EU

Latvia has banned the import of books, newspapers, and printed materials from Russia and Belarus, citing concerns over disinformation and war propaganda. This prohibition seeks to safeguard Latvia’s security interests and reduce ties with nations involved in aggression against Ukraine, effective from 1 September.

Ulrich Siegmund, co-chair of the AfD parliamentary group in Saxony-Anhalt, aims for the role of minister-president in the upcoming 2026 state election. Known for his compelling social media presence and community engagement, Siegmund advocates for restrictive migration policies and challenges the classification of his party as extremist.

China’s top diplomat Wang Yi will begin a four-day visit to Russia for security talks on Monday, his foreign ministry said, the latest in a series of high-level visits and phone calls between the two countries. Read our liveblog for all the latest developments on the war in Ukraine. All times are Paris time (GMT+2).

Ahead of EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s scheduled visit to Italy’s Lampedusa island on Sunday, FRANCE 24’s Seema Gupta, Natalia Mendoza and Wassim Daly spoke with some of the migrants there to learn about their living conditions and the treacherous journeys they have made. Some local residents express frustration with the surge in arrivals, while a local church has become a place where donations are collected.

In response to the most severe drought Mayotte has experienced in decades, the French government and local authorities in the overseas territory are taking drastic measures to ensure inhabitants get basic access to water. The unprecedented shortage is pushing locals into desperation and mounting tensions at a time when Mayotte is also seeing rampant crime.

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