Two pairs of North American raccoons were released in Germany’s Kassel, today it is called the ‘raccoon capital of Europe’ with a population of around 30,000 animals and a disturbed public life

Raccoons are loved by some, despised by others. Some feed them nearby their homes and others keep weapons ready at their disposal. But in Germany they hold a reputation that exceeds any. Labelled as “bandits,” due to the distinctive black strip across their eyes, they regularly make headlines for breaking into hospitals, zoos, power plants […]

Europe wildfires: 2 dead, 500 evacuated as twin blazes hit Greek island near Athens

Two people have died in fires that broke out simultaneously Sunday on the island of Salamis near Athens, the local fire department said. (Photo: @CGTNOfficial) Two wildfires that broke out minutes apart on the Greek island of Salamina on Sunday killed two people and prompted the evacuation of about 500 people by sea, as crews […]

One week of extreme heat in Europe linked to 16,000 excess deaths: Report

Temperatures exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit across large parts of Spain and Italy in late June Around 16,000 more people than usual died across Europe during a week of extreme heat in late June, according to a report based on European mortality data. The sharp rise in deaths came as temperatures surged across much of the […]

From shotguns to AI missiles: How Europe is countering drone threats — Explained

Following recent drone incursions from suspected Russia, the European Commission is moving to accelerate its “drone wall” plan.Allied nations are grappling with a dual challenge: devising long-term strategies to counter Russia’s persistent hybrid threats while preparing civilians for the next potential wave of drone incursions. Responses range from layered air-defense systems to civilian-target exercises against […]

Russia’s cyberwar on Europe: UK, EU strike back with joint sanctions, summon Kremlin’s envoys

The UK and European Union have imposed their first joint cyber sanctions package against Russia The UK and European Union have imposed their first joint cyber sanctions package, targeting 24 individuals and entities behind what they described as Russia’s “persistent and increasingly reckless attempts to sow chaos and division across Europe.“The sanctions target Russian state […]

Europe death toll tops 10,000 during late-June heatwave; scientists blame human-caused climate change

More than 10,000 excess deaths were recorded across Europe during the record-breaking heatwave that swept through western parts of the continent in late June, according to official mortality data cited by Reuters.Figures released by EuroMOMO, a mortality monitoring network backed by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization […]

Two giant Asian praying mantis species are spreading across Europe, helped by climate change and urbanisation, and scientists warn they are threatening pollinators, frogs and lizards

Two Asian praying mantises are spreading across Europe, and scientists warn they may now threaten native wildlife Two giant Asian praying mantis species are rapidly spreading across Europe, leading scientists to officially classify them as invasive threats to native wildlife.These fast-breeding predators are steadily moving north, helped by rising global temperatures and the warm conditions […]

UK to lead $50bn long-range missile initiative to protect Europe against Russian threats

The United Kingdom will lead a new European initiative to develop advanced long-range precision strike weapons, with around a dozen NATO allies expected to invest more than $50 billion (£37 billion) over the next decade to bolster the alliance’s defence and deterrence capabilities.The Deep Precision Strike project, unveiled by Downing Street ahead of the NATO […]

‘Lift sanctions, we’re ready to … ‘: Iran’s ‘AC suggestion’ to Europe amid deadly heatwave

Iran offers to export ACs to Europe amid heatwave (AFP) Iran has offered a “friendly suggestion” to Europe to deal with its deadly heatwave saying that it was ready to export air conditioners and cooling equipment if European nations first lift sanctions imposed on Tehran.“Given the unprecedented heatwave across Europe and the tragic loss of […]

‘Don’t want to look like America’: 5 reasons why Europe is against air conditioners despite melting summers

Europe heatwave: Why residents are skeptical about ACs As Europe reels under increasingly intense heat waves with temperatures crossing 40 degrees, one question continues to puzzle visitors from warmer parts of the world — Why are so many homes, schools and even hospitals still without air conditioning?A report by The Wall Street Journal explores the […]