Aug 13, 2026, 02:00 AM UTC

Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte defended his government's pandemic response during a lengthy parliamentary inquiry hearing in Rome. Addressing lawmakers, the Five Star Movement leader maintained that all emergency decrees and health measures implemented under his administration were entirely lawful.

Conte disclosed that he had recently submitted an anonymous document to Rome prosecutors regarding a 100-million-euro mask supply contract with JC Electronics, urging authorities to investigate potential counterfeiting. Rejecting political attacks from the current governing majority, he warned against converting the commission into a political squad aimed at targeting opposition leaders, while calling for an objective assessment of Italy's management during the crisis.

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

A drone packed with explosives detonated near a strategic gas pipeline in northeastern Bulgaria, close to the Romanian border. According to the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense, the unmanned aerial vehicle is of a type "largely used by Ukrainian armed forces," though officials noted no evidence suggests Bulgaria was intentionally targeted.

In response, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Georgii Tykhyi stated that Kyiv is collaborating with Bulgarian authorities to clarify the incident's circumstances. Tykhyi emphasized that Ukraine did not "deliberately" strike its neighboring country. The incident comes amid intensified aerial strikes across the region affecting critical energy infrastructure and civilian areas.

Sources: Le Monde, Le Soir, Libération.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt will step down from her position at the end of the month, US President Donald Trump announced on social media. Trump stated that the 28-year-old requested to leave her post to spend more time with her family following the birth of her second child in May. Leavitt confirmed the decision in a post on X, describing her tenure as an honor.

Trump expressed support for her decision, noting that Leavitt will transition into a role as one of his key external advisers and remain a prominent voice within the Republican Party. The administration has not yet named a successor to fill the press secretary role.

Sources: FAZ, Die Zeit, Der Standard, ORF, Der Spiegel.

Reciprocal checks continue at ports and airports across both nations following Spain's refusal to concede to Rome's demands. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reiterated that Rome's measures remain necessary until security concerns ease, deeming Spain's counter-measures "incomprehensible and totally unacceptable." Meanwhile, political friction inside Italy has intensified. Opposition lawmakers condemned Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for triggering an "unfounded" diplomatic crisis, whereas government allies defended the controls, blaming Spanish migration policies for encouraging unauthorized arrivals. Travellers face ongoing delays and uncertainty at major transport hubs, with growing frustration voiced by passengers in both countries as free movement restrictions persist.

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

Emergency crews in southern France have contained a wildfire in the Corbières region near Montséret after it burned 100 hectares of vegetation. Over 300 firefighters, supported by specialized aircraft, managed to halt the blaze's spread despite challenging weather conditions. Crews remain on-site to drown residual hot spots and prevent further rekindling.

Meanwhile, high fire risks persist across southern France as 13 departments face orange heatwave warnings. Emergency responders in the Drôme department reported two significant flare-ups, though overall expansion was held. Authorities in the Var department have restricted public access to seven forest areas, while official visits to Gironde later this month will launch recovery efforts.

Sources: Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Soir, Libération, RTBF Info