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Gibraltar Ends 118-Year Border Controls with Spain

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Gibraltar is set to remove its 118-year-old border controls with Spain from July 15 under a post-Brexit agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union. The move will allow smoother travel between Gibraltar and Spain, ending decades of routine border checks that often caused long delays for the thousands of cross-border workers who commute every day.

The agreement is expected to boost trade, tourism and employment on both sides of the border. Businesses in Gibraltar anticipate increased visitor numbers, while neighbouring Spanish towns, where many residents depend on jobs and customers from Gibraltar, are expected to benefit from easier movement of people and goods. Gibraltar will also become part of the EU customs union and the Schengen free travel area under the new arrangements.

While the deal is being welcomed as a historic step towards closer cooperation, it also introduces new obligations for Gibraltar. Goods sold in the territory must now comply with EU regulations, and a new transaction tax will gradually replace import duties. Despite concerns about additional paperwork and compliance costs, business leaders say the agreement brings long-awaited certainty after years of Brexit-related uncertainty.

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France to Summon Russian Envoy Over Alleged Cyberattacks

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France has announced that it will summon the Russian ambassador to Paris in the coming days over an alleged cyberattack campaign targeting several European countries, including France. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the attacks were aimed at espionage and sabotage and accused Russia of orchestrating the operation.

Alongside the diplomatic move, France plans to impose sanctions on nine Russian individuals and four Russian entities allegedly linked to the cyber campaign. According to Barrot, the attacks were carried out under the direction of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB).

The announcement comes as the European Union works to finalise its 21st package of sanctions against Russia in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine. France has previously accused Moscow of launching cyberattacks against the country and says it will continue taking measures to strengthen its cybersecurity and national security.

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Trump Targets Spain and Revives Greenland Claim at NATO Summit

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U.S. President Donald Trump sharply criticized Spain during the NATO summit, calling it a “wasted cause” and a “terrible partner in NATO” while threatening to cut trade ties with the country. Trump accused Spain of failing to meet NATO’s defence spending expectations and expressed frustration over Madrid’s refusal to allow greater U.S. military use of its bases during operations linked to the Iran conflict.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez dismissed the remarks, saying his conversation with Trump at the summit was friendly and focused on topics such as the FIFA World Cup. Spanish officials stressed that relations with the United States remain strong, while the European Union backed Spain, describing EU-U.S. trade as mutually beneficial and pledging to protect the interests of all member states.

Trump also renewed his claim that the United States should acquire Greenland, arguing the Arctic territory is vital for U.S. security. Denmark and Greenland once again rejected the idea, insisting Greenland is not for sale. Despite the disagreements, all 32 NATO members reaffirmed their commitment to the alliance’s collective defence principle, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte describing the summit as a success.

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Massive Wildfire Forces Thousands to Evacuate in Southwest France

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More than 10,000 people have been evacuated from over two dozen towns and villages in southwestern France as a fast-moving wildfire continues to spread near the Spanish border. The blaze has already burned around 4,600 hectares in the foothills of the French Pyrenees, with strong winds expected to worsen conditions and make firefighting efforts more challenging.

France has received support from the European Union, which is deploying four waterbombing aircraft from Cyprus and Sweden to help contain the fire near Perpignan. The wildfire has injured five people, including a firefighter, while authorities have restricted public access to areas near the route of the Tour de France to allow emergency teams to operate safely. The race will continue with reduced support vehicles.

The wildfire follows an unusually hot early summer across France and Western Europe, leaving forests and grasslands highly vulnerable to fire. Across the border in Spain, another wildfire has scorched thousands of hectares, while separate blazes have also forced evacuations in the Castellon region. Authorities are continuing investigations into the causes of the fires as emergency crews battle to bring them under control.

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ECB Chief Lagarde Says Early Exit Before 2027 Term Cannot Be Ruled Out

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European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde has said she cannot completely rule out leaving her position before the end of her term in October 2027 if she decides to play a role in French politics. In an interview with French newspaper Les Échos, Lagarde said it was “possible” she could depart early, adding that she believes a strong European voice should be part of France’s presidential debate.

However, Lagarde dismissed suggestions that she is preparing to run in France’s presidential election next spring. When asked whether she would support a candidate or become one herself, she initially joked that she would “reflect on it” before clarifying that such a move is “not currently on the agenda.” She emphasized that her priority would be to contribute a European perspective to France’s political discussions rather than pursue elected office.

Lagarde reiterated the importance of France remaining firmly anchored within Europe, arguing that the country’s economic future depends heavily on its role within the European Union. She said she would speak with both a French and European voice, stressing that France must play a decisive role in shaping the continent’s economic future while maintaining strong European cooperation.

