Threads
Stories that unfold over weeks: where things stand, what has changed and what comes next.
Latest changes
Sunday 28 June
France reports 1,000 excess deaths as heatwave moves east
France reported 1,000 excess fatalities as a week-long heatwave moved into Central Europe, highlighting the immediate human cost of extreme weather events and pressing need for adaptation.
France reports 1,000 excess deaths as heatwave moves east
France reported 1,000 excess fatalities as a week-long heatwave spread across Europe, shattering all-time temperature highs in Germany, Denmark, and Czechia. This event underscores the escalating impact of climate phenomena on public health across the continent.
Germany and Netherlands announce new Patriot battery transfers to Ukraine
Berlin and The Hague agreed to jointly provide another Patriot air-defense system to Ukraine, including interceptors and radar components. This move responds to intensified Russian missile and glide-bomb attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
Influential Iranian clerics urge end to US negotiations
Influential religious leaders in Ghom called for halting dialogue with the United States after a weekend of mutual attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. This puts pressure on the ongoing indirect talks in Oman.
US and Iran exchange strikes over Strait of Hormuz
The United States conducted a second round of airstrikes on Iran after a tanker incident in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to retaliatory Iranian attacks on American interests in Bahrain and Kuwait. This exchange threatens to unravel a two-week-old peace deal.
Putin acknowledges fuel shortages due to Ukrainian drone strikes
Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly admitted on Sunday that fuel shortages have led to queues at petrol stations across many regions, blaming Ukrainian drone attacks on oil infrastructure for the crisis.
Iran attacks US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain
Iran struck US military infrastructure in Kuwait and Bahrain, marking an escalation in regional tensions following recent US airstrikes against Iranian targets. This action directly targets US personnel and facilities in the Gulf.
Poland shatters century-old temperature record
Poland recorded temperatures of 40.5°C in Słubice and 40.3°C in Toruń, breaking its previous national record set in 1921. This event underscores the escalating intensity of heatwaves across Central Europe, prompting warnings of subsequent violent storms and flash floods.
Germany experiences warmest night on record at 29.4°C
Germany recorded its warmest night ever at 29.4°C, as a heatwave peaked with forecasts up to 42°C before severe thunderstorms and heavy rain were expected across the country. This event highlights the escalating intensity of extreme weather.
US imposes new tariffs on EU steel and autos
President Trump signed a proclamation imposing additional tariffs on selected EU steel products and passenger vehicles, citing national security and the need for reciprocal access for US firms. This move revives trade tensions with Brussels.
Iran claims sole control of Strait of Hormuz within 30 days
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that the strategic Strait of Hormuz will be fully under Iranian administration within a month. This declaration follows a weekend of mutual attacks between the US and Iran.
France's 10-day heatwave concludes, reigniting adaptation debate
A ten-day heatwave in France has ended, prompting a renewed public debate on the country's climate adaptation strategies and the need for urban cooling networks. The event highlights ongoing challenges in preparing for a warming climate.
Central European nations shatter temperature records
Germany, Denmark, and Czechia recorded all-time high temperatures as the historic heatwave spread across the continent, underscoring the widespread and intensifying nature of climate impacts.
Iran attacks US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain
Iran struck US military infrastructure in Kuwait and Bahrain on Sunday, escalating tensions in the Gulf region. This action follows a period of heightened friction between Washington and Tehran.
Belgium reports 1,222 excess deaths during late-June heatwave
Belgium reported 1,222 excess deaths in the week of June 22-28, a 39% increase over normal levels, primarily affecting older populations and exposing health system vulnerabilities to extreme heat. Public health agencies warn these figures are likely underestimates.
US and Iran trade strikes over Strait of Hormuz
The United States carried out a second round of airstrikes on Iran after a tanker was hit in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to retaliatory Iranian attacks on American interests in Bahrain and Kuwait. This exchange threatens to unravel a two-week-old peace deal.
Australia doubles social media ban fines for under-16s
The Australian government will double the maximum penalty for systematic breaches of its under-16 social media ban to A$99 million.
France reports 2,025 excess deaths during late-June heatwave
French health authorities reported 2,025 excess deaths between June 22 and 28, a nearly 30% increase from the previous week, as an unprecedented heatwave pushed temperatures above 40°C in parts of Europe.
Hezbollah rejects Israel-Lebanon pact as Israeli drones strike
Hezbollah rejected a framework agreement signed in Washington to end hostilities between Israel and Lebanon. Israeli forces struck southern Lebanon within 24 hours of the agreement's signing, following Hezbollah's outright rejection of the pact.
Iran threatens to halt diplomatic talks with US
Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned that diplomatic negotiations with Washington would be halted entirely following the recent attacks on US bases. This move signals a potential breakdown in communication channels.
