European Union

Ein 18 Monate alter Bub überlebte in den USA ein fast fünfminütiges Untertauchen im Pool. Nachdem der Bub im Spital für tot erklärt worden war, wurde in der Rechtsmedizin plötzlich ein Puls entdeckt. Nun gibt es neue Details zum Fall.

Schock in der Unihockeyszene: Ex-Trainer Lukas M.* wird vorgeworfen, heimlich Spieler in Garderoben gefilmt zu haben. Die Zürcher Justiz spricht von 90 mutmasslich Betroffenen. Der Beschuldigte schweigt zu den Vorwürfen.

Whether it is the middle or working classes, or even the well-to-do, life can start to shrink in the face of extreme weather. Credit: Shutterstock

By Philippe Benoit
PARIS, Jul 3 2026 (IPS)

If you pay close attention to the rhetoric regarding climate change (at least in those forums still allowed to use the term), there has been a disturbing emerging trend among some climate-concerned thought leaders, as epitomized by Bill Gates’s letter to COP30 last fall.

In it, Mr. Gates argues that climate change is principally a problem facing poorer countries: “Although climate change will have serious consequences – particularly for the people in the poorest countries – it will not lead to humanity’s demise. People will be able to live and thrive in most places on Earth for the foreseeable future.”

In many ways, Mr. Gates is correct: the people living in the poorest countries are particularly vulnerable to climate change, and the Earth will continue to be able to support humanity for decades and more. But what the recent record heat wave across Europe has served to remind those of us in more affluent countries is that there are different ways of living — and that living under a heat dome of near-40-degrees Celsius (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit) can stop us from thriving.

This recent European heat wave points to how climate change is also a menace to wealthier countries … today and more so tomorrow when rising CO2 emissions drive even more frequent and severe weather events

Whether it is the middle or working classes, or even the well-to-do, life can start to shrink in the face of extreme weather. It was ironic (perhaps the better word is sad) to see a number of events during London’s Climate Action Week cancelled because of soaring temperatures.

Staying home often becomes the best option, but it only really works as a refuge if you can afford air conditioning.

Those without need to hope to find the rare air-conditioned mall or other commercial space to escape to.

Probably the only ones who remain impervious to surging temperatures are the very rich who can jump on a plane at a moment’s notice to flee to another part of the globe that isn’t facing a heat wave. And all the while, the high temperatures and resulting surge in air-conditioning demand are putting a severe strain on Europe’s electricity grids, raising the possibility of even more disruptive blackouts.

Some analysts have argued that this record heat wave is being driven by the accumulation of high levels of CO2 in the atmosphere generated by the burning of fossil fuels. The analysis linking this particular heat wave to fossil fuel use is complex and beyond my competence (I am an energy expert, not an atmospheric specialist).

However, what is clear from scientists is that we can expect more of these types of extreme weather events as we continue to pour massive amounts of additional CO2 into our atmosphere from the combustion of fossil fuels (currently, over 35 gigatons each year).

Distressingly, climate change will mess with our lives in many ways beyond extreme heat. From wildfires that burn businesses and homes (including of the wealthy as last year’s fires in Hollywood showed), to higher winds that knock down electricity poles and trees, to reoccurring flooding that ravage towns (as Germany has experienced), to an uptick in heat-related deaths and other climate-related health risks, all the while simultaneously slowing economic activity as nature wreaks havoc on the normal ordering of our lives, jobs and economies. It may not add up to a climate apocalypse, but it is far from a minor inconvenience simply to be ignored.

And importantly, as the old Bachman-Turner Overdrive song says, when it comes to the destructive power of climate change, “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet.” Indeed, we can expect worse in the future if we don’t curtail greenhouse gas emissions.

Yes, climate change will have a particularly severe impact on the world’s poorest countries. In that regard, Mr. Gates is totally correct. But this recent European heat wave points to how climate change is also a menace to wealthier countries … today and more so tomorrow when rising CO2 emissions drive even more frequent and severe weather events.

So, when politicians and pundits try to limit the impact of climate change to the world’s poorest, or worse, try to wipe it out of our political and policy discourse, let us remember these past weeks and that, aside from the uber rich, climate change is a threat to all.

Philippe Benoit is managing director for Global Infrastructure Advisory Services 2050, specializing in international energy and climate issues.

Nelson Mandela's granddaughter says he would have supported "proper immigration management and secured borders".

Es ist ein Verbrechen, das fassungslos macht. In einer deutschen Mutter-Kind-Einrichtung soll Fatih G. sechs Menschen getötet haben. Nun kommen immer mehr düstere Details aus der Vergangenheit des Todesschützen ans Licht.

Ein schwedischer Polizist wurde bei WM-Feiern in Kopenhagen brutal verprügelt und schwebt in Lebensgefahr. Wie konnte das nur passieren?

