Wildfires force 250,000 to flee in Spain and France

Wildfires burning out of control in Spain and France have forced more than 250,000 people to flee, authorities in both countries said, as firefighters struggle to contain the flames. Spain evacuated about 70,000 people from the country's center, while France evacuated 197,000, including tens of thousands from the wine region around Bordeaux, The Guardian reported.

Romania shoots down third drone in three days near Black Sea coast

Romanian forces shot down a drone early Sunday, 26 July, over the country's territorial waters near Sulina–Chilia on the Black Sea coast — the third such interception in three consecutive days. Defence Minister Radu Miruță said the incident confirms that Russia's war on Ukraine keeps generating risks beyond Ukraine's borders.

Car rampage at Berlin Pride march kills one, injures 16

A vehicle plowed into the crowd at Berlin's Pride march on Saturday evening, killing one person and injuring 16, police said. The driver remains at large.

Costa vows stronger EU security after second Romania drone incursion

European Council President Antonio Costa pledged to strengthen the EU's security and deterrence after Romania's airspace was breached by drones for the second time in 24 hours. Costa expressed "full solidarity" with Romania in a post on X and praised the country's authorities for their quick and effective response.

US extends deadline for Lukoil asset sales until August 22

The US Department of the Treasury will allow specific financial transactions involving Lukoil International GmbH to proceed until August 22, according to an official statement published via Reuters.

Romania F-16 jets down drone near Danube Delta

​Romanian Air Force F-16 jets intercepted and shot down an unidentified drone over national airspace on Saturday morning, July 25.

Montenegro ends visa-free entry for Russians, Belarusians

​Montenegro will end visa-free entry for citizens of Russia and Belarus starting October 31, 2026, according to an official government decree reported by the independent outlets Kovcheg and Astra.

Sberbank to stop servicing foreign currency Visa cards

Russia’s Sberbank has begun notifying clients that it will discontinue servicing foreign currency and multi-currency Visa cards starting September 1, 2026, according to a report by The Moscow Times, citing TASS.

Russia sees record surge in funeral firms in H1 2026

Russia registered a record number of new funeral service providers in the first half of 2026. Between January and June, 995 new companies and sole proprietorships entered the market, marking a 22.5% increase compared to the same period last year, according to The Moscow Times.

Germany seeks UNESCO status for Green Belt on former death strip

Germany is seeking UNESCO World Heritage status for its Green Belt (Grünes Band), a 1,400-kilometer ecological corridor stretching along the former border between East and West Germany.

EU adopts 21st Russia sanctions package; Moldova and Ukraine talks delayed

EU ambassadors reached an agreement in Brussels on Thursday morning to impose new sanctions on Russia. These sanctions aim to extend the price caps on Russia's oil exports. After weeks of tense negotiations, the restrictions were revised and adapted in response to Greece's reluctance, which is based on the country's dependence on energy imports from Russia.

UN FAO report: Global hunger drops to 645m as Africa faces crisis

Global hunger levels eased slightly in 2025, but ongoing armed conflicts and climate disruptions threaten to erase recent gains, according to the latest annual report from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).