Heatwave Across Europe: A “heat dome” has pushed western Europe into record-breaking May temperatures, with Britain and France reporting their hottest-ever May days and deaths reported in both countries, while Italy issued a first-of-the-year red alert for Rome and four northern cities and Portugal logged its hottest May day (40.3C). Climate Risk Outlook: The UN’s weather agency warns global temperatures are likely to stay at or near record levels for the next five years, with a high chance of at least one year in 2026-2030 surpassing 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Hail Intensification: A new study says climate change will make hailstorms bigger and more damaging, with high-energy storms raising the odds of larger hail by late century. Water System Strain in Bulgaria: Experts warn Bulgaria’s water problems are driven as much by poor management and aging infrastructure as by climate change, calling for stronger accountability and investment. Waste Pressure in Portugal: In the Algarve, most waste still goes to two landfills nearing capacity, prompting a search for “best location and best technology” to expand treatment capacity. EU Chips Act 2.0: The Commission proposes demand-side support so governments buy EU-made chips from startups, alongside faster environmental approvals for chip facilities. Cybersecurity & Sanctions: Dutch police seized 800 servers tied to a pro-Russian cyberattack network, targeting hosting firms accused of violating sanctions. River Restoration Momentum: Europe continues removing dams and weirs—603 barriers removed in 2025—boosting free-flowing river goals for 2030.