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Italian Grand Prix Declared Heat-Hazard Race Amid Rising Temperatures

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The Italian Grand Prix at Monza has been officially classified as a heat-hazard race, with temperatures forecast to exceed 31°C during Sunday’s race. Temperatures around Monza are expected to remain in the mid-30s throughout the weekend, following a prolonged heatwave across Italy.

The designation allows Formula 1 drivers to use a cooling system that circulates chilled liquid through pipes in a fireproof layer worn beneath their racing suits. The system is optional, but drivers who choose not to use it must carry an additional 5kg of ballast to prevent any competitive advantage.

Cockpit temperatures can rise above 40°C, with drivers already wearing multiple layers of fireproof clothing, balaclavas and helmets. Some drivers avoid the cooling system because of discomfort and concerns that the coolant may run out before the race ends. Italy is the second F1 race this season to receive the heat-hazard designation, after the Austrian Grand Prix.

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Europe May Increase Rocket Launches as Satellite Demand Rises

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Europe may increase the launch frequency of its Ariane 6 and Vega-C rockets to meet growing demand for satellite deployments, the European Space Agency (ESA) said. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher warned that launch demand could peak around 2030, creating a potential capacity bottleneck if preparations are not made soon.

Arianespace currently expects to conduct nine or 10 Ariane 6 launches annually from 2027. However, demand from European missions and commercial customers, including Amazon, could exceed planned capacity. Amazon has already commissioned 18 launches, prompting ESA to assess whether additional capacity will be needed to meet future requirements.

ESA is also examining plans to launch astronauts on European rockets instead of relying on U.S. vehicles, while the agency is monitoring a proposed merger involving major European satellite manufacturers. ESA, which accounts for about 60% of Europe’s public-sector satellite spending, said it could use industrial policy measures to maintain competition and strengthen the European space industry’s supply chain.

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EU’s Kallas Calls Leipzig Attack State-Sponsored Terrorism

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European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has described the attempted attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany as bearing the hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism. Speaking ahead of an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Ireland, Kallas said Europe must coordinate its response as Russia’s attacks and alleged hybrid activities continue to escalate.

Germany has said Russia was responsible for the attempted drone attack last month. EU foreign ministers arriving for the talks called for stronger pressure on Moscow, with discussions focusing on additional sanctions targeting Russia’s military industry and individuals. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the EU would work on imposing further sanctions in the coming weeks.

The meeting also highlighted concerns over Ukraine’s air defence needs. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha urged European countries to provide additional interceptors to help protect Ukrainian airspace. Meanwhile, several EU nations renewed calls to reconsider the use of frozen Russian assets, with around €210 billion immobilised across the bloc following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

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Ceuta Residents Urge Calm Amid Migrant Crisis

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Residents of Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta called for calm on Wednesday as hundreds of rallies were planned across Spain over the region’s growing migrant crisis. Authorities estimate that more than 10,000 migrants, including unaccompanied minors, remain in temporary camps, on streets and along beaches nearly five weeks after a major border crossing from Morocco.

The situation has led to frequent protests, with some residents criticizing the central government for its handling of the crisis and demanding that migrants be returned to their countries or relocated elsewhere in Spain. Recent demonstrations have also seen sporadic attacks around migrant camps, while authorities have arrested people involved in clashes with security forces. Local organizers said they wanted peaceful demonstrations and sought to prevent far-right groups from provoking further tensions.

Political disagreements have complicated efforts to find a solution. The opposition People’s Party has backed calls for stronger action, while the left-wing government has accused its opponents of using the crisis for political gain. Madrid has increased temporary accommodation capacity to more than 3,400 places and deployed over 1,600 police officers, but local leaders and charities say more resources are needed to protect both residents and migrants.

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Climate Shocks Hit EU Maize Production in Hungary and Romania

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Climate change is putting increasing pressure on maize production across central and eastern Europe, with repeated droughts, heatwaves and water shortages reducing crop yields. The impact is particularly severe in Hungary and Romania, where maize acreage has fallen sharply. Hungary, once a major exporter, is expected to import maize this year, while Romania’s exportable surplus has declined.

The European Union’s maize harvest is forecast at 50.1 million metric tons in 2026, nearly a two-decade low and around 20% below the average of the past three years. Romania’s crop is expected to reach about 8 million tons, while Hungary’s harvest could fall to just 2.5 million tons. EU maize imports are projected to rise by 8% to 9% in 2026/27 as domestic production weakens.

Farmers are increasingly changing how they operate to cope with the changing climate. Some are switching from maize to crops such as sunflowers that require less water, while others are investing in irrigation. However, declining water availability is making even irrigation difficult. Farmers warn that without reliable water supplies, continued maize cultivation could become increasingly unviable, raising concerns for Europe’s food security and agricultural livelihoods.

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France Introduces Fees Targeting Ultra-Fast Fashion

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France has introduced new fees on ultra-fast fashion products, with charges potentially reaching nearly €20 per item by 2030. The measure, which came into effect on Tuesday, follows legislation passed in June targeting major e-commerce platforms such as Shein, Temu and AliExpress, which French officials have criticised for encouraging high-volume consumption of inexpensive clothing.

The fees will vary depending on the type of garment and its environmental impact. In 2026, charges range from €0.50 for underwear and €2 for T-shirts to €9 for jeans and €12 for jackets. The levy could rise to €19.50 per item by 2030, although it will remain capped at 50% of the product’s pre-tax price. Retailers such as H&M and Zara are not currently covered by the measure.

French officials say the policy aims to address the environmental and economic impact of ultra-fast fashion. However, China’s commerce ministry has criticised the legislation as discriminatory and potentially inconsistent with World Trade Organization rules. Shein has warned that the fees could hurt French consumers’ purchasing power, while Temu has argued that, as a marketplace rather than a manufacturer, it should not be classified as a fast-fashion company.

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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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