NATO & Security Corridor: Hungary’s foreign minister Anita Orban says the new Hungarian government backs strengthening NATO’s eastern flank and wants a “security corridor” linking the Baltic and Adriatic via better rail/road links, plus energy and digital network integration. Rail Freight Disruption: Bulgaria says long closures of two key rail lines—Serbia’s Niš–Dimitrovgrad and Romania–Bulgaria’s Giurgiu–Ruse—could seriously hit freight flows and is pushing for workable freight time slots. Drought & Water Crisis: Europe’s parched rivers are killing fish and damaging economies, with Hungary reporting dried fish ponds and major losses, while the wider continent faces escalating climate-driven extremes. Wildfire Risk: A new study warns Europe’s burned area could nearly triple by 2100 without stronger fire prevention and response, with Central and Eastern Europe most exposed. Champions League Schedule: UEFA has set the league-phase dates: Real Madrid open Sept. 8 at home vs Inter, while PSG host Slovan Bratislava and Liverpool face Atlético. Music Industry Deal: Warner Music Austria and ADA Central Europe strike a distribution and studio partnership with Vienna indie Tonherd, giving Warner’s local roster direct studio access. Refugee Transfers & Asylum: Central Europe coverage flags Austria’s Dublin transfers to Italy, Germany’s tougher protection withdrawals for Syrians, and Switzerland’s court ruling affecting some Afghan returns alongside extended S-status for Ukrainians.