Heatwave and health: Europe’s record-breaking June heatwave has been linked to over 1,300 excess deaths, with Spain reporting more than 1,000 heat-related deaths and warnings that the danger is still spreading across the continent. Wildfire and drought: Hungary’s Hortobágy National Park is battling a fast-moving grassland fire, while Slovakia faces drought and water-use restrictions after breaking its national heat record at 41.3°C. Public services under strain: Slovakia’s weather service outage during the heatwave has raised fears about forecast reliability, with concerns that future failures could disrupt aviation and public safety. Water quality controversy: An EU bathing-site review is being challenged after reporting that authorities test only for bacteria, while a new analysis flags chemical pollution like PFAS, heavy metals and pesticide residues at “Excellent” sites. Politics and security: Hungary’s new government has overhauled intelligence leadership, aiming to rebuild trust with EU and NATO partners amid long-running concerns over Russian-linked activity. Regional cooperation: Slovakia says the Visegrad Group still matters as it launches its V4 presidency, stressing border protection and shared Central European interests. Business and transport: Budapest gets its first direct flight to Riyadh, while Hungary also sees new defence hardware as Saab completes the final Gripen C deliveries. Culture and industry: Karlovy Vary’s film industry programme is shifting toward earlier-stage support, and Ji.hlava opens funding for Central European documentary co-productions.