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• Right-wing and far-right political forces are gaining increased support across Germany, France, and Poland. • The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has exceeded 40% support in the state of Saxony-Anhalt. • This political shift threatens the stability of democratic institutions and traditional governing parties across Europe.

• France, Germany, and seven other Schengen countries are reportedly receiving more time to fully implement the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) for border checks. • The group receiving the extension includes Belgium, the Netherlands, Greece, Malta, Portugal, Italy, and Switzerland. • This delay aims to address technical problems and long border queues that have complicated travel for passengers.

Lead candidate in Saxony-Anhalt welcomes further ‘strong’ cooperation with Musk as French minister says ‘We cannot forget our history’The candidate who led the far-right Alternative für Deutschland party to a historic state election victory in Germany has thanked Elon Musk for his support, as one French minister warned that this was a “serious moment” for Europe.The AfD more than doubled its support in the Saxony-Anhalt region and appears to be on the brink of becoming the first far-right party to gain power in Germany at state level since the second world war. Continue reading...

• European football clubs in England, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France are entering the final stages of the 2026 summer transfer window. • High-profile moves have already been completed, including Rodri to Barcelona, Ferran Torres to Paris Saint-Germain, Morgan Rogers to Chelsea, and Yan Diomande to Real Madrid. • This period is critical as teams race to finalize squad reinforcements and strategic signings before the official deadline.

• France, Germany, and eight other EU member states, including Austria and Spain, have signed a letter calling for faster and more efficient decision-making in foreign and security policy. • The initiative is a direct response to repeated blocking of EU decisions by Hungary under the leadership of former PM Viktor Orbán. • This move matters as it signals a growing frustration with the current consensus-based system, which allows a single member state to veto critical collective actions.

• French conglomerate Bouygues is shifting its strategic focus toward expansion in the US and Germany to offset sluggish economic growth in France. • The company plans to prioritize its road-construction business and its subsidiary, Equans, which specializes in electrical engineering and energy transition infrastructure. • This pivot comes as France faces economic uncertainty leading up to next year's presidential election.

• Various new measures and support schemes are coming into force throughout August 2026 across Luxembourg, Belgium, France, and Germany. • Key updates focus on critical sectors including artificial intelligence, energy regulations, labor laws, and the commencement of the new school year. • The changes are significant as they impact regional governance and public services within the Greater Region, coinciding with local events like the Schueberfouer.

• The European Union has delayed the launch of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) until 2027. • This postponement affects several Schengen nations, including France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Greece, and Portugal, following technical failures with the Entry/Exit System (EES). • The decision stems from biometric system chaos and slow implementation that have already caused significant disruptions for millions of international visitors at airports and land crossings.

• British Airways has expanded its customer engagement strategy by securing a significant presence within London’s developing Olympia entertainment district. • The initiative moves beyond traditional sponsorship, aiming to integrate the airline into the cultural and entertainment lives of passengers year-round. • This move aligns the UK carrier with global trends seen in the US, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and Australia, where airlines use entertainment partnerships to drive premium loyalty.

• Europe is experiencing a severe heatwave with temperatures soaring to 40°C in several regions, placing immense strain on healthcare systems and infrastructure. • France has reported nearly 1,000 excess deaths attributed to the relentless heat, highlighting the critical public health impact of the extreme weather. • Current forecasts indicate varying conditions across the continent, with scorching heat persisting in Italy and Spain, while the Netherlands remains pleasantly warm.