Millions across Europe, particularly in France, Italy, Spain, and the UK, faced extreme heat as temperatures exceeded 35C on Thursday. With parts of France reaching 42C and the UK recording the year’s highest day, concerns grow over climate change’s role in escalating heatwaves and their impacts on health and wildfires.

Polls have closed in England’s Clacton by-election, featuring Nigel Farage against fringe candidate Count Binface. Farage triggered the vote by resigning amid a financial investigation. Analysts expect his victory, yet some locals regard the contest as a farce without mainstream party candidates.

The European Commission has deployed migration experts to Ceuta following the recent arrival of 80,000 migrants from Morocco, triggering a humanitarian crisis. The mission aims to assess local needs and enhance EU support for Spanish authorities amidst concerns of further mass crossings.

NATO members convened on Wednesday to address recent breaches of Polish and Romanian airspace, asserting that Russia is fully responsible for these incursions. The discussions mark a significant response to escalating tensions in the region and highlight the alliance’s commitment to collective security.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine does not recognise Kosovo’s independence, a remark that has drawn ire from Prishtina, which insists on its right to self-determination. Kosovo’s authorities have since removed a prominent Ukrainian flag in response, underscoring rising tensions between both nations.

Latvia’s Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs announced the launch of “Vilkatis,” a new security operation aimed at enhancing border controls amid a surge in irregular migrants from Belarus. The initiative includes increased military support and advanced surveillance measures, responding to perceived hybrid threats at the eastern frontier.