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German Police Investigate Unexploded Incendiary Device at Power Substation

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German police are investigating an incident involving an unexploded incendiary device found Tuesday at a power substation in Brandenburg, eastern Germany. Police said officers were deployed to the facility in Turnow-Preilack after receiving information about the incident at around 8 a.m. local time.

Grid operator 50Hertz said unidentified perpetrators are believed to have caused damage to several power lines in its transmission network. The company did not specify how the damage occurred, while the incendiary device remained unexploded.

There was a brief power outage, but all affected lines have since returned to operation and Germany’s wider electricity supply was not disrupted. Police said there was no danger to the public, while Brandenburg’s state criminal police office has taken over the investigation.

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Serbia Rethinks Forests as Wildfires Intensify in a Warmer Climate

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Serbia’s Deliblatska Pescara reserve is facing difficult choices after a major wildfire damaged large areas of its unique dunes and woodlands. Foresters are now working on a long-term restoration plan, while considering how to make the landscape more resilient as hotter and drier conditions increase the risk of future fires.

Experts say the recovery could take decades. Damaged trees must be gradually removed to prevent them from fuelling new fires or attracting bark beetles, while foresters consider replacing highly flammable conifers with species such as birch, poplar, ash and oak. Some experts have advised waiting three to five years in areas without immediate erosion risks before undertaking large-scale replanting.

The challenge reflects a broader shift in Serbia’s fire patterns. Data from the European Forest Fire Information System shows that 2023–2025 was the country’s worst three-year period for fires this century. Forestry experts are increasingly looking toward methods used in traditionally drier regions, including techniques to retain soil moisture and improve the survival of newly planted trees.

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Poland Boosts Domestic Defence Production as It Builds Europe’s Largest Army

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Poland is increasingly turning to domestic and Central European defence companies as it builds what officials describe as Europe’s largest army. Defence procurement from Polish and regional firms has nearly quadrupled since 2022, reaching 30.4 billion zlotys ($8.15 billion) last year. The shift is aimed at reducing reliance on distant suppliers and strengthening supply-chain security.

Poland is expected to spend about €53 billion on core defence this year, equivalent to around 4.7% of GDP. While major U.S.-made systems such as Patriot missile batteries, Abrams tanks and F-35 fighter jets remain important, Warsaw is prioritising greater local production of drones, ammunition and other frequently used equipment. The strategy reflects a wider European effort to rebuild defence manufacturing capacity following the war in Ukraine.

Companies from across Central Europe are responding to the opportunity. Czech defence group CSG has agreed to expand production in Poland, including projects involving drones, missiles, ammunition and armoured vehicles, while other firms are developing ammunition and air-defence manufacturing facilities. Poland’s armed forces have surpassed 220,000 personnel, and officials say foreign companies seeking access to the Polish market will increasingly be expected to invest locally, transfer technology and participate in joint projects.

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Germany May Blame Russia for Airport Drone Attack

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Germany is expected to blame Russia for an attempted drone attack targeting a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August, according to two sources. The government may also consider imposing new sanctions against Moscow in coordination with its allies.

Airport workers reportedly discovered a drone carrying explosives and a detonator at the airport, which serves as an important civilian freight and NATO logistics hub. Germany had previously described the incident as part of a wider hybrid war against Europe without directly accusing Russia.

Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul indicated that Germany was considering further measures against Russia, saying the country would respond when attacked. Russia has previously rejected accusations of involvement, calling them a fabricated provocation.

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Sweden Orders Four French Warships

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Sweden has signed an order for four frigates from French defence company Naval Group, in a deal aimed at strengthening the country’s military capabilities. The agreement was signed in Stockholm in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

Sweden has accelerated defence spending since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which led the country to abandon its longstanding policy of military neutrality. European nations have also been boosting defence budgets amid growing concerns over security and uncertainty about the level of future U.S. support.

The deal, announced in May at a value of around $4 billion, is expected to triple Sweden’s air-defence capacity. The four frigates will be the largest ships in the Swedish Navy, with the first vessel scheduled for delivery in 2030. Macron said the agreement would strengthen Europe’s defence industry and its ability to take greater responsibility for regional security.

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Meloni Nears Italy’s Stability Record, But 2027 Election Could Disrupt It

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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to lead Italy’s longest-lasting government since World War Two, surpassing a record previously held by Silvio Berlusconi. Her government has benefited from political stability and improved investor confidence, particularly through tighter control of Italy’s public finances.

