Central European republic, member of the EU and NATO
An intense, early‑season heatwave has shattered June temperature records across western Europe and has caused dozens to die. France has reported dozens of drownings and at least 55 heat-linked deaths; meteorological agencies have placed many regions under red alerts. Scientists have said human‑caused climate change has made this event far more likely.
As of April 2026, Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has severely disrupted global fertilizer shipments, causing nitrogen fertilizer prices to nearly double. This has hit US and global farmers during critical spring planting, raising production costs and threatening crop yields for staples like corn, wheat, and rice. The shortage risks global food security and will likely push consumer food prices higher worldwide.
The UK government has introduced new school food standards to improve nutrition and combat childhood obesity. The reforms ban deep-fried foods, restrict sugary desserts, and require more fruit, vegetables, and wholegrains. The changes, starting from September 2026, include phased implementation and a nine-week consultation process.
Authorities in Austria have identified rat poison in a sample of HiPP baby food jars sold at SPAR supermarkets. The jars, made with carrots and potatoes for 5-month-olds, have been recalled across Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. The tampering is believed to be a criminal act, with no reports of consumption so far. The recall affects over 1,500 stores, and customers are advised not to consume the product and to seek refunds.
Authorities in Austria, Czechia, and Slovakia are investigating tampering with HiPP baby food jars sold at SPAR supermarkets. Samples tested positive for rat poison, believed to be a criminal act. The recall affects products made for 5-month-olds, with ongoing police investigations into the source and motives. No reports of ingestion have been confirmed.
President Peter Pellegrini has announced that Slovakia will hold a referendum on July 4, including votes on reopening the office of the special prosecutor. The referendum follows a petition by the opposition and is part of broader political debates, including measures to boost security for politicians and controversial legislative changes.
The EU has approved a previously stalled €90bn loan for Ukraine after Kyiv has repaired the Druzhba oil pipeline and Hungary and Slovakia have dropped objections once Russian oil flows restarted. The decision has come together with a 20th EU sanctions package on Russia, and funds are expected to start moving in the coming weeks.
Rail workers have found six people dead inside a Union Pacific boxcar at a train yard in Laredo, Texas, on Sunday afternoon. Laredo police have confirmed six fatalities — five men and one woman — and have said autopsies will be done; authorities have not released identities or a cause of death. An investigation is ongoing.
Oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary and Slovakia have resumed, with Hungary lifting a veto on an EU loan for Ukraine as the pipeline reopens after a months-long halt. Ukraine says repairs have been completed, while EU checks are ongoing before the loan disbursement, and the pipeline’s reopening is framed as easing a broader energy and political standoff.
The EU has implemented its 20th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting dozens of companies, ships, and individuals involved in energy, military, and disinformation activities. Russia condemns the measures and promises retaliation, citing economic and energy market impacts. The sanctions aim to weaken Russia's war effort in Ukraine.
England's World Cup campaign opens with Croatia as Tuchel reshapes the squad after a tumultuous Euro 2024, with Bellingham and Henderson central to leadership discussions and team cohesion.
Romania and the Czech Republic face funding and independence concerns as governments consider shifting public broadcasters to state financing. In the Czech case, thousands protest plans to fund Czech Television and Czech Radio from the state budget, potentially reducing funding by about 15% and risking staff layoffs and editorial independence. In Romania, caretaker governance risks a constitutional crisis as parties negotiate a minority government ahead of EU funding targets and credit ratings.
Automakers have announced strategic shifts as Chinese brands and US trade rules upend the sector. Volkswagen has proposed deep job cuts to cut costs, Jaguar Land Rover is adding hybrids and prioritising the US, and the Commerce Department has denied Polestar permission to sell new connected models in the US from 2027, pushing the brand to refocus on Europe.
A Budapest hospital orderly has been arrested on suspicion of illegal use of human bodies after investigators found body parts at his home and workplace. He admits collecting parts and has reportedly eaten them. Authorities are examining the origins of the remains and expect the investigation to broaden.
A European heatwave has intensified, with temperatures surpassing 30C in multiple countries. Scientists say human-caused climate change has made such heatwaves more likely and severe, while authorities report rising strain on hospitals, power grids, and transport. The heatwave is prompting new warnings and policy responses across the continent.