Iran has firmly rejected Europe’s push to extend the sanctions deadline, warning that Germany, France, and the UK have no authority to trigger snapback sanctions.


Iran under pressure to resume nuclear talks with US & re-engage with IAEA

Iran has firmly rejected Europe’s push to extend the sanctions deadline, warning that Germany, France, and the UK have no authority to trigger snapback sanctions.

Iran rejects Europe’s sanctions deadline, warns against snapback measures 

Fighting in Ukraine shows no sign of slowing, even as peace talks gain momentum.
Russia claims it downed 117 Ukrainian drones in a single day, while Ukraine says it intercepted 230 Russian drones and missiles.
Strikes in Ukraine’s Sumy region injured 14 people, including children.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump pushes new peace efforts with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, but scepticism runs deep in Kyiv and across Europe.


War Rages as Peace Remains Elusive | Russia, Ukraine Report Mass Drone Shootdowns | GRAVITAS

There are several hill stations in India which evoke a European ambience due to their architecture, landscapes, or cultural similarities. Let's have a look at the top 7 such stations where you can experience as similar to European sites.

There are several hill stations in India which evoke a European ambience due to their architecture, landscapes, or cultural similarities. Let's have a look at the top 7 such stations where you can experience as similar to European sites.

Top 7 hill stations in India that feel similar to Europe

A man has tragically died in a wildfire in Spain as an intense heatwave sweeps across Europe, fueling more fires and extreme weather conditions. The ongoing heatwave has led to soaring temperatures, putting multiple countries on high alert for wildfires and heat-related emergencies. Authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant as firefighting efforts continue amid record-breaking heat.


WATCH | Europe Wildfires: Wildfires Rage In Spain And Portugal As Heatwave Continues | Spain Wildfires

Europe is battling intense wildfires as record-breaking heat scorches France, Croatia, Italy, and Spain. Thousands evacuated, homes destroyed, and firefighters stretched to the limit. 


Europe Wildfires: Spanish Firefighters Battle Deadly Wildfires Fueled By Heatwaves

EU vows to back Ukraine, keep up pressure on Russia
Trump discusses security guarantees for Ukraine outside NATO with European leaders.

Trump-Putin Summit: EU Vows to Back Ukraine, Keep Up Pressure on Russia

Russia-Ukraine War: European Leaders Urge More 'Pressure' on Russia Ahead of Trump-Putin Meet

Europe Wildfires: Southern Europe is in crisis as raging wildfires spiral out of control, fueled by scorching heat and dry winds. Thousands are being evacuated across Spain, Greece, and Italy as emergency crews battle relentless flames. With temperatures breaking records, is Europe prepared for what's next?


Europe Wildfires: Europe Swelters Under Life-Threatening Heat In Southern

Greece battles its toughest wildfire days of the season as dozens of new fires break out in one day, with extreme weather making firefighting efforts more difficult, a senior official said.

Europe Heatwave: Wildfires Rage Across Greece 

Tragedy and Turmoil Sweep Southern Europe Tonight as deadly wildfires, fueled by an unrelenting heatwave, claim lives and force thousands to evacuate their homes. Three people have died so far, including a soldier and a firefighter. Massive blazes are tearing through Spain, Portugal, and the Balkans, while heat alerts have been issued across five countries, with temperatures soaring above 40°C. 

Europe Wildfires: Heatwave Grips France, Italy, Spain; Three Dead in Fire Crisis

Southern Europe is in crisis as raging wildfires spiral out of control, fueled by scorching heat and dry winds. Thousands are being evacuated across Spain, Greece, and Italy as emergency crews battle relentless flames. With temperatures breaking records, is Europe prepared for what's next? Stay tuned for live updates, on-ground visuals, and expert analysis only on WION.

 Flames Go OUT OF CONTROL In Southern Europe! Mass Evacuations Underway

Tragedy and Turmoil Sweep Southern Europe Tonight as deadly wildfires, fueled by an unrelenting heatwave, claim lives and force thousands to evacuate their homes. Three people have died so far, including a soldier and a firefighter. Massive blazes are tearing through Spain, Portugal, and the Balkans, while heat alerts have been issued across five countries, with temperatures soaring above 40°C. 


