Euro News Today — July 31, 2026

As Europe continues to grapple with the devastating impact of wildfires, scientists have found that climate change played a significant role in the recent blazes that ravaged France and Spain. The warming of the planet has created conditions ripe for such disasters, and the effects are being felt across the continent, with thousands evacuated in Crete and three firefighters killed in Greece. Meanwhile, another major international event is set to take center stage, as Fifa prepares for a crucial decision on its investment plan, which has sparked controversy and threatens to divide European nations.

The Fifa investment plan has already drawn criticism from several European countries, which have threatened to boycott the World Cup if the plan goes ahead. At the heart of the controversy is Fifa president Gianni Infantino, who has courted criticism for his close relationship with US President Donald Trump. As Europe struggles to come to terms with the challenges posed by climate change and prepares for a major international football event, the continent's leaders will be watching with bated breath to see how these stories unfold and what implications they may have for the region.

Today's signal:
• Courting controversy and befriending Trump - the story of Fifa boss Infantino (bbc.co.uk)
• Earth’s Warming Primed France and Spain to Burn, Scientists Find (nytimes.com)
• European nations to boycott World Cup if Fifa goes ahead with investment plan (bbc.co.uk)
• Thousands evacuated in Crete as Europe battles wildfires (bbc.co.uk)
• Wildfires in Greece Kill 3 Firefighters as Blazes Still Burn in France and Spain (nytimes.com)