Two firefighting helicopters collided while battling a major wildfire in Greece on Sunday, as emergency crews fought to contain blazes that have destroyed more than 100 homes northwest of Athens.
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said wildfires that swept across France were now under control. Authorities warned that risks remained as Greece and Spain continued battling active blazes across parts of Europe.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 2nd of August, covering the latest developments.
Wildfires driven by strong winds spread across several parts of Greece on Saturday, including areas near Athens. Large-scale firefighting efforts and emergency evacuations were underway as wildfire conditions also deteriorated in parts of Spain and France.
Three firefighters have died as wildfires continue to burn across Greece, with Crete facing a second day of intense blazes driven by strong winds. The fires come as Europe battles destructive wildfires fuelled by extreme heat and drought.
The European Union (EU) has agreed on a 21st package of sanctions against Russia, after shelving some proposed measures to appease member states, most notably Greece.
Greece’s security council, KYSEA, is expected to give final approval on Thursday for the purchase of a multi-layered air defence system from Israel worth up to €3.5 billion ($4 billion), along with several types of drones, according to two sources who spoke to Reuters.
A woman whose husband was sucked out of the window of a plane during a Ryanair flight has recounted pulling her husband to safety. Serbian couple Svetlana Maksimovic and Ljubisa Karovic had just settled into a flight with the airline last week, when a loud bang pierced the hum of engines.
A Ryanair flight was forced to make an emergency landing shortly after take-off from Greece after a cabin window became dislodged mid-air, leaving one passenger injured and prompting an investigation.
Wildfires are continuing to burn across southern Europe, forcing people from their homes, damaging property and stretching emergency services as high temperatures and dry conditions create ideal conditions for fast-moving fires.
A magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck southwest of Greece’s island of Crete on Saturday, with no immediate reports of damage.
Just one week after a similar move by Australia, Greece announced that it will ban access to social media for children under the age of 15 from January 1, 2027, as governments around the world weigh tougher rules amid growing concerns over mental health, safety and screen addiction.
Israel has deported two foreign nationals after an inquiry into their involvement in a Gaza‑bound flotilla. Israeli authorities have previously detained over 100 activists, accusing them of attempting to breach the naval blockade on Gaza, allegations many of those involved have denied.
Millions of Orthodox Christians across the globe celebrated Easter, known as Holy Pascha, on Sunday (12 April) with midnight liturgies, candlelight processions and deeply rooted local traditions reflecting centuries of faith.
Greece will ban access to social media for children under 15 from 1 January 2027, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Wednesday, citing rising anxiety, sleep problems and the addictive design of online platforms.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has urged EU prosecutors to speed up their probe into politicians from his party who are under investigation for fraud. The EU has asked to investigate 11 conservative MPs who are currently protected by parliamentary immunity.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reshuffled his cabinet on Friday (3 April) in a bid to contain a growing scandal over the alleged fraudulent use of European Union farm subsidies.
The ongoing conflict involving Iran is set to disrupt global travel on a massive scale, with nearly 28 million outbound trips from the Middle East at risk this year, according to Oxford Economics.
Türkiye and Greece signalled renewed political will to ease long-standing tensions during high-level talks in Ankara on Wednesday (11 February). Maritime borders, migration and trade topped the agenda as both leaders struck a cautiously optimistic tone.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis oversaw the signing of seven cooperation agreements in Ankara on 11 February 2026, marking a further step in efforts to stabilise and deepen ties between the two NATO allies.
Greek authorities said they have arrested a member of the armed forces on suspicion of leaking highly sensitive military information to foreign handlers allegedly linked to China.
Spain and Greece have moved toward banning teenagers from social media as European governments reassess the risks digital platforms pose to children.
European countries and the United States presented a united front in support of Ukraine, unveiling security guarantees backed by Washington and a detailed plan for long-term assistance contingent on a ceasefire with Russia.
Flights across Greece were halted for hours on Sunday after a collapse of radio frequencies crippled air traffic communication, stranding thousands of travellers during one of the busiest holiday weekends.
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