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EU Pledges Fresh Support to Armenia Amid Rising Russian Economic Pressure

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The European Union has announced an additional €18 million in economic assistance for Armenia and eased export rules for Armenian goods as part of efforts to strengthen ties with the South Caucasus nation. The support comes as Armenia faces increasing trade restrictions from Russia, which have affected key exports including fresh produce, flowers, fish, and alcoholic beverages. The latest funding forms part of a broader €52 million assistance package unveiled earlier this year.

During a visit to Yerevan, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen assured Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan that the EU would stand by Armenia despite external economic pressure. She said the bloc would remove tariffs on nearly 80% of Armenian exports, giving businesses easier access to the European Union’s market of around 450 million consumers. Von der Leyen emphasised that the EU would continue supporting partners facing economic challenges.

The announcement reflects Armenia’s growing efforts to strengthen relations with the European Union while maintaining its position in the Russian-led economic union. Russia remains Armenia’s largest trading partner, accounting for about 35% of its foreign trade, while the EU represents around 11%. The EU also reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace and regional connectivity in the South Caucasus through investments in transport, energy, and digital infrastructure.

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EU Carbon Market Overhaul Sparks Industry Concerns Over Climate Goals

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European industrial companies have warned that proposed changes to the European Union’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) could weaken incentives for businesses that have invested heavily in low-carbon technologies. Firms including SSAB, Heidelberg Materials, and Rockwool argue that easing carbon pricing or expanding free emissions permits would unfairly benefit higher-polluting competitors and reduce the value of early investments in cleaner production.

The European Commission is expected to present its revised ETS proposal on July 15 as part of efforts to align climate policies with the EU’s 2040 emissions targets. However, several political leaders have pushed for a softer approach, citing rising energy costs and concerns over industrial competitiveness. Companies such as BASF, ArcelorMittal, and thyssenkrupp have urged policymakers to address mounting carbon costs while maintaining a balanced approach.

Industry leaders and investors caution that weakening the ETS could undermine confidence in Europe’s climate strategy and discourage future investment in green technologies. They argue that long-term policy stability is essential for financing low-carbon innovation, warning that changes to the carbon market will not solve broader challenges such as high energy prices, infrastructure shortages, and global competition.

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Thousands Continue Protests in Serbia Despite Vucic’s Resignation Announcement

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Thousands of people gathered in the Serbian city of Kraljevo on Sunday, continuing nationwide anti-government protests a day after President Aleksandar Vucic announced he would step down within weeks, paving the way for early presidential and parliamentary elections. While many protesters welcomed the announcement, they expressed concern that Vucic could retain influence by seeking the post of prime minister and backing a close ally for the presidency.

The protests began after the deadly collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad in late 2024, which claimed 16 lives and sparked widespread public anger over alleged government corruption and mismanagement. Demonstrators carrying Serbian flags and banners reading “Students are winning” marched peacefully, calling for political change and greater accountability. Vucic has denied allegations of corruption.

The developments are being closely watched by both the European Union and Russia, given Serbia’s strategic position and its balancing of relations with both sides. The EU has urged Serbia to uphold democratic standards, strengthen judicial independence, improve press freedom and ensure fair elections as part of its bid to join the bloc. Protesters say their movement is about securing lasting institutional reforms rather than simply replacing political leaders.

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Netherlands Joins US-Led AI Alliance Despite ASML Export Dispute

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The Netherlands has agreed to join Pax Silica, a U.S.-led initiative aimed at strengthening and coordinating artificial intelligence supply chains among allied nations. The move marks a significant boost for Washington’s technology diplomacy efforts, even as the two countries continue to disagree over certain chip equipment exports to China.

The announcement comes as Dutch Trade Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma visits Washington to discuss trade issues, including concerns over the proposed U.S. Match Act. While both countries support restrictions on exporting advanced semiconductor manufacturing tools used for AI chip production, they remain divided on whether Dutch company ASML should be allowed to sell and maintain some less-advanced equipment in China.

Pax Silica seeks to enhance economic security and cooperation in critical technology sectors. Besides the Netherlands, members include Japan and South Korea, while Taiwan has endorsed the initiative without formally joining. The European Union is also expected to participate in the future, further expanding the alliance’s influence over global AI and semiconductor supply chains.

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EU Turns to Brazil for Critical Minerals as Supply Chain Diversification Gains Pace

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The European Union is strengthening ties with Brazil as part of its strategy to secure critical mineral supplies and reduce dependence on dominant global producers. During a visit to a rare earth processing facility in Minas Gerais, EU officials highlighted Brazil’s importance as a key partner in building more resilient and diversified supply chains.

The proposed partnership focuses on supporting local processing and refining capabilities rather than simply exporting raw materials. The EU says the collaboration will help Brazil create jobs, attract investment, access advanced technologies and move further up the value chain in the rapidly growing critical minerals sector.

The initiative comes amid intense global competition for rare earths, lithium and other minerals essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy and defence industries. Officials said discussions are progressing on new agreements and investments, with both sides aiming to strengthen long-term cooperation while promoting sustainable development and industrial growth.

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