Europe

Italy has placed all 27 monitored cities on red heat alert amid a severe heatwave affecting Europe, with temperatures exceeding 40C. This unprecedented warning has prompted health advisories for millions, while Austria recorded a historic 41.2C, exacerbating droughts and wildfires across the continent.

Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine’s former ambassador to the US, is under investigation for alleged anti-corruption violations, including failing to declare properties and funds. A High Anti-Corruption Court hearing is scheduled in Kyiv following a notice of suspicion issued by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau on 5 August.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a significant government reshuffle, indicating a new prime minister and cabinet will soon be appointed. This decision follows ongoing Russian strikes that resulted in multiple fatalities, amid Zelenskyy’s efforts to renew political strategy and maintain support from lawmakers.

Belgium’s three regions have announced the introduction of a road tax starting 1 May 2027, affecting both domestic and foreign drivers. The tax requires vehicle registration, with annual fees ranging from €90 for zero-emission cars to €125 for higher polluting vehicles.

The French government has activated the “Orsec extreme heat plan” for nine departments due to a persistent heatwave, with red alerts extended to 24 areas, including Ile-de-France. This unprecedented measure is aimed at protecting vulnerable populations amid increasing wildfires, which have already burned twice as much land as last year.

Jamie Shea, former NATO security adviser, articulates a shift towards NATO 3.0, emphasising it will predominantly be “a European show” rather than an American-led initiative. He notes the US is expected to play a reduced role in collective defence, diverging from its historical influence during the Cold War.

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