A severe heatwave has set record temperatures across Europe, with numerous countries experiencing unprecedented highs. In Monaco, authorities are pursuing a woman suspected of carrying out a parcel bombing that injured three people. Meanwhile, Iran is preparing for a massive funeral for its late supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, amidst rising tensions in the region. Additionally, NATO faces challenges as the upcoming summit looms, and reports reveal spyware targeting European lawmakers.

Heatwave Records Across Europe

Last week, a heatwave engulfed western Europe, breaking national June temperature records and establishing new all-time highs. The UK recorded a provisional high of 37.7 degrees Celsius in Norfolk on June 27, surpassing the previous June record of 35.6 degrees set in 1976. Germany reached 41.7 degrees in Coschen on June 28, marking its highest temperature for a third consecutive day. Other countries, including the Netherlands and Hungary, also reported record temperatures, with Hungary hitting an all-time high of 42 degrees in Szécsény on June 30. The extreme heat has led to widespread tropical nights and concerns over infrastructure, prompting authorities to advise residents to avoid outdoor activities during peak hours and to take precautions against wildfires.

Monaco Bombing Investigation

In Monaco, a bomb explosion on Monday evening injured three individuals, leading authorities to identify a female suspect who has been seen in Germany. The explosion occurred in the entrance of an apartment building near the French border and is believed to have targeted Ukrainian-born businessman Vadym Iermolaiev. An arrest warrant has been issued for the suspect, who was captured on CCTV attempting to disguise herself. The Monaco prosecutor's office has opened an investigation for attempted murder. The victims, including a child, were hospitalized, with one adult's condition improving while the other remains critical.

Iran's Khamenei Funeral Preparations

Iran is gearing up for the six-day funeral of its former supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, who was killed during a US-Israeli attack in February. The ceremony, which starts on Saturday in Tehran, is expected to draw millions of mourners and convey political messages of resilience. The funeral will culminate in Khamenei's burial in Mashhad on Thursday. Despite the presence of Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, who was severely injured in the attack, he is not expected to attend. Iranian officials have emphasized the significance of the event, aiming to showcase national unity and defiance against perceived external threats.

NATO Summit and US Relations

As NATO leaders prepare for a summit in Ankara on July 7 and 8, former President Donald Trump criticized the alliance's current structure, labeling the US relationship with NATO as unbalanced. Trump expressed disappointment in European allies' responses to the war in Iran and urged them to take more responsibility for their defense. The upcoming summit is anticipated to address these concerns, particularly in light of Trump's calls for increased defense spending among member states.

Spyware Targeting European Lawmakers

A report from Citizen Lab revealed that the NSO Group's Pegasus spyware was used against Stelios Kouloglou, a former member of the European Parliament, while he investigated abuses related to spyware in Europe. The report indicates that Kouloglou's devices were hacked during critical periods of the Pega committee's deliberations, which aimed to address the misuse of such technologies. This incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding privacy and security among public officials and the need for stronger protections against surveillance.

Wrap-up

This week has been marked by significant events across Europe and the Middle East, from record-breaking temperatures affecting millions to investigations into violent incidents in Monaco and the looming funeral of a key Iranian leader. As NATO navigates its complex relationships and the implications of spyware usage become clearer, the international community remains vigilant in addressing these pressing issues.

Sources: theguardian.com, reuters.com, bbc.com, aljazeera.com, cnn.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team