Republic in Southeast Europe
Rising heat and drought across Europe have lowered river levels, exposing World War II ships, mammoth remains and ancient structures. Analysts warn climate-driven extremes are intensifying, threatening ships, power plants and freight, while historians document maritime relics surfacing along the Danube and Rhine.
Carlos Alcaraz has confirmed he will return to competitive tennis at the US Open after missing more than four months with a right wrist injury. The 23-year-old is seeded second at Flushing Meadows, where organisers have increased the total prize fund to a record $108m and will launch a grand slam player advisory council after the tournament.
Carlos Alcaraz has returned from a wrist injury to play in the US Open, teaming with Serena Williams in the mixed doubles. The news follows his four-month absence from singles and Williams’ comeback after a hiatus. The event adds star power to the Open, with other high-profile partnerships and a large field across both singles and doubles.
Roger Federer has been inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport after a storied career that included 20 Grand Slam titles. In the run-up, he has performed exhibition matches in New York, signaling a lasting legacy beyond competition and underscoring his impact on fans and the sport.
The United States proposes expanding the UN arms embargo to cover all of Sudan and drone-related technology, while the Security Council weighs tougher measures amid intensifying drone strikes and external support. Darfur remains a flashpoint as the embargo’s future hinges on a veto-wielding Security Council.
Chelsea have moved to sign Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa on a two-year contract, with a medical expected in London. The move follows mixed performances from Robert Sánchez and comes after Villa allowed Martínez to depart amid a squad reshuffle that includes Zion Suzuki’s arrival.
Massive floods across Nepal and Tibet have killed dozens and left hundreds missing. Rescue efforts are underway, with thousands of troops deployed and international aid flowing in as authorities warn of continuing danger from dammed lakes and downstream river surges.
Serbian state media and UN officials report that Ratko Mladic has died in a UN prison hospital in The Hague, ending decades of investigations into his role in the 1995 Srebrenica massacre. He was 83 or 84, depending on reports. The death follows his 2017 genocide conviction and years in custody.
Thousands have attended the funeral of Ratko Mladic in Belgrade after his body was flown from The Hague. Serbia has provided military honours and government participation while EU officials and rights bodies have condemned the public glorification. The ceremony has deepened regional tensions and renewed scrutiny of Serbia's EU ambitions.
Novak Djokovic has reached the US Open round one but battles a serious health issue that has him vomiting and cramping. He says the condition is
Ukraine has warned airlines and insurers that expanding Ukrainian drone strikes have made Russian airspace unsafe for civilian flights. President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukraine is not targeting civilian aircraft but that "drone‑infested skies" require airlines to rethink routings. Moscow has called the warning "state terrorism" and pledged to protect airports and keep services running.
Carlos Alcaraz has overcome a wrist injury to win his match in four sets, switching to a skin-tight vest to fix a wardrobe malfunction. He advances to the next round, with Medvedev, Pegula, and others also progressing; Djokovic suffers a shock first-round exit.
The UN General Assembly has endorsed a non-binding move to shift from the Mercator projection to the Equal Earth map to better reflect continental sizes. The vote saw 164 members in favour with the United States abstaining or opposing; several countries express concerns about disputed territories and implications for regional shading.
The United Nations has endorsed a shift toward the Equal Earth projection, encouraging adoption over the Mercator map. The resolution, supported by 164 countries, stops short of mandating change but calls for broader use in education, media and policy discussions. The United States opposes the move, with concerns over disputed territories.
Weather services warn of a European heat dome as high pressure pushes heat from North Africa toward France, Spain, Italy and the Balkans. The UK expects a brief, warm weekend before cooler conditions return; governing forecasts indicate changeable conditions next week.
Persistent heat and water shortages have dried thousands of hectares of fish ponds from Hungary to the Czech Republic, Romania and Romania. The fish industry has suffered millions in losses as farmers struggle to save stock and adapt water use.
Iceland has opened talks on re-engaging with the European Union amid a near-even domestic split over membership. Officials indicate that if talks resume, negotiations could take years and lead to another referendum. Polls show a divided public as Iceland weighs the security and economic benefits of EU membership against its sovereignty.
