Background: A heat dome over western Europe drove record-breaking May temperatures across the UK, France, Ireland, Spain, and Italy, with multiple deaths linked to the heatwave and UN climate chief Simon Stiell attributing the extreme heat to fossil fuel burning. New development: A second consecutive heatwave in less than a month has placed 49 of France's 96 mainland departments under red alert, with temperatures reaching 43°C in Bordeaux and 39°C in Paris. Two children aged 2 and 4 were found dead in a car in Carpentras, southern France, with heat suspected as the cause. Three elderly people died near Bordeaux due to heat-related causes, and 13 drowning deaths were reported in France. More than 1,300 schools were closed nationwide, and regional train services around Paris were reduced. Spain issued a red alert for the Basque country, with San Sebastian forecast to reach 40°C. Italy issued red alerts for 12 cities including Rome, Milan, and Florence. The UK Met Office issued a rare red warning for extreme heat in parts of England and Wales for Wednesday and Thursday. Belgium canceled some rush-hour trains due to the heat. Scientists attribute the recurring extreme heat to human-driven climate change.

A severe heatwave in France has led to a 20-30% increase in emergency (Samu) calls, according to Health Minister Stéphanie Rist. The heatwave has placed 49 departments and 35 million people on red alert, caused three elderly deaths at home in Gironde, and forced the closure of 845 schools. The minister emphasized the importance of seeking early medical help for heat-related symptoms.

An 11-year-old girl, Lyhanna, disappeared near Fleurance, France, after being seen entering a suspect's car; the suspect had prior child abuse accusations that were not acted upon, sparking public outrage. An administrative investigation by the General Inspectorates of Justice and the National Gendarmerie, delivered to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu on June 8, found that a rape complaint filed in August 2025 against the main suspect, Jérôme Barella, by the mother of a 10-year-old girl was not treated as a priority and was caught in bureaucratic delays between Toulouse and Auch. Barella had not been questioned by police when Lyhanna disappeared nine months later. The report, based on around 30 interviews, identified an accumulation of wasted time and lack of procedure follow-up by both the prosecutor's office and the gendarmerie in Auch. Lecornu stated that 'the protection chain failed' and that it was 'neither a simple administrative malfunction, nor a lack of resources'. The report could lead to sanctions for individual prosecutors and investigators. Lecornu reiterated plans to introduce measures including mandatory investigation of all child rape complaints within three months and life imprisonment for serial rapists of minors.

Eric Dupond-Moretti, former French Minister of Justice, was convicted by a Paris court for defaming magistrate Edouard Levrault. Dupond-Moretti had accused Levrault of violating investigative secrecy in a case where he served as a lawyer. He received a suspended fine of 500 euros and must pay 4,000 euros in damages, jointly with his publisher Michel Lafon, who was fined 500 euros. The case stems from a 2023 incident where Levrault discussed an ongoing investigation on television, which Dupond-Moretti considered a breach of secrecy. The conflict originated from a case involving a Monaco police commissioner, where Levrault participated in a France 3 program discussing the ongoing investigation. Dupond-Moretti, then a lawyer for the commissioner, considered this a breach of investigative secrecy and sought disciplinary action. The justice inspectorate and the Superior Council of the Magistracy later found no violation of professional secrecy or limits of freedom of expression by Levrault. Dupond-Moretti was previously referred to the Court of Justice of the Republic for conflict of interest over pursuing administrative proceedings against Levrault while minister, but was acquitted. The conviction highlights tensions between judicial independence and political accountability in France.

The Paris appeals court has upheld a decision not to reopen a criminal investigation into the use of the toxic pesticide chlordecone in Guadeloupe and Martinique, effectively ending criminal proceedings. The pesticide, banned in mainland France in 1990 but allowed in the islands until 1993, has contaminated over 90% of the adult population. The court acknowledged a health scandal but ruled too much time had elapsed for criminal convictions.

French Green party leader Marine Tondelier launched a petition on June 21, 2026, proposing a 'climate leave' of up to five paid days per year for workers unable to telework during extreme weather events such as heatwaves, fires, or floods. The proposal is inspired by Spain's 2024 law, enacted after deadly floods, which provides up to four days of paid leave during red or orange alerts. The French government has not embraced the idea, with the labor minister favoring adjusted working hours instead.

Former French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire, in a media interview on June 22, 2026, sharply criticized the US-Iran roadmap agreement, calling it a 'masquerade' that lifts sanctions and gives Iran $300 billion while barely addressing its nuclear program. He also advocated for air conditioning during heatwaves and warned that a Franco-German divorce would end European construction, urging the next French president to prioritize relations with Germany, the US, and China.

Terma, Denmark's largest defense company, and MBDA, a global leader in complex weapon systems, signed a strategic partnership agreement at Eurosatory. The deal, witnessed by Danish Minister for Business and Competitiveness Martin Lidegaard and French Minister Delegate for Industry Sébastien Martin, focuses on joint development of naval defense solutions, enhancing European air defense and maritime security, and expanding export opportunities. The partnership includes joint development, integration, and production activities in Denmark, strengthening the European defense industrial base and supporting long-term industrial development in Denmark.