US President Donald Trump landed in Glasgow, Scotland, on Friday, and urged Europe to "stop buying windmills", stressing that immigration and windmills are his two biggest problems in Europe, which are "killing" the continent. The POTUS arrived at the Glasgow Prestwick Airport and is staying at his golf properties.&nbsp;The US president was addressing the reporters at the airport and said, "Stop the windmills. You're ruining your countries, I really mean it.”&nbsp;He added that these are ruining your beautiful fields and valleys and also killing your birds.&nbsp;“It's so sad, you fly over and you see these windmills are over the place, ruining you're beautiful fields and valleys and killing your birds, if they're stuck in your ocean, ruining your oceans. Stop the windmills," Trump said.&nbsp;The US president has been opposing the windmill sector for a very long time now. He even filed an unsuccessful lawsuit alleging that a neighbouring wind farm blocked players' views from one of his Scottish golf courses.<h2>Netizens slam Trump for his three-word windmill remark</h2>What Trump said created an uproar among people, as windmills are considered one of the best clean energy sources in various European nations, including the Netherlands.&nbsp;As Trump said, "stop buying windmills", one of the users on X wrote, "I say STOP TRUMP!.&nbsp;&nbsp;Another user wrote, "Netherlands would like a word with you," pointing to the country's several windmill attractions."A third user mockingly asked, "He's never been to Colorado or Texas?"&nbsp;“Why? Are they making us look bad by being progressive?” another Trump critic wrote on social media. While a user said, “Telling Europe to ‘stop the windmills’ ignores the reality: clean energy is about long-term security, jobs, and a livable planet—not just politics."&nbsp;Later, Trump is scheduled to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss trade and tariffs.&nbsp;After spending the weekend at his holdings close to Turnberry, Trump will visit one of his golf sites in Aberdeen next week, where he is planning to launch a second golf course. &nbsp;

As Trump urged Europe to stop buying windmills, netizens started slamming the US president, as windmills are considered one of the best clean energy sources in various European nations, including the Netherlands.

US President Donald Trump landed in Glasgow, Scotland, on Friday, and urged Europe to "stop buying windmills", stressing that immigration and windmills are his two biggest problems in Europe, which are "killing" the continent. The POTUS arrived at the Glasgow Prestwick Airport and is staying at his golf properties. The US president was addressing the reporters at the airport and said, "Stop the windmills. You're ruining your countries, I really mean it.” He added that these are ruining your beautiful fields and valleys and also killing your birds. “It's so sad, you fly over and you see these windmills are over the place, ruining you're beautiful fields and valleys and killing your birds, if they're stuck in your ocean, ruining your oceans. Stop the windmills," Trump said. The US president has been opposing the windmill sector for a very long time now. He even filed an unsuccessful lawsuit alleging that a neighbouring wind farm blocked players' views from one of his Scottish golf courses. Netizens slam Trump for his three-word windmill remark What Trump said created an uproar among people, as windmills are considered one of the best clean energy sources in various European nations, including the Netherlands. As Trump said, "stop buying windmills", one of the users on X wrote, "I say STOP TRUMP!. Another user wrote, "Netherlands would like a word with you," pointing to the country's several windmill attractions. "A third user mockingly asked, "He's never been to Colorado or Texas?" “Why? Are they making us look bad by being progressive?” another Trump critic wrote on social media. While a user said, “Telling Europe to ‘stop the windmills’ ignores the reality: clean energy is about long-term security, jobs, and a livable planet—not just politics." Later, Trump is scheduled to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss trade and tariffs. After spending the weekend at his holdings close to Turnberry, Trump will visit one of his golf sites in Aberdeen next week, where he is planning to launch a second golf course.

As Trump urged Europe to "stop buying windmills", netizens started slamming the US president, as windmills are considered one of the best clean energy sources in various European nations, including the Netherlands.

