EU

Wildfires are raging across Belgium, Germany, France, Croatia, Spain, and Greece amid extreme heat and dry conditions. In Belgium, a major blaze has consumed 3,000 hectares in the High Fens reserve, prompting the deployment of over 250 firefighters and international aid through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

Two Spanish F-18 fighter jets intercepted and destroyed an unidentified drone in Romanian airspace early on Sunday, 24 kilometres north of Galati. Defence Minister Miruta confirmed the incident, highlighting Romania’s role in the European Union’s defence and the importance of vigilance amid ongoing tensions with Russia and Ukraine.

Bulgarian writer Irina Papancheva’s latest work, Brussels Naked, explores the unpredictable nature of Brussels through the eyes of a young journalist. The novel features twelve interconnected stories, revealing varied experiences within the EU’s capital, showcasing both its enchantment and cruelties.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced the discovery of explosives near the Balkan Stream gas pipeline that supplies Serbia and Hungary. Found in backpacks in Kanjiza, the explosives prompted Hungary’s Orbán to convene an extraordinary defence council. No motives for the placement have been disclosed.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cautioned that the protracted conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran might divert Washington’s focus from Ukraine, jeopardising essential supplies of Patriot air defence systems. Zelenskyy stressed Ukraine’s urgent need for these systems to counter Russia’s ongoing attacks on urban centres and infrastructure.

Lebanon’s Justice Minister Adel Nassar has urged the international community to condemn Israel’s occupation of Lebanese territory, amid escalating tensions following Israeli military operations. Nassar described the situation as “dramatic”, calling for urgent diplomatic efforts to protect Lebanon’s sovereignty and civilian population from further conflict.

Damage to the Druzhba pipeline has halted oil deliveries from Russia to Hungary and jeopardised a billion-dollar loan to Ukraine. Hungary accuses Kyiv of sabotage, while the European Commission has proposed a formal inspection into the incident, raising questions about Budapest’s reliance on Russian energy.

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