However, analysts warn that the stability may not last beyond the 2027 parliamentary elections. While Meloni’s government has strengthened employment and reduced irregular migration, critics say it has made limited progress on deeper reforms to public administration, healthcare and education. A failed judicial reform referendum and strained relations with U.S. President Donald Trump have also weakened her political standing.

The rise of a new far-right party led by former general Roberto Vannacci is adding further uncertainty. Recent polling suggests Meloni’s conservative coalition could struggle to reach the 42% threshold linked to proposed electoral reforms, while Vannacci’s support has risen to around 8%. Analysts say Italy could once again face a fragmented parliament and unstable coalition politics after the election.

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Italy’s Population Set to Shrink by 4 Million by 2050

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Italy’s population is projected to fall by almost 4 million by 2050, raising concerns over the country’s economy and welfare system as its population continues to age. The national statistics agency ISTAT said the population could decline from 58.9 million in early 2025 to around 55 million by 2050, before falling further to 45.8 million by 2080.

Italy’s declining birth rate is a major factor behind the demographic trend. Births fell to about 355,000 in 2025, the lowest level since the country’s unification in 1861. ISTAT expects annual births to remain broadly stable until 2030 before declining to around 335,000 by 2050, while annual deaths could peak at 869,000 in 2058.

The ageing population is expected to put increasing pressure on Italy’s workforce, pensions and welfare services. The share of people aged 65 and above is projected to rise from 24.7% in 2025 to 34.5% in 2050, while the working-age population could fall from 63.4% to 55.3%. Southern Italy is expected to experience the sharpest decline, with its population forecast to fall from 19.7 million to 16.7 million by 2050.

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German Union Warns of Major Resistance to Volkswagen Restructuring

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Germany’s largest union, IG Metall, has warned of strong opposition if Volkswagen attempts to revise a restructuring agreement reached less than two years ago. Union leader Thorsten Groeger said workers across Volkswagen’s sites would resist any move to reopen the deal, as the automaker considers major changes including plant closures, business carve-outs and up to 50,000 additional job cuts.

Volkswagen’s supervisory board is scheduled to meet on Friday to vote on three competing restructuring proposals. The decision could intensify the dispute between management and workers and potentially lead to an extraordinary shareholder meeting. The latest restructuring push comes as Volkswagen faces pressure from tariffs, growing competition from Asian automakers and weakness in the Chinese market.

Volkswagen finance chief Arno Antlitz said the company would do everything possible to protect jobs but warned that there are currently no viable production plans for plants in Hanover, Emden, Neckarsulm and Zwickau. He said maintaining current production levels without reducing excess capacity could leave Volkswagen with a permanent cost disadvantage of around €1.5 billion ($1.74 billion) annually.

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Search Continues for 18 Passengers After Ferry Capsizes Off Northern Cyprus

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Rescuers are continuing the search for 18 passengers more than 24 hours after a ferry capsized off the coast of northern Cyprus. The vessel was carrying 259 passengers and eight crew members when it began taking on water shortly after leaving Kyrenia for Tasucu in Turkey. Authorities have confirmed eight deaths, while 19 people are receiving treatment in hospitals.

The ferry has since completely sunk to a depth of 514 metres (1,686ft), with debris scattered across the sea. Search teams are working to locate the missing passengers and recover the vessel’s black box to determine the cause of the accident. Local officials said the boat was struck by two waves after its journey had earlier been delayed because of poor weather.

The captain, seven crew members and another man have been arrested, while warrants have been issued for seven more people. Northern Cyprus has declared three days of national mourning following the tragedy. Families of missing passengers continue to gather at Kyrenia port as rescue operations remain underway.

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Germany Finalising Response to Suspected Leipzig Drone Attack

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Sunday that Germany is finalising its response to the suspected drone attack near Leipzig/Halle airport earlier this month. He said the government was coordinating its actions with European Union and NATO partners, with an announcement expected in the coming days.

The incident took place on August 4, when a drone carrying explosives was discovered near a Ukrainian Antonov cargo aircraft used to transport military supplies. Germany has not officially identified those responsible, although Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt described the incident as a potential “hybrid attack scenario” and raised the possibility of foreign involvement.

German media have reported that Berlin could publicly blame Russia and introduce sanctions in coordination with EU partners. Merz did not comment on the suspected perpetrator but said Germany’s response had been agreed in principle and that its European and NATO allies would be involved in the final decision.

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