'I say STOP TRUMP!': US president slammed after urging Europe to 'stop buying windmills' during his Scotland visit

United States President Donald Trump is in Scotland on Friday (July 25) for some golf and bilateral talks that could yield a trade deal with the European Union. Speaking to reporters on the tarmac after disembarking from Air Force One in Scotland, Trump issued a big warning to European nations over immigration. Trump said that immigration is killing Europe, and it must do something immediately to solve it. He also bragged about his immigration move and steps at the US-Mexico border.&nbsp;“On immigration, you better get your act together. You're not going to have Europe anymore. You got to get your act together...You got to stop the horrible invasion that's happening to Europe, many countries in Europe,” Trump said. Notably, Trump's father, Fred, and mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, emigrated to the US from Europe. He also said that "some" leaders have not let it happen, and they're not getting the "proper" credit. “I could name them right now, but I'm gonna embarrass other ones. This immigration is killing Europe," he added. Trump also said, "As you know, last month, we had nobody entering our country. We took out a lot of bad people that got there.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> in Scotland: "On immigration, you better get your act together or you're not going to have Europe anymore ... You got to stop this horrible invasion that's happening." <a href="https://t.co/j7GOU00SXW">pic.twitter.com/j7GOU00SXW</a>— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1948834127803023554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Earlier on reaching Scotland, Trump told reporters that he would visit his two golf properties in Scotland and meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, whom he called a "highly respected woman." &nbsp;Trump repeated his earlier comment about a 50-50 chance of securing a deal with the EU, adding it would be his administration's biggest trade agreement thus far, if it came together. However, he said there were still "sticking points" with Brussels on "maybe 20 different things." Before he left Washington, Trump said his administration was working hard on a possible trade deal with the EU, and Brussels was keen to make a deal. Von der Leyen said later she would meet Trump in Scotland on Sunday. &nbsp;

United States President Donald Trump issued a big warning to European nations over immigration. Speaking to reporters on the tarmac after disembarking from Air Force One in Scotland, Trump said that Europe is being killed due to immigration and it should act immediately

United States President Donald Trump is in Scotland on Friday (July 25) for some golf and bilateral talks that could yield a trade deal with the European Union. Speaking to reporters on the tarmac after disembarking from Air Force One in Scotland, Trump issued a big warning to European nations over immigration. Trump said that immigration is killing Europe, and it must do something immediately to solve it. He also bragged about his immigration move and steps at the US-Mexico border. “On immigration, you better get your act together. You're not going to have Europe anymore. You got to get your act together...You got to stop the horrible invasion that's happening to Europe, many countries in Europe,” Trump said. Notably, Trump's father, Fred, and mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, emigrated to the US from Europe. He also said that "some" leaders have not let it happen, and they're not getting the "proper" credit. “I could name them right now, but I'm gonna embarrass other ones. This immigration is killing Europe," he added. Trump also said, "As you know, last month, we had nobody entering our country. We took out a lot of bad people that got there.”

United States President Donald Trump issued a big warning to European nations over immigration. Speaking to reporters on the tarmac after disembarking from Air Force One in Scotland, Trump said that Europe is being killed due to immigration and it should act immediately

'Immigration is killing...': Trump issues BIG warning for Europe - Here's what he said on reaching Scotland

