Aug 10, 2026, 09:00 PM UTC

Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte defended his government's handling of the pandemic during a parliamentary inquiry in Rome, insisting that "da me nessun illecito" took place. The Five Star Movement leader addressed the panel following a four-hour delay caused by parliamentary business.

During his testimony, which spanned over three hours, Conte revealed he submitted an anonymous document to Rome prosecutors regarding a 100-million-euro mask deal with JC Electronics, urging authorities to investigate potential irregularities. Conte defended the emergency measures enacted under his tenure, rejecting criticisms from the ruling coalition and warning panel members against acting as "plotoni di esecuzione".

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

Tensions between Italy and Spain remain high as both nations enforce reciprocal border controls at sea and air terminals, directly impacting thousands of passengers. The dispute erupted after Rome temporarily suspended Schengen provisions for Spanish arrivals, citing security concerns linked to recent border breaches in Ceuta. Madrid responded with matching measures after Rome rejected an ultimatum to lift the restrictions.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani described Spain's retaliatory checks as "incomprehensible and totally unacceptable," maintaining that Italian controls will persist until security risks recede. Within Italy, the decision has drawn sharp domestic reaction. Opposition politicians accused Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's administration of escalating an "unfounded" diplomatic feud, while government supporters asserted that Spanish migration policies encouraged illegal crossings. Meanwhile, travelers at transit hubs expressed growing frustration over the unexpected restrictions.

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

A 12-article draft law titled "National Solidarity and Strengthening Social Integration" has been submitted to the Turkish Grand National Assembly with signatures from around 360 lawmakers. The proposed legislation establishes a legal framework for suspending investigations, prosecutions, and judicial sentences, as well as restoring civil rights.

Under the draft provisions, legal relief depends entirely on official verification that an armed group has ceased operations and disarmed. Security agencies must confirm the dissolution, which then requires final endorsement by the National Security Council (MGK).

The bill passed the parliamentary Justice Commission and advanced to the General Assembly, where opposition parties raised concerns. Legal experts cited in opposition media claimed the measure is intended to "clear the path for Erdoğan" rather than solve structural issues, while opposition MPs challenged its constitutionality.

Sources: Anadolu Ajansı (Anadolu Agency), Bianet, Cumhuriyet, TRT Haber (Turkish Radio and Television Corporation).

Iran and Oman have reached a preliminary agreement on a new commercial shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei. Both nations have settled on geographic coordinates for the maritime passage and are preparing a joint declaration, provided that "certain third parties do not obstruct the process."

The bilateral talks excluded the United States. While Omani representatives characterized the discussions as constructive, Tehran subsequently issued a series of conditions directed at Washington, dampening expectations for a swift reopening of the waterway. Analysts note that the proposed corridor could afford Iran enhanced operational control over maritime transit in the strategically critical strait.

Sources: Die Presse, Der Spiegel, Der Standard, ORF, Tagesschau

A fourth summer heatwave has swept across southern and central Europe, prompting maximum health warnings and setting preliminary temperature records. Italian authorities issued red weather alerts for all 27 major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, as temperatures were projected to remain near 40°C for another week. Health officials urged residents to stay indoors between 11:00 and 18:00 and take precautions, amid reports that four people have died due to heat-related conditions.

Central European nations also registered extreme highs. Austria recorded a preliminary national record after temperatures reached 40.8°C in northern Vienna on Tuesday, beating the previous 2013 benchmark, with later readings reaching 41.2°C in the east. In southern Slovakia, temperatures hit 41.4°C in Kamenica nad Hronom. Record conditions were additionally reported across parts of France and Hungary.

Sources: 8 Sidor, Aftenposten, Berlingske, DR, TV 2 Nyheter