratic safeguards that have shaped Germany’s education system since World War II. They argue that limiting classroom discussions about extremism and the country’s history could undermine students’ understanding of democratic values. With the AfD polling close to 40% in Saxony-Anhalt, the election is expected to be a significant test of the party’s growing political influence in Germany.

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Mbappe and Lamine Yamal Set for World Cup Semi-Final Showdown

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Two of football’s biggest stars, Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal, will take center stage as France and Spain meet in the FIFA World Cup semi-final, with a place in the final on the line. France are chasing a third consecutive World Cup final appearance, while Spain hope to add the World Cup title to their recent European Championship triumph. The clash also renews one of international football’s fiercest rivalries, with the winner becoming the favorite to lift the trophy.

Mbappe has been one of the tournament’s standout performers, leading the Golden Boot race with eight goals and playing a crucial role in France’s campaign. The Real Madrid forward has already established himself among the greatest World Cup players, becoming France’s all-time leading scorer and continuing to chase more international records. His experience and clinical finishing make him the biggest threat in the semi-final.

Nineteen-year-old Lamine Yamal, meanwhile, is looking to deliver his defining World Cup performance after a quieter tournament by his high standards. Despite scoring only once so far, the Barcelona winger has remained influential with his creativity, dribbling, and work rate. Having helped Spain defeat France in recent international competitions, Yamal will once again look to inspire his team as both nations battle for a place in the World Cup final.

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Italy’s Genoa Bridge Collapse Trial Nears First Verdict After Eight Years

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Nearly eight years after the tragic collapse of Italy’s Morandi Bridge in Genoa claimed 43 lives, a court is set to deliver its first verdict on July 16. The trial, which began in 2022 and has involved 284 hearings, includes 57 defendants such as former executives of motorway operator Autostrade, Atlantia, engineers, and government officials. Prosecutors allege years of poor maintenance and ignored safety warnings led to the disaster, while the accused deny any wrongdoing.

Among those awaiting the verdict is Cesare Cerulli, whose father, Andrea Cerulli, was one of the victims. Just 10 years old at the time of the tragedy, Cesare is now preparing to begin university. He says he is not seeking revenge but hopes justice will be served for the victims, their families, and the country.

The case has become a symbol of Italy’s slow judicial process. Prosecutors argue that delayed repairs and negligence caused the bridge to collapse, while defence lawyers insist the disaster resulted from an original design flaw that maintenance could not have prevented. Even after the upcoming ruling, appeals are expected, meaning a final judgment could still be years away.

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