Summer transitions into a busy late-July agenda across politics, business and transport. From fishing for economic growth to the heat of courtrooms and grand sporting finales, here’s what’s in store for the week ahead.
United Kingdom: Law, Politics and Global Guests
Monday 28 July brings a high-stakes meeting expected in Scotland, where Keir Starmer may engage with Donald Trump during his five-day visit. Changing the mail service, postal reforms under the new Universal Postal Service code come into force today. Simultaneously, the UN Conference on Palestine begins, drawing UK and European diplomatic engagement.
Tuesday 29 July marks the first anniversary of the tragic Southport stabbings. The Supreme Court delivers landmark judgments regarding Russia sanctions and taxi licensing rules. The IMF’s World Economic Outlook also lands on this day, offering vital data for policymakers.
On Wednesday 30 July, markets await the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision, whilst corporate giants Microsoft and Meta report quarterly earnings. Meanwhile, England begin the fourth Test match against India in London.
Thursday 31 July brings a regulatory deadline at Heathrow, where expansion proposals must be submitted. In Ukraine’s Rada, legislators debate restoring independence to anti-corruption bodies. In business news, Apple, Amazon, and Shell publish their quarterly results.
Friday 1 August sees US ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs come into effect—potentially affecting trade with Europe. Domestic courtrooms turn to politics as Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife appear on sex offence charges. The European Court of Justice delivers its ruling on the asylum agreement between Italy and Albania.
Weekends bring momentum in regulation and sport. Saturday 2 August marks the start of key provisions of the EU AI Act, and in the UK, Mariah Carey performs at Brighton & Hove Pride, overlapping with the UK Athletics Championships. On Sunday 3 August, Pope Leo presides over the closing mass of the Jubilee of Youth, and football fans attend the Diogo Jota tribute match between Atletico Madrid and Porto.
Spain: Government Action, Court Measures and Industrial Tension
Back home, Madrid’s Council of Ministers advances plans to promote job creation and consumer protections.
Several justice-related cases arise this week across Spain’s courts, including updates to cases with European implications. Industrial unrest continues: airport staff in Mallorca and hotel workers in the Balearic Islands threaten further action if talks do not progress. Key regional protests attend to wider public sector reforms.
In finance, Spain’s Q2 GDP data is released on Tuesday, alongside mortgage borrowing figures and employment numbers expected to show mixed recovery dynamics. Public funds remain sensitive following last week’s ongoing EU funding ‘freeze’ linked to reform lag.
Europe and International: Economic Policy, Climate and Transport
EU–China relations centre on the Beijing summit on Thursday, where investment, climate collaboration and geopolitical tensions dominate.
Data-heavy days include EU inflation and flash GDP figures, and global earnings releases from major corporations such as Audi, Barclays, Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Tesla.
On Wednesday, the respect or rejection of Italian–Albanian asylum commitments arrives via ECJ ruling. On Saturday, the EU implementation of the AI Act begins in earnest.
Transport watchers note carriage fare data, the Rail Fares Index, road safety statistics, and Ninja sword regulations as UK legislation takes effect.
Aviation and Travel Update
Numerous planning deadlines and expected strikes warrant attention, especially at Palma de Mallorca and broader Spain–UK routes:
- Airline staff and local service workers are considering further protests affecting airport operations, bus routes, and summer travel.
- Across Europe, flight delays and rerouting remain common due to ATC staff shortages, weather and infrastructure pressure. Travellers should check schedules and allow extra time.
Key Events at a Glance
- Scotland – Keir Starmer meets Donald Trump
- UK postal service reforms – Monday
- UK Supreme Court rulings – Tuesday
- World Economic Outlook report – Tuesday
- US Fed rate decision; tech earnings – Wednesday
- Heathrow expansion filing; EU–China Summit – Thursday
- Doctors protest and ECJ ruling – Friday
- EU AI Act enforcement; Pride and sports events – Weekend
- Spain – Trade diplomacy, industrial unrest, court developments, Q2 GDP
- Europe – Economic data, policy judgments, tech regulation rollout
- Travel – Mallorca strikes, European airspace strain, holiday-flight alerts
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