Climate Shock: Copernicus reports the world’s seas hit record July temperatures, with record warmth along the Atlantic and western Mediterranean as marine heatwaves intensify. Heat & Wildfires: Europe’s destructive summer keeps spreading: EU data says over 500,000 hectares burned by Aug 6, with evacuations and deadly blazes from France and Spain to Greece and beyond. Central Europe Under Strain: Slovakia and Austria logged new heat records while drought pushed the Danube to historic lows, forcing energy curbs and disrupting transport and shipping. Energy Relief in Hungary: Hungary lifted emergency energy limits after rains raised Danube levels enough to stabilize cooling at the Paks nuclear plant. Danube Reveals History: Low water exposed Nazi-era ships and soldiers’ remains in Serbia and WWII wrecks and artifacts across the river system. Security & Energy Corridor: A Ukrainian drone crashed in Bulgaria near a key gas pipeline, prompting stepped-up surveillance and an investigation. Poland–China Tensions: China added Polish entities to an export control list, framed as retaliation tied to EU sanctions, while Warsaw signals it won’t change its China approach. Local Life & Travel: A “secret vineyards” bus tour is bringing access to Hungary’s hard-to-reach wineries, while Prague prepares for a partial solar eclipse on Aug 12. Transport Watch: The Panama Canal is cutting vessel draft limits, threatening lower cargo volumes heading toward Europe’s east coast ports. Public Transit Upgrade: Ostrava ordered 70 electric buses from Solaris, with deliveries set for 2027–2028. Regional Diplomacy: A profile of Slovak diplomat Miroslav Lajcak highlights the EU’s push for patience in the Western Balkans and beyond.