Aug 11, 2026, 04:00 PM UTC

Hungary’s opposition Tisza Party faction met on Saturday to choose its nominee for the country's upcoming presidential election. Faction leader Andrea Bujdosó confirmed that lawmakers are considering three undisclosed candidates to meet Monday’s 10:00 AM submission deadline.

The National Assembly will vote on the new head of state on Tuesday, August 11. The presidential seat became vacant on July 20 following the conclusion of former President Tamás Sulyok’s tenure under the 17th Amendment to the Fundamental Law.

In addition to the presidential vote, Hungary’s parliament is set to convene for an extraordinary session later in August to select the head of the National Asset Recovery Office, with candidate applications open until August 16.

Sources: 444, HVG, Telex

Western Europe experienced its hottest June–July period on record as global ocean surface temperatures reached a peak of 20.96°C in July. Globally, the month was the second-warmest ever recorded, measuring 1.47°C above pre-industrial baselines and fueling widespread drought across the continent.

In Central and Eastern Europe, shrinking river levels severely impacted energy and transport networks. Nuclear power plants in Romania and Hungary temporarily halted or scaled back operations due to insufficient cooling water, leading Romanian naval forces to conduct controlled detonations along the Danube to redirect river flow. The reduced water levels also crippled inland freight navigation, with Q3 economic damage estimated at up to two billion euros. The receding waters further exposed historical relics, including Second World War vehicles and mammoth remains.

Sources: Diário de Notícias (DN), Expresso, Jornal Económico, RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal)

Russian and Ukrainian forces conducted mutual long-range strikes and offensive operations across multiple fronts. Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle attacks hit several Russian regions, resulting in multiple casualties and infrastructure fires. In Krasnodar Krai, a drone impact on a beach in Arkhipo-Osipovka killed seven people, including three children. Drone strikes in Moscow Oblast left five dead and ten injured, while an attack in Leningrad Oblast ignited a blaze at a Wildberries e-commerce logistics facility in Krasny Bor for a second consecutive night.

Meanwhile, a Russian strike on Kyiv resulted in nine fatalities and dozens of injuries. On the ground, Russian forces achieved tactical progress near Artelne in Kharkiv Oblast, whereas Ukrainian units advanced toward Uspenivka in Donetsk Oblast. Additionally, reports indicate Belarus is forming a new air assault brigade along its border with Ukraine.

Sources: France24, Mediazona, Point, The Insider, Радіо Свобода

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump have rejected media reports alleging that military operations against Iran critically depleted American ammunition supplies. Responding to claims that low missile reserves halted further strikes, Trump asserted on social media that the US possesses "huge amounts of 'ammunition'" and threatened long prison terms for anyone leaking inventory details.

Meanwhile, Trump announced that diplomatic talks with Tehran have resumed, describing the negotiations as a final opportunity for Iran to reach a deal. Iranian officials previously denied that any discussions were active or scheduled.

Domestically, the administration faces multiple legal challenges from US states opposing new trade tariffs. Concurrently, recent polling indicates declining approval ratings for Trump, highlighting potential political vulnerabilities ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

Sources: Der Standard, Die Zeit, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau

Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte defended his government's pandemic response during a parliamentary inquiry in Rome, asserting that no unlawful acts were committed under his administration. Conte provided testimony addressing emergency decrees, mask procurements, and vaccine distribution during the health crisis.

During his statement, Conte revealed that he submitted an anonymous document to Rome prosecutors concerning a 100-million-euro mask contract with JC Electronics, urging authorities to investigate potential irregularities. He warned lawmakers against conducting political "plotoni di esecuzione" through the inquiry process.

Lawmakers from the ruling coalition questioned Conte's decisions and the timing of his submission to prosecutors. Conte rejected criticisms, maintaining that his administration's actions successfully managed the unprecedented public health emergency.

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