Europe

Munich’s Oktoberfest officially commenced today with the traditional keg tapping by Mayor Dominik Krause at noon. The event is expected to attract millions, following last year’s attendance of 6.5 million, as beer tents and fairground rides opened, welcoming revelers to the famed Theresienwiese.

A Russian drone strike on a shopping centre in Zaporizhzhia injured four people and ignited a significant fire, with damage spanning 2,000 square metres. This attack forms part of an intensified Russian offensive across Ukraine, which includes strikes in Kyiv and Kherson, prompting evacuation warnings for residents.

At least 306 people in Belgium have contracted salmonella linked to contaminated eggs from Laerco, a Geel-based producer. The Belgian Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain identified ongoing contamination in two henhouses, prompting multiple recalls across major supermarkets and alerts to several European countries.

Tourists in Greece are now better informed about ultraviolet radiation dangers as awareness of sun protection measures, including hats and sunglasses, has risen during ongoing heatwaves. Red Cross volunteers report a decrease in demand for protective gear, reflecting improved visitor preparedness amid record tourist numbers.

Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited the Hürtgen Forest today, thanking emergency services for their efforts in battling the region’s largest forest fire, which affected 300 to 400 hectares. His late arrival drew criticism, as he faced boos from onlookers during the visit, prompting political debate on climate action.

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