Wildfire Emergency: Spain and France are battling major wildfires as a new heat wave pushes danger to “extreme” levels, with evacuations reaching hundreds of thousands and smoke drifting toward Central Europe, while insurers and reinsurers warn climate losses will keep rising. Heat & Drought Watch: Germany faces near-40C forecasts and higher wildfire risk, and the Czech Republic is bracing for a prolonged heat spell that could worsen drought and drive the country’s highest fire danger. Danube Shipping Disrupted: Record-low Danube levels in Budapest are halting or cutting freight and ferry services, exposing how Central Europe’s transport and tourism are vulnerable to heat-driven water shortages. Hydrogen Corridor Move: Greece’s DESFA has launched a €9.8m tender for engineering work on a 570-km hydrogen pipeline linking to Bulgaria, aiming to feed Central Europe’s energy transition. Energy Storage Boom (Hungary): Hungary inaugurated a new grid-scale battery system near Buj, adding major capacity to support renewables, while more solar-and-storage deals expand across the region. EU Policy Tension: Austria is seeking an exemption to keep raising sika deer despite an EU phase-out over ecosystem risks. Aviation Prices (Slovakia): Low-cost carriers shifting capacity toward Bratislava have driven steep year-on-year drops in Slovak air fares. Politics & Security: Poland’s right-wing bloc is reshuffling ahead of next year’s elections, with security and US ties expected to weigh heavily.