Germany
The Freyja antiballistic shield is being integrated with radars, a launcher, and a command center. Tests are conducted up to twice a week.
In Pula, Ukrainian citizen Vladimir Z. was arrested under a European arrest warrant in the case concerning the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline. He is expected to be extradited to Germany.
The Higher Regional Court of Stuttgart sentenced a Ukrainian to 1 year and 3 months in prison for planning arson attacks commissioned by Russian intelligence. Two other defendants were acquitted.
In the first half of the year, Ukrainians purchased around 1,500 residential properties in Spain, ranking 10th and 11th among foreign buyers. The average housing price reached a record €2,487 per square meter.
Belgium is battling the largest forest fire in the history of recorded observations, which has engulfed 3,000 hectares of the High Fens nature reserve. Authorities evacuated residents of two villages, while the EU sent aircraft to help.
Since the beginning of summer, 474 people suspected of intentional or accidental arson have been detained in France. Fires have also affected Croatia, Germany, Greece, and Spain.
In Germany, the water level in the Rhine near Kaub fell to 6 cm, breaking the 2018 record. This disrupted river freight transport, causing supply disruptions and rising costs.
Ukrainian regions received energy equipment worth over €1. 8 million from international partners. The assistance was provided by the EU, the United Kingdom, Germany and Denmark to five regions.
The German Foreign Ministry has updated its recommendations for citizens regarding travel to Ukraine, warning of the risk of intensified Russian attacks around August 24. The ministry emphasized that the airspace is closed and that consular assistance options are limited.
France, Germany and Britain are coordinating efforts to ensure Europe’s participation in future negotiations. They are concerned about possible exclusion from the dialogue by the Trump administration.
A forest fire in Croatia has engulfed the coast, claiming one life and injuring around 40 people. More than 1,200 people have been evacuated, and 10 are in intensive care.
Polish Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk responded to opposition criticism of the transfer of Patriot missiles to Ukraine, calling such arguments crazy. He stressed that no decision had yet been made and that Germany is transferring significantly more equipment to Ukraine.
The German army has a shortage of around 2,000 service members for the permanent deployment of a brigade in Lithuania by 2027. Only 60% of positions have been filled, and the Defence Ministry is considering compulsory recruitment.
German authorities evacuated around 1,800 people from the village of Geich because of a forest fire that approached the border with Belgium. The fire engulfed 25 hectares, and the B399 road was closed.
German diplomat Boris Ruge took up his duties in Kyiv and presented copies of his credentials to the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. He stated that Germany would stand by Ukraine.
A campaign spreading fake news about candidates in the 2027 elections who support Ukraine has been detected in the French information space. The CPD reports that the fake news was created through networks linked to Russia, in particular "Matryoshka".
Ukrainian men aged 23 to 60 who arrive in Germany after July 31, 2026, will no longer receive temporary protection. The only exception is for those who have fulfilled their military service obligation or have legal grounds to leave.
Since the beginning of the year, approximately 12,500 people have died in Germany due to extreme heat, surpassing the previous record set in 2018. People over the age of 75 were affected the most, while the authorities are discussing protective measures.
Global electric vehicle sales rose by 9% to 1. 85 million in July, while demand in Europe increased by 33%. In China and North America, sales fell by 5% and 27%, respectively.
Due to the drought affecting 38% of the EU's territory, farmers are forced to use their winter feed stocks early. This is leading to a reduction in livestock numbers and lower milk production in France.
During the Combined Resolve exercises in Germany, Ukrainian drone operators from the 412th Nemesis Regiment defeated American troops. A NATO general called the changes impressive after the joint training.
In the town of Treuchtlingen, an object that may contain explosives was found on the railway tracks near the station. Buildings were evacuated, train traffic was suspended, and an investigation is underway.
Modern weapons manufacturers are working increasingly closely with the military, receiving feedback from the front and rapidly modernizing weapons. An expert explained why private defense companies are becoming technological partners of the army.
A group of 32 countries, including 29 European states, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, condemned Iran for sentencing participants in the protests to death. Since the beginning of the year, at least 56 people have been executed in Iran on charges related to national security.
The German government has approved a reform allowing the BND to conduct offensive cyber operations and sabotage. This is a response to daily hybrid attacks, including espionage, by foreign states.
The Polish government threatened to review the $50 million annual payments to Starlink after the country was excluded from the European roaming zone. Ministers are demanding that SpaceX restore equal conditions for Polish customers.
Olena Zelenska announced the launch of Ukrainian-language audio guides at the Andersen Museum, the Alte Pinakothek and the Cluny Museum. In total, 125 such audio guides are operating in 59 countries.
As of the end of June, more than 4. 4 million Ukrainians were under temporary protection in the EU, 24,000 more than in May. The largest numbers of such people are in Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic.
At Hannover Airport, the runways were closed several times during the night of August 11 because of a drone. Six departures were delayed, one cargo aircraft was diverted, and police do not rule out hybrid activity.
Low water levels in the Rhine are increasing logistics costs for transporting oil and fuel, which is already affecting prices in the western regions. Fuel is most expensive in North Rhine-Westphalia and Hesse, while it is cheapest in Bavaria.