A massive wildfire has erupted in the historic Fontainebleau Forest, just 70 kilometres from Paris, forcing evacuations, shutting highways and disrupting train services. Hundreds of firefighters and water-bombing aircraft have been deployed as France battles one of its largest fires amid a severe heatwave. The blaze comes as much of Europe faces extreme temperatures, with wildfires, evacuations and record-breaking heat spreading across France, Spain and Italy.

Pakistan's preferential trade access to the European Union has come under renewed scrutiny after the European Parliament linked the country's GSP+ status to its human rights record and compliance with international obligations. In its latest observations, the European Parliament stressed that continued access to the GSP+ trade scheme depends on Pakistan's implementation of 27 international conventions covering human rights, labour rights, environmental protection, climate commitments and good governance. The resolution also highlighted the cases of rights activist Mahrang Baloch and lawyer Imaan Mazari while calling for greater protection of fundamental freedoms and democratic rights. European lawmakers further voiced concern over allegations of the weaponization of state institutions against dissenting voices. WATCH