Europe's largest missile maker company has been selling key components for bombs, which have been shipped to Israel, as they used them in airstrikes on Gaza, killing thousands of Palestinians, according to a Guardian report. Concerns have been raised about the extent to which European companies have been benefiting from the killings in Gaza.&nbsp;A Guardian investigation with the independent newsrooms Disclose and Follow the Money detailed how the GBU-39 bomb generated by the US arm MBDA flew through the United Kingdom.<h2>Here's how they are doing it&nbsp; &nbsp;</h2>There's a factory in Alabama, US, owned by MBDA, which produces "wings", that are fitted to the Boeing-made GBU-39. After being launched, these wings allow the bomb to be guided to its target.&nbsp;The revenues from the MBDA sailed through MBDA UK, which is based in Hertfordshire, England, and then shared the profits with the MBDA group at its France headquarters. According to the report, the European largest missile maker company distributed almost £350 million in dividends in 2024 to its three shareholders, including Britain’s biggest defence firm BAE Systems, France’s Airbus, and Italy’s Leonardo.&nbsp;This came to light as UK Foreign Minister David Lammy suspended some weapons export licenses to Israel in September, citing the risk of "serious violations" of international humanitarian law.&nbsp;He stressed that the suspension is aimed at targeting “items which could be used in the current conflict in Gaza”.However, as the outlet investigated, it was verified that there have been 24 cases in which the GBU-39 was deployed in attacks that have killed several civilians. Moreover, each one included children among those killed.&nbsp;Later, the company MBDA confirmed that they had a contract with Boeing for the wings. It said that they "comply with all relevant national and international laws applicable to the arms trade in the countries in which it operates...all of whom have export policies and operate robust export control regimes”.

European largest missile maker firm MBDA have been selling bomb parts to Israel as it uses it for airstrikes in Gaza, which has killed thousands of people. The company has distributed almost £350 million in dividends in 2024 to its three shareholders. 

Europe's largest missile maker company has been selling key components for bombs, which have been shipped to Israel, as they used them in airstrikes on Gaza, killing thousands of Palestinians, according to a Guardian report. Concerns have been raised about the extent to which European companies have been benefiting from the killings in Gaza. A Guardian investigation with the independent newsrooms Disclose and Follow the Money detailed how the GBU-39 bomb generated by the US arm MBDA flew through the United Kingdom. Here's how they are doing it There's a factory in Alabama, US, owned by MBDA, which produces "wings", that are fitted to the Boeing-made GBU-39. After being launched, these wings allow the bomb to be guided to its target. The revenues from the MBDA sailed through MBDA UK, which is based in Hertfordshire, England, and then shared the profits with the MBDA group at its France headquarters. According to the report, the European largest missile maker company distributed almost £350 million in dividends in 2024 to its three shareholders, including Britain’s biggest defence firm BAE Systems, France’s Airbus, and Italy’s Leonardo. This came to light as UK Foreign Minister David Lammy suspended some weapons export licenses to Israel in September, citing the risk of "serious violations" of international humanitarian law. He stressed that the suspension is aimed at targeting “items which could be used in the current conflict in Gaza”. However, as the outlet investigated, it was verified that there have been 24 cases in which the GBU-39 was deployed in attacks that have killed several civilians. Moreover, each one included children among those killed. Later, the company MBDA confirmed that they had a contract with Boeing for the wings. It said that they "comply with all relevant national and international laws applicable to the arms trade in the countries in which it operates...all of whom have export policies and operate robust export control regimes”.

European's largest missile maker firm MBDA have been selling bomb parts to Israel as it uses it for airstrikes in Gaza, which has killed thousands of people. The company has distributed almost £350 million in dividends in 2024 to its three shareholders.&nbsp;

EU arming Israel in Gaza war? How Europe's largest missile firm sold GBU-39 bomb parts to Tel Aviv that killed Gaza children

