Central European, landlocked republic
Researchers have estimated at least 2,700 excess deaths in England and Wales across May and June heatwaves, and France and Spain have reported about 1,000 excess June deaths each. Teams from Imperial College, the Met Office and LSHTM have attributed roughly 40–60% of UK heat deaths to human-caused warming; Europe recorded more than 10,000 excess deaths in late June.
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.
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.
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.
Two early‑season heatwaves have broken June temperature records across western Europe, pushing many locations above 40°C, triggering red alerts, disrupting transport and power, and causing dozens of deaths in France and other countries. Scientists have said human‑caused warming has made this event far more likely and night‑time temperatures have remained unusually high.
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.
Police have arrested a 30-year-old Budapest hospital orderly suspected of illegal use of human bodies after investigators found body parts at his home and workplace. He has admitted collecting the parts and has reportedly eaten some. Forensic experts will determine the remains’ origins; investigators say the probe could broaden.
A historic heatwave has swept across Europe, setting temperature records and stressing infrastructure and health systems. Scientists say climate change has doubled the odds of such events, with millions affected as cities grapple with heat-related disruptions and rising energy demand.
A continent-wide heatwave has intensified, with France, the Netherlands and Belgium reporting thousands of excess deaths as temperatures shatter records. Health systems are strained, and wildfires and droughts are spreading across southern Europe. Officials warn that climate change is driving more extreme heat, with record highs continuing into the coming days.
Cape Verde pushes Argentina to a dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat after a stunning display by Vozinha; Messi secures late winner but the match becomes a showcase of Cape Verde’s historic World Cup run and the staying power of veteran forwards.
NATO leaders reaffirm an Article 5 commitment while European defence spending rises. Trump criticises allies over Iran war and defence budgets, threatening trade measures and debates over Greenland. Ukraine receives new aid and weapons deals are announced, but unity appears fragile as divisions persist.
Europe’s leaders are pursuing a global, integrated missile defense against future threats, while Ukraine seeks faster air-defense and a European-backed, lower-cost system. At Paris talks, Macron and Zelenskyy outline steps toward a coalition of the willing and the Freyja project to supplement, not replace, existing defenses.