UEFA has fined Red Star Belgrade 90,000 euros and banned ticket sales for their next away match after supporters chanted in tribute to Ratko Mladić, who died last week in The Hague while serving a life sentence for genocide. The incident followed a 5-1 defeat by Viktoria Plzeň on Aug. 27.
The UN General Assembly has voted 164–1 to encourage use of the Equal Earth projection instead of the Mercator map. The non‑binding resolution, led by Togo and backed by the African Union, has prompted objections from the United States and concerns from countries including Ukraine, Japan and India over how disputed territories appear.
The International Court of Justice is hearing Germany’s objections to Nicaragua’s genocide case, arguing the court lacks jurisdiction and that key claims are inadmissible. The hearings come amid ongoing Gaza violence and a wider legal battle over Israel’s actions in the territory. Germany is defending its arms exports while Nicaragua accuses Berlin of facilitating genocide through support for Israel.
Nicaragua has urged the International Court of Justice to allow its case against Germany to continue, arguing that arm exports to Israel violate the Genocide Convention and humanitarian law as hearings on Germany’s preliminary objections proceed in The Hague.
Serbia has formalised a snap parliamentary election in late October, as President Vucic faces two years of anti-government protests and international scrutiny after the Novi Sad canopy collapse tragedy. The vote tests Vucic’s grip on power as student-led protests demand accountability and broader reforms.
Kravchenko has offered his resignation as Ukraine’s prosecutor general, citing political reasons, while anti-corruption agencies allege a money-laundering network tied to call centres. Kyiv faces ongoing pressure as anti-corruption probes proceed and Ukraine navigates political tensions during the war.
AfD has won about 44% in Saxony-Anhalt, raising the possibility it could form Germany’s first far-right state government since World War II. Minority communities fear renewed hostility as elections also loom in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Parties across Germany assess the implications for democracy and policy.
Nicaragua argues that Germany’s arms exports to Israel facilitate genocide in Gaza, a claim tied to Genocide Convention obligations. Germany contests jurisdiction as the ICJ hears preliminary objections; the case follows South Africa’s genocide case against Israel and raises questions about interstate accountability.
Serbia has hosted a funeral for Ratko Mladic, amid divided views over his legacy. EU officials condemn the glorification of a war criminal while many Serbs view him as a hero. The event coincides with Serbia’s EU accession hopes and mounting questions about rule of law and democratic standards.
Serbia has held a large funeral for Ratko Mladić, the convicted Bosnian war criminal, with soldiers, several government ministers and church leaders taking part. The event has prompted condemnations from the EU, led to Bosnia downgrading diplomatic ties, and caused EU officials to pause visits and reassess Serbia’s accession prospects.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed making Canada the EU's first "associate member." Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has welcomed closer ties that would deepen cooperation on trade, defence, AI, critical minerals and Arctic issues beyond the existing CETA deal. EU member states and diplomats say the proposal is undefined and legal and political obstacles remain.
Copernicus confirms August 2026 tied for hottest month on record, with Western Europe enjoying its warmest summer. Global oceans reach new highs as El Niño intensifies. Scientists warn that emissions continue to drive extreme conditions and urge rapid action.
Kosovo’s leadership faces a defining verdict as the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague convicts former president Hashim Thaci and three other KLA leaders of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Sentences range up to 25 years, while some charges are acquitted. Protests erupt in Pristina and at EULEX facilities as the court emphasizes personal responsibility.
Kosovo’s political crisis continues as the 120-seat assembly lacks a stable majority to elect a president. Kurti’s government has secured 62 votes, but opposition boycotts and procedural disputes keep the process in a standstill. Prolonged paralysis threatens EU integration and potential early elections.
Poland's prime minister has warned intelligence shows Russia is preparing hybrid drone and missile strikes that will be framed as accidents to weaken NATO's collective defence. European governments and NATO commanders are reinforcing air defences, planning infrastructure protections and holding consultations as cross‑border strikes and covert sabotage have increased since 2025.
The Kosovo Specialist Chambers has found Hashim Thaci guilty of murder, torture, illegal detention and cruel treatment related to the 1998-99 conflict. He has been sentenced to 25 years and awaits appeal. Co-defendants Krasniqi, Veseli, and Selimi were also convicted on various counts; crimes against humanity were not proven.