Europe is sweltering under a heatwave as early summer heat is on a record-breaking spree with mercury hovering above 40°C in many countries. The heatwaves sweeping across Europe have forced authorities to urge caution as extreme heat, dry conditions, and strong winds threaten wildfires. Temperatures hit 46°C (114.8°F) in the town of El Granado in Spain, near the Portuguese border, setting a new national heat record for the month of June. The previous June high of 45.2°C (113.4°F) was set in Seville in 1965.&nbsp; Several Italian regions are considering banning certain works during the hottest hours of the day as a severe heatwave prompted authorities to issue red alerts in 21 cities by Sunday morning.Lazio, Tuscany, Calabria, Puglia, and Umbria are planning the measure amid soaring temperatures. The Italian Health Ministry placed 17 out of 27 monitored cities, including Rome, Milan, and Naples, under its highest heat alert.&nbsp;In Rome, tourists sought shade near the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, some using umbrellas and drinking from public fountains to stay cool.&nbsp;<h2>People advised to avoid strenuous activity during peak heat</h2>&nbsp;Spain’s national meteorological agency AEMET warned that June is on track to become the hottest on record, with temperatures in Seville and other southern cities climbing to 42°C.&nbsp;Health officials advised people to avoid strenuous activity during peak heat and to stay hydrated, particularly the elderly and young children.&nbsp;High temperatures were also reported across Greece and Portugal, with both locals and tourists seeking relief from the extreme weather.Experts attribute the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves in southern Europe to climate change.&nbsp;Local authorities in Greece also issued fresh warnings about the risk of wildfires.&nbsp;<h2>Extreme heat to reach London, Wimbledon set for its hottest opening day</h2>&nbsp;Hot weather is expected to persist into the start of the week, with London predicted to reach up to 35°C on Monday, marking the hottest day of the year so far.Wimbledon is set for its hottest opening day on record Monday, possibly breaking the tournament’s all-time heat record.The current opening day high is 29.3°C, set in 2001. The hottest day ever at Wimbledon was 35.7°C on July 1, 2015.The German Weather Service also issued heat warnings for southern and western regions, with peaks of 39°C likely on Wednesday.French firefighters were battling early summer wildfires, and blazes in the Corbieres region forced evacuations as temperatures soared past 40°C, peaking at 40.9°C in Grospierres.&nbsp;<h2>Heatwaves becoming more frequent, taking a toll on biodiversity</h2>&nbsp;Meteorologists warn that heatwaves are becoming more frequent and arriving earlier due to human-driven climate change.Spain’s state weather agency, AEMET, noted that only two June heat waves were recorded between 1975 and 2000, but that number has increased to nine since 2000. Temperatures normally witnessed in August arrived by late May this year.In France, experts warned the heat is taking a toll on biodiversity.

Temperatures hit 46°C (114.8°F) in the town of El Granado in Spain, near the Portuguese border, setting a new national heat record for the month of June. The previous June high of 45.2°C (113.4°F) was set in Seville in 1965. 

Europe is sweltering under a heatwave as early summer heat is on a record-breaking spree with mercury hovering above 40°C in many countries. The heatwaves sweeping across Europe have forced authorities to urge caution as extreme heat, dry conditions, and strong winds threaten wildfires. Temperatures hit 46°C (114.8°F) in the town of El Granado in Spain, near the Portuguese border, setting a new national heat record for the month of June. The previous June high of 45.2°C (113.4°F) was set in Seville in 1965. Several Italian regions are considering banning certain works during the hottest hours of the day as a severe heatwave prompted authorities to issue red alerts in 21 cities by Sunday morning. Lazio, Tuscany, Calabria, Puglia, and Umbria are planning the measure amid soaring temperatures. The Italian Health Ministry placed 17 out of 27 monitored cities, including Rome, Milan, and Naples, under its highest heat alert. In Rome, tourists sought shade near the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain, some using umbrellas and drinking from public fountains to stay cool. People advised to avoid strenuous activity during peak heat Spain’s national meteorological agency AEMET warned that June is on track to become the hottest on record, with temperatures in Seville and other southern cities climbing to 42°C. Health officials advised people to avoid strenuous activity during peak heat and to stay hydrated, particularly the elderly and young children. High temperatures were also reported across Greece and Portugal, with both locals and tourists seeking relief from the extreme weather. Experts attribute the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves in southern Europe to climate change. Local authorities in Greece also issued fresh warnings about the risk of wildfires. Extreme heat to reach London, Wimbledon set for its hottest opening day Hot weather is expected to persist into the start of the week, with London predicted to reach up to 35°C on Monday, marking the hottest day of the year so far. Wimbledon is set for its hottest opening day on record Monday, possibly breaking the tournament’s all-time heat record. The current opening day high is 29.3°C, set in 2001. The hottest day ever at Wimbledon was 35.7°C on July 1, 2015. The German Weather Service also issued heat warnings for southern and western regions, with peaks of 39°C likely on Wednesday. French firefighters were battling early summer wildfires, and blazes in the Corbieres region forced evacuations as temperatures soared past 40°C, peaking at 40.9°C in Grospierres. Heatwaves becoming more frequent, taking a toll on biodiversity Meteorologists warn that heatwaves are becoming more frequent and arriving earlier due to human-driven climate change. Spain’s state weather agency, AEMET, noted that only two June heat waves were recorded between 1975 and 2000, but that number has increased to nine since 2000. Temperatures normally witnessed in August arrived by late May this year. In France, experts warned the heat is taking a toll on biodiversity.

