France's far-right party National Rally probed for embezzlement of EU funds - France 24

• Manfred Weber, president of the European People’s Party (EPP), stated in an interview with Euronews that EU climate policies must be "reasonable from a business perspective" to avoid destroying European industry. • These comments come as a severe heatwave across Europe has caused approximately 1,300 deaths, intensifying the debate over the bloc's environmental strategies.

• The European Union is set to reallocate reform funding within the Western Balkans to prioritize "frontrunner" nations. • Financial support will be redirected toward Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia, as these countries are meeting reform deadlines more effectively than their neighbors.

• European prosecutors have launched a cross-border investigation and coordinated raids across several countries to probe the alleged misuse of EU funds. • The investigation targets a now-defunct far-right political group in the European Parliament suspected of involvement in a fraud scheme totaling €4 million.

• Iran has threatened a "forceful response" against maritime vessels that deviate from approved routes in the Strait of Hormuz. • This escalation occurs as indirect talks between the US and Iran in Doha concluded with mediators reporting "positive progress."

• European leaders have rallied around Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after Donald Trump questioned Italy's reliability as an ally and criticized Meloni's attempts to gain his attention. • The incident highlights a growing trend where Trump's divisive rhetoric is inadvertently strengthening unity and cooperation among European nations.

• Spain advanced to the World Cup round of 16 following a dominant 3-0 victory over Austria on July 1, featuring two goals from Mikel Oyarzabal. • Legal repercussions from the 2025 trial and conviction of Dominique Pelicot have triggered a wave of similar criminal cases across Europe, including Germany and the Netherlands.

• The Supreme Court concluded its term with several major rulings addressing race, discrimination, and the legal interpretation of history. • The Court remained deeply divided on critical cases involving immigration, birthright citizenship, and the protection of voting rights.

• Chief Justice John Roberts navigated a tumultuous term by managing an unruly Supreme Court, facing off against the president, and building strategic coalitions. • Key rulings included a shift in the separation of powers, granting the president authority to fire leaders of independent agencies previously insulated by Congress.

• The Supreme Court rejected President Donald Trump's attempt to restrict birthright citizenship via executive order, ruling that such a change cannot be made through a presidential directive. • Justice Brett Kavanaugh, a Trump appointee, provided a potential legal roadmap for Republicans to achieve similar goals by pursuing legislative action through Congress rather than executive action.

• Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. led a fractured Supreme Court in a series of rulings that limited President Trump's claims of unlimited executive power. • In a recent 5-4 decision, the court ruled against the Republican National Committee, upholding state laws that permit the counting of mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day.

• Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi issued a stern warning to U.S. Senator Marco Rubio regarding his stance on Taiwan. • Wang Yi urged Rubio to approach Taiwan affairs with "utmost caution" to avoid destabilizing regional security.