Germany has named a 44-man squad split into two groups for Nations League fixtures in September and October. The move marks Jurgen Klopp’s first squad since taking over, with several debutants and notable omissions shaped by fitness and strategy.
Serbia has inaugurated a drone-plants facility built with an Israeli partner. The project aims to produce combat drones for Serbia and other countries, with about 100 workers, and to expand with at least three more factories across Serbia. Details on location and partner names remain confidential, but Elbit Systems is identified by prior reporting. The move occurs ahead of Serbia’s October elections as Belgrade strengthens military ties with Israel and other partners.
Xavi has named a 26-man squad for Nations League matches, including Ruben van Bommel after his comeback from a knee injury. The Dutch coach aims to build a team that can dominate possession as they face Germany, Serbia, and other opponents in a busy schedule.
Irish public opinion has grown increasingly opposed to Ireland’s Nations League games against Israel amid ongoing protests and political pressure. The government and football authorities have faced calls to boycott, with players weighing a collective stance as matches move to neutral venues.
Ireland’s manager and Israel’s football federation have exchanged sharp public remarks ahead of Nations League fixtures. Ireland’s call for a boycott has grown amid protests at team hotels. Both sides insist on neutral venues as security concerns mount.
Ireland’s Nations League fixtures against Israel are under intense scrutiny as players debate boycotting amid Gaza war concerns. The team has moved a game to a neutral venue and will play behind closed doors in Belgrade, Serbia, with protests continuing and players weighing their stance.
Germany has had a mixed Nations League showing as injuries force midfield and attack reshuffles ahead of key matches. Florian Wirtz and Jonathan Burkardt are drafted in to replace injured teammates, while Germany seeks cohesion under Klopp after a World Cup setback.
Kosovo has condemned the Hague verdicts finding Hashim Thaci and three former KLA leaders guilty of war crimes, while protests across the country demand accountability and defend Kosovo’s independence struggle. The government faces political pressure as remains of a stalled EU-backed dialogue with Serbia and an Oct. 6 presidential deadline loom.
Ireland's Nations League clash with Israel in Hungary remains on after players vote by a significant majority to proceed, despite protests and calls for boycott amid the Israel-Gaza conflict. The pre-match press conference and training were delayed and further scheduling changes followed.
Ireland has decided to proceed with Nations League fixtures against Israel in Hungary, despite internal dissent and protests. One player has withdrawn, discussions among players and officials have stretched over hours, and the team plans to wear armbands and donate match fees.
Aleksandar Vucic has resigned the presidency and has declared he will lead the Serbian Progressive Party in snap parliamentary elections on October 25. He has pledged a decisive victory while facing a student-led anti-corruption movement that grew after the November 2024 Novi Sad canopy collapse. Ana Brnabić will serve as acting president until a new one is elected.
Portugal has secured a 4-2 win over Denmark as Ronaldo sits on the bench; Portugal leads Group A4 with nine points. Germany, under Klopp, beats Serbia 2-0 in Munich as Wirtz and Bischof score. Netherlands draw with Greece; Ireland thumps Israel 3-0 amid security concerns.
Ireland and Israel faced controversy as their Nations League match approached and unfolded, with Irish players bowing heads, avoiding handshakes, and wearing black armbands amid Gaza war tensions. Ireland voted to play; Bazunu withdrew from both legs.
European national associations have withdrawn support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino amid revelations about the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan and governance concerns. UEFA and several national bodies say transparency and accountability are essential as Infantino seeks re-election in March 2027.
Republic of Ireland has determined to play Israel in Nations League fixtures, including a behind-closed-doors match in Serbia, as protests at home continue. The team’s stance follows its collective vote and recent debate over Gaza war coverage.
Ireland has beaten Israel 3-0 in Hungary in the first leg of a Nations League double-header, amid a backdrop of political protest and off-field confrontations. The return leg in Serbia is looming, with security concerns and ongoing investigations into alleged racism and other disruptions.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is holding general elections as voters choose the presidency, parliament, and entity leaders. The campaign centers on war-era tensions, EU and NATO paths, and ongoing calls for reform. Milorad Dodik, though banned from office, remains a dominant figure, with views that have intensified national discourse.