Temperatures hit 46°C (114.8°F) in the town of El Granado in Spain, near the Portuguese border, setting a new national heat record for the month of June. The previous June high of 45.2°C (113.4°F) was set in Seville in 1965.&nbsp;

Europe bakes as heatwave breaks records; nations issue red alerts, mull work bans

Lyon will be able to play in Europe next season if they win their appeal against relegation to the French second division, the club said on Friday. On Tuesday, French football's financial watchdog (DNCG) demoted the club. &nbsp;Lyon, who finished sixth in Ligue 1 last season and qualified for the Europa League, said at once they would appeal.&nbsp;On Friday, they said that UEFA -- the governing body of European football -- was prepared to accept them into continental competition. "Olympique Lyonnais completed the financial sustainability procedure and signed an agreement with the UEFA Club Financial Control Body," the club said on their web site. "The club could therefore participate in next season's Europa League, subject to a favorable outcome of the appeal of the DNCG decision."&nbsp;After the DNCG initially ruled in November that Lyon would be relegated at the the end of the season, UEFA began monitoring the club. On May 5, UEFA fined Lyon 200,000 euros ($234,400) for unpaid bills to other clubs, to employees, and to the tax and social security authorities.&nbsp;After the DNCG ruling confirmed its initial decision, the club said they had met "all of its demands". &nbsp;While they were unable to convince the French watchdog, UEFA has ruled Lyon could play in Europe. &nbsp;Lyon will have seven days to appeal from the date they are officially notified of the DNCG's ruling. The club said Friday they had not yet received the notification.&nbsp;Earlier, seven-time Ligue 1 champions Lyon said on Tuesday they would appeal their relegation to the second-tier by French football's financial watchdog. At a hearing earlier in the day, Lyon were unable to convince the regulator (DNCG) to lift the restrictions it had put on the club in November.&nbsp;"Over the past few months, we have worked closely with the DNCG, meeting all of its demands with equity investments exceeding the amounts requested," the club said in a statement." &nbsp;After the meeting, Lyon's president John Textor said he remained confident of avoiding the drop to Ligue 2 for next season, where the club has not played since 1989."Our liquidity situation has improved considerably," he said.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Lyon can compete in Europe if they overturn relegation: Club

Lyon will be able to play in Europe next season if they win their appeal against relegation to the French second division, the club said on Friday. On Tuesday, French football's financial watchdog (DNCG) demoted the club. Lyon, who finished sixth in Ligue 1 last season and qualified for the Europa League, said at once they would appeal. On Friday, they said that UEFA -- the governing body of European football -- was prepared to accept them into continental competition. "Olympique Lyonnais completed the financial sustainability procedure and signed an agreement with the UEFA Club Financial Control Body," the club said on their web site. "The club could therefore participate in next season's Europa League, subject to a favorable outcome of the appeal of the DNCG decision." After the DNCG initially ruled in November that Lyon would be relegated at the the end of the season, UEFA began monitoring the club. On May 5, UEFA fined Lyon 200,000 euros ($234,400) for unpaid bills to other clubs, to employees, and to the tax and social security authorities. After the DNCG ruling confirmed its initial decision, the club said they had met "all of its demands". While they were unable to convince the French watchdog, UEFA has ruled Lyon could play in Europe. Lyon will have seven days to appeal from the date they are officially notified of the DNCG's ruling. The club said Friday they had not yet received the notification. Earlier, seven-time Ligue 1 champions Lyon said on Tuesday they would appeal their relegation to the second-tier by French football's financial watchdog. At a hearing earlier in the day, Lyon were unable to convince the regulator (DNCG) to lift the restrictions it had put on the club in November. "Over the past few months, we have worked closely with the DNCG, meeting all of its demands with equity investments exceeding the amounts requested," the club said in a statement." After the meeting, Lyon's president John Textor said he remained confident of avoiding the drop to Ligue 2 for next season, where the club has not played since 1989. "Our liquidity situation has improved considerably," he said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