In Ramiswil SO wurden nach einer Hofräumung 120 Hunde eingeschläfert. Eine Untersuchung zeigt: 21 Tiere hätten gerettet werden können. Marie-Lou Laissue von der Stiftung für das Tier im Recht spricht im Podcast «Durchblick» über Behörden, Tierschutz und Animal Hoarding.

Kinder der Jungwacht Blauring Horw LU freuen sich auf das Sommerlager in Eich LU. Leiter bereiten vor dem Start den Lagerplatz vor. Es passiert ein Arbeitsunfall. Eine Leiterin (†19) stirbt. Blick spricht nun mit Luca Belci, Co-Präsident Jubla Schweiz, über das Unglück.

Feiern Sie den Sommer kulinarisch! Ein Rezept für selbst gemachte Cappellacci mit Auberginencreme und Peperonisauce lässt mediterrane Gaumenfreuden aufleben. So gelingt das perfekte Sommerdinner – einfach, köstlich, italienisch.

Der Streit um das Mercosur-Abkommen spitzt sich zu. Nach heftigen Vorwürfen von SVP-Unternehmer Peter Spuhler holt Bauern-Chef Markus Ritter zum Gegenschlag aus. Die Wirtschaft dagegen stellt sich hinter den Stadler-Patron.

Bestimmte Angewohnheiten bringen Autofahrer regelrecht zur Weissglut. Eine neue Umfrage zeigt jetzt die grössten Beifahrer-Sünden – und wer die absoluten Wunsch-Begleiter am Steuer sind.

Am Sonntag finden zwei Schwingfeste der Extraklasse gleichzeitig statt. Der OK-Präsident des Innerschweizer Teilverbandsfests kritisiert die Terminplanung scharf.

Auf den hiesigen Aktienmarkt kommen nach Höhenflügen im ersten Halbjahr spannende Monate zu. Es herrscht grundsätzlich die optimistische Hoffnung, dass die Kurse an der Schweizer Börse weiter steigen. Doch es bestehen auch Risiken, wie zwei Börsenexperten warnen.

Die Berner Kajakweltmeisterin Alena Marx kennt Flüsse auf der ganzen Welt. Bei einer Reinigungsaktion in Basel wurde ihr einmal mehr bewusst, wie gross das Problem mit dem Abfall in Gewässern ist.

An der Anfield Road ist Mohamed Salah (34) eine Ikone, im ägyptischen Nati-Dress klebt ihm das Pech an den Stollen. Auch heute gegen Australien?

Sechs Tore, unzählige Glanzmomente und kein Ende in Sicht: Lionel Messi prägt die WM 2026. Landsmann und Ex-Basel-Stürmer Christian «Jimmy» Giménez schwärmt im Gespräch mit Blick vom Superstar – und glaubt sogar an den nächsten WM-Titel.

Belinda Bencic besteht in Wimbledon den ersten richtigen Härtetest – und steht zum fünften Mal in ihrer Karriere im Achtelfinal beim Rasenklassiker.

Für viele ist das Meer Inbegriff von Ferien und Freiheit – für andere aber Auslöser von Angst und Panik. Die sogenannte Talasofobie beschreibt die Furcht vor grossen Wasserflächen und tritt besonders im Sommer häufig auf, wenn Strand oder See Teil des Alltags werden.

Joueur le plus capé de l’histoire des Fennecs, Aïssa Mandi a encaissé l’élimination face à la Suisse (2-0) avec la même amertume que ses coéquipiers. […]

L’article Avenir en sélection, erreurs défensives, supporters en colère… ce que Mandi a confié après l’élimination est apparu en premier sur .

Written by Clare Ferguson with Áine Feeney.

As Members gather for the last plenary session before the summer recess, their agenda covers enlargement, foreign affairs, competitiveness, the EU budget, agriculture, social security and the environment. On Tuesday morning, a debate will follow a presentation of the programme of activities of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which began on 1 July. On Wednesday morning, Members will hear Council and European Commission statements on the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 18‑19 June 2026.

EU-Mexico relations

Bilateral relations between the EU and Mexico have been bolstered by the current framework since 2000. On Tuesday, Parliament is due to decide whether to give its consent to the conclusion of two instruments to update this framework, the EU-Mexico Political, Economic and Cooperation Strategic Partnership Agreement (Modernised Global Agreement, MGA) and an interim Trade Agreement (iTA), both of which were signed by the EU and Mexico in May 2026. Parliament remains in favour of modernising the MGA, with a joint report by the International Trade (INTA) and AFET committees welcoming it as a step towards further economic expansion that could benefit EU companies and farmers. The INTA committee is due to vote on a draft recommendation on the conclusion of the iTA before the plenary vote.

