Aug 4, 2026, 01:00 AM UTC

A late-June intense heatwave across Europe triggered widespread wildfires in parts of France and Spain, exposing millions of residents to degraded air quality and harmful smoke pollutants, scientists reported. Temperatures reaching between 35°C and 40°C are expected to persist in several regions through the end of the week.

In response to rising temperatures, European cities and national agencies are shifting toward long-term adaptation strategies. Rome introduced a science-based operational framework aimed at mitigating extreme heat. The plan features emergency protections for vulnerable populations, expanded urban green spaces, and additional public drinking fountains. Meanwhile, meteorologists emphasizing the growing frequency of severe climate events stressed that future infrastructure development must explicitly adapt to evolving global climate realities.

Sources: HRT Vijesti, Index, Poslovni dnevnik

Israeli officials have formally submitted security objections to Washington regarding U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed framework for the Gaza Strip, warning that a phased military exit could enable further attacks by Hamas. Israeli leadership stressed that the complete disarmament of Hamas remains an essential prerequisite before any redeployment of forces can take place.

In response to Jerusalem's concerns, the U.S. Board of Peace assured Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israeli troops will not withdraw until Hamas completes total disarmament. Meanwhile, Hamas representatives indicated that their compliance regarding weaponry depends on initial steps taken by Israel. The clarification follows earlier statements from Washington suggesting full agreement had already been reached on the transition framework.

Sources: FAZ, France24, Le Monde, ORF, Tagesschau.

Extreme heat continues to affect Italy and broader Europe, with Italy's Ministry of Health issuing red alerts for 25 out of 27 monitored cities through Wednesday. Temperatures across the Italian peninsula have topped 40°C in several regions, with high humidity compounding the severe conditions. Meteorological forecasts indicate that the intense heatwave is expected to persist until at least August 9.

The persistent heat and drought have disrupted European critical infrastructure. In Romania, naval forces detonated underwater rock formations along the Danube riverbed to redirect water flow and maintain cooling operations at the Cernavodă nuclear facility. Meanwhile, the prolonged high temperatures are altering domestic travel habits in Italy, where mountain destinations have registered a 14.4% increase in summer tourist arrivals as residents flee urban heat.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica, La Stampa

Twenty-five US states, including New York, have filed a legal challenge against the Trump administration over newly introduced double-digit tariffs on 59 countries and the European Union.

The states contend that the White House is attempting to circumvent a February US Supreme Court ruling that struck down previous import duties as unconstitutional, arguing that trade and taxation policies fall under congressional authority. While the administration justified the new temporary measures as an effort to combat goods produced through forced labor, plaintiffs allege the rationale is a pretext to reinstate invalidated commercial duties.

In a separate development, President Donald Trump publicly criticized major energy companies over elevated fuel prices, asserting that oil giants are making "too much money" and should return a portion of those profits to citizens.

Sources: Avaz, Beta, Danas, Klix, N1