Aug 10, 2026, 03:00 AM UTC

Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte defended his administration's handling of the pandemic during a parliamentary inquiry in Rome, rejecting accusations of wrongdoing.

Speaking for over three hours, the Five Star Movement leader maintained that emergency decrees and procurement decisions were enacted solely to safeguard public health. Conte stated that "no illegality" occurred under his leadership and warned lawmakers against turning the proceedings into a political targeting exercise. He also confirmed handing prosecutors an anonymous report regarding a 100-million-euro mask contract with supplier JC Electronics, urging authorities to investigate potential counterfeit equipment.

The hearing proceeded following several hours of procedural delays in the Chamber of Deputies.

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

The diplomatic row between Italy and Spain has escalated as both countries maintain reciprocal border controls at airports and seaports, temporarily disrupting Schengen travel. Italy initially suspended free movement for arrivals from Spain following a massive migration influx in Ceuta, prompting Spain to enact matching controls.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned Madrid's response, calling it "incomprehensible and totally unacceptable" while insisting Italian checks will continue until security risks subside.

The measure has sparked severe political and public backlash in Italy. Opposition figures accused Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of manufacturing an unfounded diplomatic crisis, whereas government allies defended the controls, blaming Spanish migration policies. Meanwhile, travelers face mounting delays at key transit hubs amid growing frustration over European movement restrictions.

Sources: ANSA, El Día, El Mundo, La Vanguardia, Marca.

Greenland's government has issued warnings after an American energy firm linked to US President Donald Trump delivered equipment to the territory's eastern coast without local permission. Greenland Energy, led by Trump associate Robert Price, brought machinery ashore in recent days as part of preparations for oil exploration planned between 2026 and 2027.

Authorities in Nuuk emphasized that any hydrocarbon exploration requires explicit approval from the island's autonomous government, which has not been granted. Despite the lack of authorization, the firm plans to begin preliminary operations in October. The development comes as Washington renews geopolitical interest in the Arctic region and its resource reserves.

Sources: Canarias7, Corriere della Sera, Der Spiegel, El Mundo, The Guardian

Diplomatic talks regarding the Strait of Hormuz continue as Iranian officials signal that a potential agreement with Oman will not automatically lead to the reopening of the strategic waterway. Tehran maintains its blockade, demanding significant concessions from the United States, including the lifting of economic sanctions, the unfreezing of assets, and compensation for war damages. Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have dismissed reports regarding the Supreme Leader's health, noting recent high-level meetings between Mojtaba Khamenei, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and military commanders. Regional instability persists as Houthi forces execute further strikes in the Red Sea, targeting maritime infrastructure in Yemen. Iranian strategists continue using control over the passage to limit American presence in the Persian Gulf.

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

As Austria endures an unprecedented heatwave, temperatures reached a national record of 41.2 °C in Lower Austria following consecutive days above 40 °C across the country. Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig stated that Austria has never experienced "such a long and widespread dry period" in its history.

The extreme weather has disrupted daily life and prompted public debates over climate adaptation. In Vienna, public transit recorded interior temperatures above 30 °C despite operating air conditioning systems. Meanwhile, Vienna City Councillor for Education Bettina Emmerling proposed shifting summer holidays earlier so school would resume in August, aiming to avoid peak heat periods. While the federal government announced heat protection initiatives for schools, educators and parents raised concerns that proposed measures remain insufficient to deal with escalating summer temperatures.

Sources: Der Standard, Die Presse, ORF, Profil