Passenger rights

Lower ticket prices and a wider choice of routes are not the only results of air transport liberalisation. On Monday, Members are expected to discuss an agreement to revise the air passenger rights framework to better protect passengers during increasingly common travel disruption. Delayed in the Council for over a decade, Parliament has shown consistent support for measures to protect air passengers and their rights. Parliament negotiators reached a political agreement in conciliation with the Council in June 2026. The agreement maintains the three-hour threshold for compensation for flight delays and strengthens passenger rights including on rerouting options, protection for missed connections and reimbursement for unused vouchers.

Social security when working abroad

A reform of EU social security rules aims to help citizens living or working in another EU country and better distribute responsibilities between EU countries. Members are set to vote on a provisional agreement on the move to modernise the rules on Monday. Parliament’s negotiators maintained mandatory prior notifications for the construction sector in the agreed text, meaning that authorities of the home Member State would be notified if someone works in another Member State. Parliament’s Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) confirmed the agreement in April 2026 and Parliament and the Council now need to formally adopt the new social security rules.

East Asia relations

The geopolitical situation in East Asia has grown more volatile as the region experiences increased security challenges triggered by authoritarian regimes. On Monday evening, Members are expected to vote on an AFET committee recommendation, which affirms the need to deepen cooperation with partners in the region, including Japan, Korea, ASEAN and Taiwan. Parliament also recommends establishing a comprehensive EU-Taiwan cooperation framework, in addition to strengthening EU engagement with regional security initiatives and diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in East Asia. 

Fertiliser prices

The crisis in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has caused an increase in fertiliser prices, placing a significant financial burden on farmers. On Tuesday, Members are set to vote on a proposal for a regulation to provide temporary common agricultural policy (CAP) support, which would offer exceptional support to farmers most affected by the soaring prices, including the possibility of increased advances on direct payments through existing CAP envelopes. Given the urgency, Parliament decided to consider the proposal without preparing a report, to enable farmers to make prompt decisions on buying fertilisers for the year ahead.

28th tax regime

The EU’s plans to allow companies to register as an ‘EU Inc.’, recognised across all Member States, under a ’28th regime’, are central to its competitiveness agenda, aimed at simplifying rules for companies to scale up in the single market. Complementing the legislative proposal already on the table, Members are expected to vote on an own-initiative report from the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON), on Thursday, on the feasibility of a 28th tax regime and its potential to support competitiveness by simplifying and harmonising corporate taxation.

Environmental crime

Environmental crimes can have a devastating impact, yet they are difficult to detect and prosecute. Parliament has repeatedly called for measures to combat such crimes. On Wednesday, Parliament is scheduled to vote on endorsement of the EU’s ratification of the Council of Europe’s new Convention on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law. A report from the Legal Affairs (JURI) Committee recommends ratification, concluding that the convention is consistent with the EU directive. The new convention establishes minimum requirements for the criminalisation of environmental offences related to activities such as pollution, destruction of biodiversity and improper handling of hazardous waste.

EU Budget

To enter a 2025 budget surplus of €2.1 billion as revenue in the 2026 budget, on Tuesday Parliament is set to consider the Council’s position on draft amending budget No 1/2026 (DAB 1/2026). While endorsing the proposal, a report adopted by the Committee on Budgets (BUDG) welcomes that higher own resources are driving the surplus rather than underspending, but reiterates its long-standing view that revenue from fines and fees should strengthen the EU budget instead of lowering national contributions, and calls for more sustainable EU own resources in the next multiannual financial framework.

Annual enlargement reports

Enlargement remains a prominent topic at this plenary session. On Tuesday, Members are expected to debate separately three reports prepared by the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET), on Ukraine, Moldova and Serbia. The report on Ukraine stresses the need for a ‘sustainable’ ceasefire and a peace agreement reached with the participation of the EU, while also recognising Ukraine’s European integration as a strategic priority for the Union.

AFET’s report on Moldova commends the country’s commitment to EU accession, condemning attempts by Russian efforts to destabilise Moldova’s path to accession through interference campaigns.

As a result of political instability in the country, Serbia’s EU accession process remains at an impasse. The AFET report recalls that accession is conditional on respect for EU values and democracy, reiterating the need for Serbia to affirm its geopolitical orientation towards the EU, particularly in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

Further reading

• Agenda
• Priority dossiers under the Irish EU Council Presidency
• 2025 Commission report on Ukraine
• 2025 Commission report on Moldova
• 2025 Commission report on Serbia
• EU-Mexico agreements
• The changing geopolitical situation in East Asia
• Temporary CAP support to help farmers cope with high fertiliser prices
• Feasibility of a 28th tax regime and its potential to support EU competitiveness
• Air passenger rights
• Developments in social security coordination
• EU accession to the Council of Europe Convention on Environmental Crime
• Draft amending budget No 1/2026: 2025 surplus