Tipping point

Independent - In a summer marked by global heatwaves, wildfires and drought, scientists have warned that things could get considerably worse under a future scenario dubbed "hothouse Earth".

Europe is at a critical tipping point and, depending on how much political will is mustered in Brussels and by member states, it could go either way.

This year is a determining year for the Union as it faces crisis within its borders and from outside. Running through Europe is a mounting fear of more terrorist attacks.