As temperatures rise across Europe, so too does the cultural and political tempo. This week’s agenda blends traditional spectacle, elite sport, international disruption and emerging policy debates. From the streets of Pamplona to the courts of Wimbledon, from heat alerts to trade negotiations, here is what to watch from 7 to 14 July 2025.
Spain: Culture and Climate in Focus
The city of Pamplona takes centre stage with the annual San Fermín Festival, running until Sunday 14 July. The daily Running of the Bulls continues each morning at 08:00, while the city fills with music, fireworks, parades and open-air celebrations. The event concludes with the emotional Pobre de mí farewell ceremony, a moment of reflection and release marking the end of one of Spain’s most internationally recognised traditions.
Meanwhile, much of Spain remains under extreme heat alerts, as temperatures exceeding 46 °C were recorded in the first days of July. Emergency measures include the opening of cooling centres and free public access to select indoor venues. The current wave continues to stretch emergency services and challenge travel logistics across several regions.
United Kingdom: Finals, Festivals and Public Consultation
In the UK, two high-profile events dominate public life this week.
At the All England Club, Wimbledon 2025 enters its final stretch. From Tuesday 8 July, fans will be treated to the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the much-anticipated women’s and men’s finals on Saturday and Sunday. New developments this year include electronic line judging and a strict 11:00 p.m. curfew, both of which have been praised for enhancing player welfare and tournament efficiency. National broadcasters continue full coverage throughout the week.
Further south, West Sussex plays host to the Goodwood Festival of Speed from Thursday 10 to Sunday 13 July. The event marks the 75th anniversary of Formula One, with over 100 historic and modern F1 cars on display. Industry icons such as Gordon Murray are being honoured, while manufacturers including Aston Martin and BMW unveil new models. The festival draws crowds from across Europe and plays a key role in the UK’s summer motorsport season.
On the policy front, the UK Government has launched a call for evidence on parental leave and pay, open until 26 August. Public feedback is being sought on modernising family leave structures and improving access for non-standard employment categories.
In the legal sphere, the Teacher Regulation Agency continues its scheduled professional conduct panel hearings. This week’s virtual sessions involve teachers from Tyne and Wear, Suffolk and Hampshire, with proceedings running throughout the week.
European Union and International Developments
Across the EU, the effects of the French air-traffic controller strikes on 3 and 4 July continue to ripple. Flights were grounded or rescheduled at airports in Paris, Nice, and Lyon, affecting over 300,000 passengers. The resulting backlog has led to extended delays on UK–Spain routes, with Ryanair, British Airways, and easyJet among the airlines impacted.
The situation is expected to be further complicated by an eight-hour ground staff strike at KLM Schiphol in the Netherlands, scheduled for Tuesday 9 July. Travellers across Europe have been advised to check flights and seek compensation where eligible under EU Regulation 261/2014.
In broader diplomatic affairs, EU–US trade negotiations are continuing with urgency. Officials are working towards a provisional framework agreement on tariffs, aiming to avoid further disruption to transatlantic goods movement ahead of a self-imposed 9 July deadline. No major breakthroughs have yet been confirmed.
Finally, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights issued a landmark ruling recognising a legal obligation for states to act on climate change. While outside the EU jurisdiction, the judgement has been welcomed by European environmental groups as reinforcing momentum for climate litigation.
At a Glance: This Week’s Highlights
- Pamplona, Spain – San Fermín Festival: daily bull runs and cultural events (until 14 July)
- London, UK – Wimbledon: quarter-finals and finals with new rules in play (8–13 July)
- West Sussex, UK – Goodwood Festival of Speed: F1 75th anniversary, car launches (10–13 July)
- EU Airspace – Travel disruption from French and Dutch strike action (ongoing)
- EU–US Relations – Trade talks target agreement before 9 July deadline
- UK Government – Parental leave consultation and teacher misconduct hearings (7–14 July)
- Europe-wide – Extreme heat: safety measures in force across Spain, UK and southern EU
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