Central European country in the Carpathians, member of the EU and NATO
Extreme heat has gripped central and eastern Europe, with Slovakia seeing 42°C in Dolné Plachtince and Austria hitting a national high. The Danube’s water levels are at record lows, threatening energy supply and transport. Forecasts warn the heat will persist, with officials urging conservation and vigilance against heat-related health risks.
Zelenskyy has warned that air-defence shortages could worsen as Russia launches a wave of ballistic missiles and drones. Ukraine is relying on allies for Patriot interceptors, with talks about domestic production and European partnerships intensifying. At least 17 people have been killed across Kyiv and surrounding areas, while drones have been largely shot down.
A wave of xenophobic protests in South Africa has intensified, targeting undocumented migrants and fueling violence, looting, and displacement. Governments are coordinating repatriation, while discussions on formal migration policy and regional dialogue are accelerating ahead of local elections.
A global heat wave trend persists into August 2026. July saw record or near-record sea surface and air temperatures across Europe and globally. Scientists warn that accelerating warming and a strong El Niño are increasing the odds that 2026 will be the hottest year on record.
British sprinter Matt Hudson-Smith has claimed his fifth continental gold at the European Championships, defending his title in the 400m in front of a home crowd at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium. He powered to victory in 44.17 seconds from lane nine, ahead of France’s Muhammad Abdallah Kounta and the Netherlands’ Jonas Phijffers. The night also saw Emily Newnham win silver in the women’s 400m hurdles and Amy Hunt reach the 200m final.
Jaguar Land Rover’s revenues have fallen by 9.6% to £6 billion for the quarter to June 30, as production disruptions and a pivot from petrol/diesel to electric models weigh on sales. The group is pushing four new electric models while navigating a fire-related disruption and a wind-down of several Jaguar variants.
Karl-Anthony Towns has solidified his role as a rebound leader for the New York Knicks after major offseason changes. The team has replaced backup centers with a cheaper option, focusing on Towns' rebounding prowess as Jokic returns for the Nuggets. The Knicks aim to push Towns into top-tier glass cleaning next season while evaluating roster depth.
Itauma is challenging Filip Hrgovic for the IBF heavyweight title. The 21-year-old Briton aims to become the second-youngest heavyweight champion, with Hrgovic firing back and promising to “smash the kid” as a tense buildup culminates in showdown at the O2 Arena.
The draw for the Champions League group stage has placed 36 clubs into four pots based on UEFA coefficients. Top clubs like Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, PSG, Bayern, Real Madrid and others are in pot one. Aston Villa and Manchester United return to the competition in pot two. Pots three and four include a mix of European contenders and newcomers. The draw introduces a new rule barring teams from hosting the same opponent in three consecutive league phases.
Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Liverpool are among the English clubs taking part as the league phase draw for the 2026-27 Champions League places teams into eight-match groups. PSG, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid headline pot one, with Celtic aiming to reach the knockout rounds after a 3-0 first leg win in their play-off. The draw is set for Aug. 27, 2026, with fixtures running from September.
Germany’s chancellor has convened northern European leaders to press for a leaner EU budget in response to the European Commission’s near-€2 trillion proposal for 2028-2034. The bloc’s leaders are negotiating how to trim the budget while protecting cohesion funds and agricultural subsidies. The dialogue unfolds as Berlin’s political fortunes hinge on upcoming elections.
Katie Taylor is set to bid farewell to boxing in a final, high-stakes title bout in Dublin, aiming to become a three‑time undisputed world champion against Flora Pili. The 40‑year‑old Olympic gold medallist faces a young, undefeated challenger in an 80,000‑seat sell‑out at Croke Park, with the event marketed as one of Ireland’s greatest sporting nights.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has outlined plans to deepen ties with Canada and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has been invited to address the European Parliament. Talks are focusing on security, Arctic cooperation, critical minerals, student exchanges and defence-industrial links, but officials say no formal new pact has been agreed and discussions remain at an early stage.
Poland's prime minister has warned intelligence indicates Russia is preparing hybrid drone and missile strikes that will be framed as "accidents" to weaken NATO's collective defence. He has announced a trip to Kyiv to coordinate defences. European governments are reinforcing air defences, closing airports temporarily and planning infrastructure protections.
Scotland has reshaped its Nations League squad under new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli. Kristi Montgomery earns a first senior call-up after progressing through Blackburn Rovers’ ranks, joining a mix of recalled veterans and new faces as the team prepares for matches against Slovenia, Switzerland and North Macedonia.
The State Department has reprogrammed $52 million in foreign military financing from Slovakia, North Macedonia, Tunisia and Iraq to Panama, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has visited Colombia, Ecuador and Peru, signaling a pivot toward the Western Hemisphere amid concerns about narcotics, migration and China’s growing presence. The move follows earlier efforts to reduce European spending and troop deployments in NATO, aligning with a renewed Monroe Doctrine approach.
EU diplomats are negotiating the renewal of sanctions on more than 2,500 entities tied to Russia. France pushes for a narrowly tailored delisting of Usmanov, while Slovakia seeks broader relief. A decision on extending or shortening the regime is imminent as ambassadors gather in Brussels.
EU countries reach a compromise to extend sanctions on nearly 3,000 individuals and entities for three years while delisting Russian-Uzbek tycoon Alisher Usmanov and Russian-Israeli Mikhail Fridman from the bloc’s sanctions list. Latvia abstains, prompting tensions with Kyiv; France and Luxembourg argued for delisting on national-security grounds linked to a prisoner-release context.
A knife attack in Staskov near Slovakia's border has left a teacher dead and several others injured. Authorities have detained a 13-year-old suspect on suspicion of premeditated murder; officials say the situation is under control and investigations are ongoing.
England faces a two-leg playoff against Greece to reach next year’s World Cup in Brazil. The head coach has called up Ella Toone after leaving her out of the initial squad, a decision tied to current form. Lucy Bronze has sustained a small injury and has returned to Chelsea, while Toone has stated she will use the setback as motivation.
Colombia has opened its embassy in Jerusalem, restoring diplomatic ties with Israel after severing them in 2024 over Gaza. The move is welcomed by Colombian and Israeli officials as a step to rebuild dialogue and security and trade cooperation. Protests in Bogota contest the decision amid ongoing Gaza war coverage.
Colombia has restored diplomatic relations with Israel and opened an embassy in Jerusalem, marking a shift from the Petro era. The move is celebrated by officials in both countries and signals a strengthened security and trade partnership, with priority given to dialogue and mutual benefits for citizens.