Drought & Water Restrictions: France has put 98 of its 101 departments under drought monitoring as dry conditions worsen, with 42 in “crisis,” 27 on “enhanced alert,” and 16 on “alert,” meaning local authorities can impose limits on things like watering, pools, and vehicle washing; overseas, Guadeloupe and Martinique are on “alert” while Réunion is on “enhanced alert.” Heatwave Response: The same period is marked by an intense heatwave and wildfires, including a major blaze in the Fontainebleau forest. National Day Under Pressure: Ahead of France’s July 14 celebrations and a World Cup semifinal against Spain, politics and sport collide again after former Spanish PM Mariano Rajoy sparked a diplomatic row with remarks France calls “racist.” Football Nationality Debate Fact-Check: A growing claim that France’s team is “not French” is being pushed by far-right figures; a review notes FIFA eligibility rules and that nearly all of the 26-man squad were born in France, with only three exceptions. EU Regional Diplomacy: EU Ambassador Fiona Ramsey presented her credentials to OECS Director General Didacus Jules, reaffirming EU support for regional integration—highlighting the EU’s ties to the Caribbean, including French territories like Guadeloupe. Local Governance Watch: A study finds only a handful of large French towns plan taxe foncière increases in 2026, though some rises are steep where they do happen.