Trump administration unveils new tariff package targeting EU industrial goods
The Trump administration notified Brussels of its intention to impose new tariffs on selected EU industrial and green-tech exports, citing "unfair subsidies" and Europe's digital regulation of US tech firms.
Denmark breaks all-time heat record
The Danish Meteorological Institute announced that temperatures reached 36.6°C north of Odense, the highest since measurements began in 1874. This record comes as a massive heatwave grips Europe, underscoring the continent's vulnerability to extreme temperatures.
US threatens new tariffs on EU green technologies
The US has expanded its proposed Liberation Day tariff package to include EU green technologies, escalating trade tensions and complicating climate cooperation with European partners.
Germany approves additional Patriot components for Ukraine
Germany authorized another package of Patriot system components, interceptor missiles, and radar upgrades for Ukraine. This decision responds to intensified Russian missile and glide-bomb attacks, aiming to strengthen Ukraine's air-defense network.
Germany, Poland, and Czechia set all-time heat records
A blistering heatwave pushed thermometers past 41°C in Germany, Poland, and Czechia, shattering multiple national records. This event underscores the escalating intensity of extreme weather across Central Europe.
Australian government doubles social media ban fines for under-16s
The Australian government introduced legislation to double maximum penalties for social media companies to A$99 million for failing to keep under-16s off their platforms, empowering its eSafety Commissioner to compel internal documents.
US launches second night of strikes on Iran
The United States launched a second wave of airstrikes on Iranian military targets following a drone attack on a commercial oil tanker, further jeopardizing the June 17 ceasefire.
Saturday 27 June
European creative organizations file copyright lawsuits against AI providers
A coalition of European authors, photographers, and news publishers filed new copyright class-action lawsuits in Germany and Spain against OpenAI and Anthropic.
Anthropic to share Mythos vulnerability data with Financial Stability Board
Anthropic has agreed to share vulnerability data from its Mythos model with the Financial Stability Board, amid increasing scrutiny over AI cyber risks. This collaboration aims to enhance global financial stability by addressing potential systemic vulnerabilities.
EU foreign ministers debate Red Sea mission and Gulf-EU dialogue
EU foreign ministers discussed proposals for a new Red Sea maritime mission and a formal Gulf-EU dialogue on chokepoint security during a Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg.
Lebanon, Israel, and US sign trilateral framework agreement
Lebanon, Israel, and the US signed a trilateral framework agreement aimed at freezing the Hezbollah–Israel front. This development follows recent intensified border clashes and ongoing diplomatic efforts.
French and EU envoys propose Lebanon-Israel border security plan
French diplomats, backed by an EU delegation, presented a draft plan in Beirut to reinforce UNIFIL’s mandate and introduce joint Lebanese-EU border observation teams. The proposal aims for a gradual reduction in Hezbollah’s military footprint.
Hezbollah leader rejects US-brokered Israel-Lebanon deal
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem dismissed the US-mediated framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel as humiliating, vowing to continue armed resistance. This rejection came one day after the deal was signed, indicating immediate challenges to its implementation.
EU competition regulators launch probe into AI cloud chip partnerships
EU competition regulators have initiated their first in-depth probe into AI cloud chip partnerships. This action addresses concerns over computing bottlenecks and potential market power concentration in the AI infrastructure sector.
Poland's consumer prices reach 73.3% of EU average
The Polish Economic Institute reports that the average consumer basket in Poland now costs 73.3 percent of the EU average, an increase from just under 58 percent in 2015. Energy costs, food, and services are cited as the main drivers of this convergence.
US partially lifts ban on Anthropic's Mythos 5 model
The Trump administration has allowed Anthropic to re-offer its Claude Mythos 5 AI model to over 100 companies and government agencies, while its Fable 5 model remains under an export ban. This move eases some restrictions on access to advanced AI capabilities.
US and Iran establish framework for new security architecture
A US-Iran framework deal has been established, setting up a new security architecture around the Strait of Hormuz and Lebanon. This expands the scope of ongoing diplomatic efforts beyond initial Gaza de-escalation.
US launches second night of strikes on Iran
The United States launched a second wave of airstrikes on Iranian military targets, responding to a drone attack on a commercial oil tanker. This action further imperils the June 17 ceasefire.
Poland records new June temperature record
Poland's western town of Słubice registered 38.9°C, setting a new national June record, with forecasts indicating temperatures could reach 42°C on Sunday. Heat alerts remain in place across most of the country.
Polish Foreign Minister Sikorski makes gaffe regarding airport name
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski suggested renaming Jasionka airport after victims of UPA, only to be informed by presidential aides that it already honours the Ulma family. Sikorski later acknowledged the error.