Sofia Ferreira Santos

Newlyweds Alexander Cromie and Marie Ebert, both British, and their Greek pilot were killed when a private Bell 206 helicopter crashed near a landing pad on the Greek island of Sifnos during their honeymoon. The helicopter had reportedly travelled from Markopoulo near Athens. Greece’s aviation safety authority is investigating, while emergency crews extinguished a post-crash fire. Blackstone and Bain & Company expressed shock and offered condolences, and the UK Foreign Office said it was providing consular support.

Newlyweds Alexander Cromie and Marie Ebert, both British, and their Greek pilot were killed when a private Bell 206 helicopter crashed near a landing pad on the Greek island of Sifnos during their honeymoon. Greek authorities are investigating the cause, with witnesses reporting an unusual engine noise before the crash. Emergency services extinguished a fire at the scene, while the UK Foreign Office and the victims’ employers, Blackstone and Bain & Company, offered support to their families.

The EU praised Spain’s rapid response after about 72,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta within two days, with Spain reporting that most had been returned and dozens of deaths on both sides of the border. Italy and several other European countries criticized Spain and considered or imposed additional Schengen checks, while Spanish officials rejected accusations of poor management and blamed traffickers and social-media disinformation. EU officials offered emergency funding to strengthen Spain’s borders. Migrants remaining in Ceuta, including hundreds of unaccompanied minors, reported inadequate food, shelter and uncertainty over their legal status, although Spain said their rights were being respected.

The EU praised Spain’s rapid response after about 72,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on 30–31 July, although at least 86 people reportedly died on both sides of the border and an estimated 70,000 were returned. Italy, Denmark, Finland and other European governments criticized Spain and supported tighter border controls, while Spain rejected claims that it had mishandled warnings and said Ceuta was outside the Schengen area. The EU offered emergency funding and attributed the influx partly to criminal networks and social-media disinformation. Thousands of migrants remained in difficult conditions, with particular concern for roughly 800 unaccompanied minors, while migrants described dangerous journeys, inadequate shelter and uncertainty over whether they could remain in Spanish territory.

One person was killed and at least 16 injured when a vehicle drove into crowds attending Berlin’s Christopher Street Day Pride celebrations near the Brandenburg Gate. Police identified a 21-year-old suspect, Abdul B, who was reportedly connected to Islamist circles, and launched a citywide manhunt after the vehicle was abandoned in the Tiergarten. The Pride event was cancelled, while emergency responders treated victims, some with life-threatening injuries. Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner condemned the incident and called for a thorough investigation.

More than 300,000 people have been evacuated from wildfire-affected areas in France and Spain, including nearly 250,000 in France’s Gironde and Landes regions and about 60,000 in Spain’s Madrid and Ávila provinces. Strong winds, extreme heat and poor conditions are hampering firefighting, while one man has died in Valencia. France has deployed its military and requested European assistance, with several countries sending aircraft, helicopters and specialists. Officials warn that climate change and further heat could lead to unprecedented wildfire damage across Europe; fires are also burning in Italy and Scotland.

More than 300,000 people have been evacuated from wildfire zones in France and Spain, including around 250,000 in the French regions of Gironde and Landes and nearly 60,000 around Madrid and Ávila. Strong winds and high temperatures are hampering firefighting, while one death has been reported near Valencia. France has deployed its military and requested European assistance, with aircraft, helicopters and specialist teams arriving from several countries. Spain has declared a state of emergency as fires continue near Madrid and Toledo. Wildfires are also affecting Italy and Scotland, and EU officials warn that an early start to the season and forecast heatwaves could push Europe’s damage beyond previous records.