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At the 67th round of Geneva International Discussions, Russia urged practical measures for lasting security in the South Caucasus, including a legally binding agreement on the non-use of force between Georgia and Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Delegations expressed concern over Georgia's NATO integration and military exercises, and discussed the search for missing South Ossetian citizens.
Yorgen Fenech, the Maltese businessman accused of orchestrating the 2017 murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, stood trial in Valletta. The case has drawn international attention, with the journalist's family and media freedom groups calling for accountability.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova condemned the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdansk, Poland, claiming it would force Kiev to 'auction off' its remaining assets. She criticized the EU's new reconstruction fund and the signing of 160 agreements, alleging corruption and a lack of genuine peace agenda.
Russia's ambassador to the Netherlands, Vladimir Tarabrin, rejected EU accusations of Moscow's involvement in cyberattacks, while Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the Netherlands provided no evidence. Tarabrin warned of retaliatory measures if EU sanctions are expanded.
South African businessman Vusimusi 'Cat' Matlala's plea agreement in a major police corruption case has collapsed after he rejected a tougher sentence proposed by the court. The Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court declared the agreement null and void, and Matlala will return to court in September. The deal had involved testifying against senior police officials in exchange for a reduced prison term.
Ukraine's parliament passed a law establishing a national pantheon, a move that has intensified tensions with Poland over the glorification of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. Polish politicians, including former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and opposition leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski, have condemned the decision, with some calling for a boycott of Ukraine's EU accession.
Recent TASS reports highlight persistent tensions between the US and Iran despite ongoing negotiations, with the Strait of Hormuz and Lebanon ceasefire remaining key flashpoints. Meanwhile, the EU has postponed new Russia sanctions due to internal divisions, and NATO leaders are set to meet in Ankara amid disagreements over Ukraine, Iran, and the alliance's direction.
The European Central Bank is advancing plans for a digital euro, with the European Parliament's economic committee backing draft rules. The initiative aims to reduce the eurozone's reliance on American-owned payment systems, with a possible rollout by 2029. The project also addresses concerns about currency sovereignty amid shifting US trade policies.
Ireland formally takes over the rotating presidency of the European Union on July 1, 2026, with a ceremony at Dublin Castle. The six-month term is expected to focus on sanctions against Russia, support for Ukraine, EU enlargement, and digital policy, but it begins under a shadow of security concerns and legal questions over foreign military assistance.
The US Commerce Department lifted export controls on Anthropic's Fable 5 and Mythos 5 AI models, allowing the company to restore global access. The decision followed security concerns that had prompted a June 12 ban, with Anthropic agreeing to cooperate on security protocols.
European Union monitors report the world's oceans experienced their hottest June ever observed in 2026, with average sea surface temperatures reaching 20.98°C. Scientists warn that a developing El Niño pattern could push temperatures even higher in the coming months.
South Korea's exports exceeded $100 billion in a single month for the first time, surging 70.9% year-on-year to $102.25 billion in June, driven by strong semiconductor demand and AI investments, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
The US and European powers have failed to agree on a new high representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Washington backing an Italian diplomat who some say has little knowledge of the country. Russia has criticized the maneuvering, warning that bypassing the UN Security Council undermines the Dayton Agreement.
The UK government is considering intervening in Paramount’s proposed US$110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery, citing concerns over media plurality and competition. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has indicated she may refer the deal to Ofcom and the CMA, and has floated legislative changes to cover streaming services.
The US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to reject President Trump's executive order limiting birthright citizenship, upholding the 14th Amendment's guarantee of citizenship for those born on US soil. The decision marks the second major defeat for Trump's policies this year, and Trump has vowed to seek a rehearing.
In a telephone conversation, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed preparations for the upcoming 12th Forum of Interregional Cooperation in Omsk. Tokayev also shared impressions from his Brussels visit, which resulted in agreements with the EU worth over $12 billion.
Rosatom reports completed construction work and ongoing cold hydrostatic tests at the first unit of Turkey's Akkuyu nuclear plant, with the launch targeted for 2026. The company also highlights the project's contribution to Turkey's climate goals and its plans for COP31.
Both the UK and the EU are set to halve duty-free steel imports from July 1, aiming to curb global oversupply and protect local industries. The UK will reduce its quota by 51%, while the EU's overall cut is 50% but with reduced one-third quotas for 12 trading partners, including the UK, drawing criticism from some industry stakeholders.
Recent clashes between Kurdish opposition groups and Iranian security forces in western Iran have raised concerns about a potential escalation as US-Iran talks continue. Multiple sources report attacks in Mahabad, Paveh, and Baneh, with Iran also targeting Kurdish bases in Iraq.
Andy Burnham has selected James Purnell, a former cabinet minister with ties to lobbying firm Flint Global, as his chief of staff. Purnell has resigned from Flint and given up his shares, while Caroline Simpson will lead a new 'No 10 North' office to oversee devolution.