Democracy ‘under assault’ from significant third parties at 2025 federal election, parliamentary inquiry finds | Australian election 2025

• Ukraine and Sweden have signed a £1.9 billion agreement for the procurement of 16 Gripen E fighter jets to strengthen Kyiv's combat aviation. • The deal aims to enhance Ukraine's aerial defense capabilities and provide critical air superiority during the ongoing conflict with Russia.

• President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on June 30, 2026, that Ukraine has signed an agreement with Sweden to purchase 16 Gripen E fighter jets. • This acquisition aims to bolster Ukraine's aerial capabilities and defense infrastructure against ongoing aggression.

• Germany's inflation rate showed a slight decrease in June, while severe storms caused significant disruptions across the southern region on July 1st. • The national security service issued a warning regarding heightened threats from extremist groups and foreign powers targeting the country.

• Former President Donald Trump is seeking a "Plan B" to challenge birthright citizenship after facing a legal setback in the high court. • The move follows a disappointing court defeat that temporarily blocked his efforts to restrict citizenship for children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents.

• The US Supreme Court concluded its term with a series of rulings that provided significant advantages to Donald Trump and the Republican Party. • The court loosened campaign finance restrictions and spending limits, potentially benefiting the GOP, which holds over $125 million compared to a debt-ridden Democratic Party.

• The Supreme Court concluded its term with a 6-3 majority ruling that struck down specific restrictions on political speech, which Justice Brett Kavanaugh described as a "severe infringement" on First Amendment rights. • The decision aligns with the precedent set by the Citizen United case, which previously blocked efforts to outlaw certain political speech occurring shortly before elections.

• The U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling in the Slaughter case that critics argue grants the presidency expanded, untrammeled power. • The decision is framed as a dangerous precedent that could allow a president to weaponize regulatory and law enforcement agencies against political opponents.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday to discuss the ongoing crisis in West Asia. • President Pezeshkian briefed the Indian leader on the latest regional developments and the proposed strategies for a way forward.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday to discuss the ongoing crisis in West Asia. • President Pezeshkian briefed the Indian leader on recent regional developments, while PM Modi emphasized the necessity of dialogue and diplomacy to restore stability.

• The European Union is facing legal action following allegations that it is "dismantling democracy" within one of its member states. • The crisis centers on Armenia, where the Prime Minister failed to secure a majority of votes in a recent election.

• EU prosecutors have launched coordinated raids across France, Spain, Italy, and Belgium to investigate alleged embezzlement. • The operation targets far-right political entities suspected of misappropriating funds, though specific figures and names have not yet been disclosed.