Heatwave Toll: France confirmed 2,025 heat-related deaths above normal rates, while a separate estimate puts the wider European peak at about 20,000—fueling fresh debate over preparedness and air conditioning. Public Health & Water Safety: A new look at EU bathing sites finds authorities test mainly for bacteria, not chemicals, as reporting highlights contamination from PFAS and other pollutants even where beaches are rated “excellent.” Tech & Data Sovereignty: OpenForum Europe warns the EU’s digital sovereignty push risks stalling at procurement desks, as open-source commitments face implementation hurdles. Transport & Connectivity: Wizz Air will add direct Bratislava–Baku flights from Sept. 29 and unveil 19 new routes across Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, leaning into winter-sun demand. Education & Research: Hungary’s Semmelweis University signs a 10-year deal to run a second medical campus in Germany (Kaiserslautern), sending students for clinical training. Economy & Industry: Poland’s KGHM launches “KGHM 2.0,” a $8.55B expansion to boost domestic copper output and support EU critical minerals goals. Security & Diplomacy: A Ukrainian diplomat says Central European rhetoric toward Kyiv doesn’t match day-to-day cooperation, with Russia still the core driver of regional security policy. Culture & Heritage: Slovak UNESCO village Vlkolinec faces rising tourist pressure, with residents complaining about privacy and calls to reconsider heritage status.