On Friday, they said that UEFA -- the governing body of European football -- was prepared to accept them into continental competition

As the Israel–Iran conflict dominates global headlines, another war—now over 1,200 days old—continues to quietly erode Europe’s economic resilience. The prolonged Russia–Ukraine war, once considered a distant geopolitical challenge, has morphed into a domestic economic burden for major European economies.&nbsp;&nbsp;Germany, long the industrial powerhouse of the continent, is now grappling with the fallout of cutting its energy ties with Moscow.&nbsp;According to data cited by Reuters, Germany’s GDP grew just 0.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, while industrial production declined 0.2 per cent in March year-on-year, and energy-intensive industries shrank 2.3 per cent. Germany’s annual GDP forecast for 2025 stands at 0.0 per cent, with a modest recovery to 0.7 per cent in 2026, as per projections from the country’s Federal Statistical Office.<h2>The gas that powered Germany’s factories</h2>While Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has claimed that “the German economy is on the brink of recession,” as quoted by Reuters, the statement—though politically loaded—touches on an underlying truth. Europe’s competitiveness for decades had leaned heavily on cheap Russian pipeline gas. That is no longer an option.&nbsp;Since the Ukraine war began, Europe has rapidly shifted to alternate supplies, notably liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States and Qatar. However, LNG has proven costlier, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which lack the financial muscle to secure long-term supply contracts, as reported by Reuters and Bloomberg.&nbsp;Lawmakers in Germany have repeatedly warned that SMEs—considered the backbone of the nation’s economy—face disproportionately higher risks from sustained energy inflation.<h2>Energy shock beyond Germany</h2>The strain isn’t limited to Germany. Bloomberg reports that Austria, Hungary and Slovakia, which were heavily reliant on Russian crude and gas, are now facing bottlenecks in energy supply and manufacturing. All three nations have seen a decline in industrial activity since early 2023, based on EU-wide trade and production data.&nbsp;To respond, the European Central Bank has reduced borrowing costs to support economic activity, especially in energy-intensive sectors, as noted in a recent ECB policy brief reviewed by Reuters.<h2>Chemical, metal and auto sectors under strain</h2>Industries heavily dependent on a consistent energy supply, such as chemicals, metals and automobiles, are the hardest hit. German automaker Volkswagen has reportedly scaled down operations in certain facilities, citing high energy costs, as per Reuters.&nbsp;However, the ripple effect is deeper in the supply chain. Component manufacturers and mid-sized suppliers—often family-owned and operating on tight margins—are facing existential threats, according to analysis by the IFO Institute for Economic Research.<h2>Green energy goals face headwinds</h2>Europe’s long-term plan to pivot towards renewable energy is also encountering challenges. The green transition—while a strategic necessity—is proving expensive and politically difficult.&nbsp;As quoted by Bloomberg, analysts say delayed infrastructure, limited private investment, and regulatory uncertainty have slowed momentum. This is weakening the EU’s position against energy-rich and manufacturing-competitive economies like the United States and China.<h2>Strategic de-industrialisation?</h2>Economists now warn of a larger trend: a slow but steady de-industrialisation of Europe. As per a recent Reuters analysis, energy-intensive sectors are relocating production or downsizing operations, risking long-term competitiveness.<h2>A warning from Ukraine’s frontlines</h2>The economic fallout from the Ukraine war illustrates a global truth: regional conflicts can reshape global trade, disrupt domestic industry, and upend national economic models.&nbsp;For Europe, the decision to wean itself off Russian gas was a moral and strategic necessity. But more than three years on, the costs—economic, industrial and political—are mounting. (With inputs from the agencies)

Smaller enterprises suffer most due to limited resources. Neighboring countries report energy supply strains, while manufacturing declines persist. 

