Aug 7, 2026, 09:00 PM UTC

Spanish authorities are bolstering security measures around Ceuta following a recent surge in border crossings, deploying naval frigates and additional riot police to prevent further arrivals. Military forces have assisted in gathering individuals for border returns, while administrative officials have begun processing approximately twenty asylum applications.

Significant discrepancies remain between authorities regarding the headcount of migrants in the enclave. Central government delegates report that roughly 2,500 migrants remain, including 500 unaccompanied minors. In contrast, autonomous city leadership estimates the figure closer to 6,000, underscoring severe strain on local services. Meanwhile, several young migrants have reportedly swum back to Morocco independently.

The logistical response has also fueled political tensions within the central administration, revealing friction between the Interior and Defense ministries over border coordination and diplomatic relations with Morocco.

Sources: Canarias7, El Día, El Mundo, La Vanguardia

Pressure continues to build on FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of the governing body's presidential vote in March, following the collapse of his plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors.

While the Confederation of African Football confirmed its support for Infantino, potential challengers are gaining attention. Speculation has centered on UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, alongside reports of a potential candidate from Jordan. Voting blocs in Asia and Africa are expected to play a decisive role if a contested election materializes. Lars-Christer Olsson, former general secretary of UEFA, noted he was "not surprised at all" by the ongoing political maneuvering.

Sources: BBC News, Fourfourtwo, France24, Sweden Herald, The Guardian

A persistent heatwave continues to strain Europe, pushing major waterways including the Rhine and Danube to historic low water levels. At the Kaub gauge station in Germany, Rhine levels dropped to their lowest point since 1880, severely hampering commercial river shipping, threatening drinking water supplies, and jeopardizing local river ecosystems. The receding waters have also revealed historic shipwrecks and prehistoric remains along exposed riverbeds.

Meanwhile, meteorologists at the German Weather Service project extreme conditions to continue into the weekend. Temperatures are expected to peak at 39 degrees Celsius alongside anticipated severe thunderstorms and high fire risks near border regions.

Sources: DW, Die Zeit, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau

Following an unprecedented influx of tens of thousands of migrants into Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta from Morocco, European Union interior ministers convened an emergency videoconference. Meeting at the request of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and representatives from 22 member states, ministers praised Spanish authorities for their swift handling of the situation.

The praise marks a shift from earlier calls by some European leaders to exclude Spain from the Schengen area. While most individuals have since returned to Morocco, local reception centers in Ceuta remain overwhelmed.

Ministers called for stronger external border controls, improved early warning systems, and enhanced cooperation with non-EU nations to prevent future departures. However, migration experts cautioned that written regulations cannot fully prevent movement driven by underlying socio-economic factors.

Sources: Český rozhlas Plus, Deník N, iROZHLAS, Respect, Seznam Zprávy