Record-breaking heatwaves and droughts, devastating wildfires, torrential rain and hailstorms all across Europe are costing lives, damaging infrastructure, diminishing biodiversity and hitting tourism, harvests and the economy. Some governments have imposed rules to ensure the safety of their workers and are calling for rigorous measures to combat climate change.
Germany plans to build new hydrogen and gas-fired power plants while offering government incentives. As the European Commission continues its search for a new chief economist, it has set its sights on an Austrian candidate. The EU warns Italy to comply with international rules on rescuing at sea.
The Spanish snap election, which took place during the country’s EU presidency, was the focus of this weekend’s news attention as no new government was formed. Also: German right-wing party Alternative for Germany (AfD) began drawing up its list of candidates for the 2024 European elections over the weekend. Unlike France and the European Union, Belgium will not suspend development aid to Niger.
Since mid-June 2023, thousands of social media users have shared an article in Bulgarian spreading the false claim that the EU has “banned domestic cattle”, as well as other kinds of livestock. The article also claims the EU has prohibited the domestic production of dairy products and eggs. Both a European Commission spokesperson and the Bulgarian agriculture ministry said the claims are false. AFP did not find any information to suggest that such a ban is currently being considered at a European or a national level in Bulgaria.