As the Israel–Iran conflict dominates global headlines, another war—now over 1,200 days old—continues to quietly erode Europe’s economic resilience. The prolonged Russia–Ukraine war, once considered a distant geopolitical challenge, has morphed into a domestic economic burden for major European economies. Germany, long the industrial powerhouse of the continent, is now grappling with the fallout of cutting its energy ties with Moscow. According to data cited by Reuters, Germany’s GDP grew just 0.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, while industrial production declined 0.2 per cent in March year-on-year, and energy-intensive industries shrank 2.3 per cent. Germany’s annual GDP forecast for 2025 stands at 0.0 per cent, with a modest recovery to 0.7 per cent in 2026, as per projections from the country’s Federal Statistical Office. The gas that powered Germany’s factories While Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has claimed that “the German economy is on the brink of recession,” as quoted by Reuters, the statement—though politically loaded—touches on an underlying truth. Europe’s competitiveness for decades had leaned heavily on cheap Russian pipeline gas. That is no longer an option. Since the Ukraine war began, Europe has rapidly shifted to alternate supplies, notably liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States and Qatar. However, LNG has proven costlier, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which lack the financial muscle to secure long-term supply contracts, as reported by Reuters and Bloomberg. Lawmakers in Germany have repeatedly warned that SMEs—considered the backbone of the nation’s economy—face disproportionately higher risks from sustained energy inflation. Energy shock beyond Germany The strain isn’t limited to Germany. Bloomberg reports that Austria, Hungary and Slovakia, which were heavily reliant on Russian crude and gas, are now facing bottlenecks in energy supply and manufacturing. All three nations have seen a decline in industrial activity since early 2023, based on EU-wide trade and production data. To respond, the European Central Bank has reduced borrowing costs to support economic activity, especially in energy-intensive sectors, as noted in a recent ECB policy brief reviewed by Reuters. Chemical, metal and auto sectors under strain Industries heavily dependent on a consistent energy supply, such as chemicals, metals and automobiles, are the hardest hit. German automaker Volkswagen has reportedly scaled down operations in certain facilities, citing high energy costs, as per Reuters. However, the ripple effect is deeper in the supply chain. Component manufacturers and mid-sized suppliers—often family-owned and operating on tight margins—are facing existential threats, according to analysis by the IFO Institute for Economic Research. Green energy goals face headwinds Europe’s long-term plan to pivot towards renewable energy is also encountering challenges. The green transition—while a strategic necessity—is proving expensive and politically difficult. As quoted by Bloomberg, analysts say delayed infrastructure, limited private investment, and regulatory uncertainty have slowed momentum. This is weakening the EU’s position against energy-rich and manufacturing-competitive economies like the United States and China. Strategic de-industrialisation? Economists now warn of a larger trend: a slow but steady de-industrialisation of Europe. As per a recent Reuters analysis, energy-intensive sectors are relocating production or downsizing operations, risking long-term competitiveness. A warning from Ukraine’s frontlines The economic fallout from the Ukraine war illustrates a global truth: regional conflicts can reshape global trade, disrupt domestic industry, and upend national economic models. For Europe, the decision to wean itself off Russian gas was a moral and strategic necessity. But more than three years on, the costs—economic, industrial and political—are mounting. (With inputs from the agencies)

The Israel-Iran conflict intensifies, exacerbating economic challenges in Europe, particularly for Germany, facing high energy costs and recession fears.

Cost of conflict: Who is paying for Europe's Russian gas gamble

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Cost of conflict: Who is paying for Europe's Russian gas gamble