Drought and forests: Switzerland’s “water tower” is running dry as the 2026 drought is causing irreversible tree damage, with many already defoliated and expected to die in coming years. EU farm pressure: Visegrad Four agriculture leaders are urging the EU to act fast as drought cuts fodder and crops, threatening livestock production and food security. Maize crisis: Heat and water shortages are reshaping Central Europe’s maize belt, with Hungary and Romania seeing sharp declines and the EU facing a near two-decade low harvest. Energy security: North Macedonia and Serbia have joined the Vertical Gas Corridor, linking them to Greece’s system and LNG access via Alexandroupolis and Revithoussa. Baltic energy push: ORLEN is backing the Baltic Energy Initiative with partners across Northern and Central Europe on offshore wind, LNG, hydrogen, nuclear and infrastructure protection. NATO warning: NATO says it is closely tracking Russia’s expanding nuclear submarine fleet, delivering the message “we see them.” Critical infrastructure sabotage: Germany reports multiple attacks on power and rail infrastructure, with suspects arrested in Munich. Media freedom: Belarusian political prisoner journalist Andrei Aliaksandrau is named a Free Media Awards laureate for press freedom work. Music business: Warner Music launches Warner Records Germany in Berlin, led by Lea Londa, while Mattel appoints Samantha Juneman as head of music. Aviation expansion: Wizz Air adds eight airports, including in Romania, Greece and Spain, as it ramps up competition across Europe. Archaeology: A 5,000-year-old tooth necklace found near Wrocław adds new clues to the Corded Ware culture.