Climate & Energy: Copernicus says August 2026 was the joint hottest month on record, with global temperatures back above 1.5°C versus pre-industrial levels, as an intensifying El Niño boosts heat and wildfires. Grid Planning: New Siemens modelling for EU cities estimates smart EV charging could cut needed distribution-grid reinforcement by €10.6bn by 2030, but every city still needs upgrades. Hungary Transparency: The Hungarian government declassifies “three-thousand” secret decrees, detailing how public money flowed to Orbán-era think tanks. Russia–EU Tensions: Hungary expels 10 Russian diplomats over “unacceptable activities,” while Russia calls the move part of a wider anti-Russian escalation. Czech Environment: A criminal probe is launched after toxic chemical barrels were found leaking for years near Šumava National Park. Czech Health: Prague opens a new National Oncology Centre in Motol, aiming to raise oncology capacity by up to 40% and speed diagnosis-to-treatment. Politics in Germany: AfD’s shock win in Saxony-Anhalt puts Europe’s political centre on alert and raises pressure on mainstream parties. Central Europe Watch: Poland extends border checks with Germany and Lithuania until March 2027. Business & Property: Prague’s Marriott has been sold for about €200m, with a new fund backing a wider Central Europe real-estate push. Sports: Champions League matchday headlines include PSG vs Slovan Bratislava and Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid.