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World News

Wildfires up 57% in Europe in just four years, WHO warns

As wildfires rage across parts of Europe, the WHO has warned of a sharp rise in wildfires across the region and their growing toll on human health.

Europe News

Latvia bans books, newspapers and video games from Russia and Belarus

Latvia has approved a national ban on imports of a wide range of Russian and Belarusian consumer goods such as books, video games, clothing, toys and sport equipment.

Health news

How to avoid West Nile virus as cases start to rise in Europe

Cover up, use insect repellent and clear stagnant water around your home, WHO Europe advises, as West Nile virus cases climb in parts of southern Europe.

Health news

Over 5,800 excess deaths recorded in France during the June heatwave

At least 5,764 excess deaths in France were recorded during the record-breaking heatwave last month, marking the country's deadliest heat event since 2003.

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Europe News

Latvia becomes Lukashenka's latest pressure point for the EU

Belarus has shifted migrant routes towards Latvia's border, forcing Riga to call on its neighbours for support as the Baltic state heads into an election campaign. Lithuania is now considering whether to introduce temporary border controls to manage a rise in secondary migration from Latvia.

Healthcare

Europe needs to catch up with the AI surge in hospitals, WHO says

AI solutions are being deployed across European hospitals; however, only a few countries govern them, putting patients at risk, the WHO Europe chief said.

Europe News

Baltic states summon Russian envoys over false deportation claims

Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have said the Kremlin has been spreading false claims about deportations of Russian speakers from Baltic states in an attempt to distract from its large-scale attacks on cities and other civilian targets in Ukraine.

Health news

20 million cigarettes and over 38 tonnes of tobacco seized in EU countries

Authorities have seized 20 million cigarettes and 38.4 tonnes of tobacco leaf and cut tobacco after dismantling two international criminal networks based in Spain.

Europe News

Lithuania seeks China reset while maintaining hard line on Russia

Lithuania's incoming government has pledged to maintain a hard line on Russia while moving to restore diplomatic ties with China.

Europe News

Estonia and Ukraine sign drone pact to deepen defence industry ties

'Ukraine has developed one of the most competitive defence industries in the world' through its experience fighting Russia's full-scale invasion, Michal said.

Health news

200,000 ‘untested, uncontrolled and unsafe’ condoms detected in Europe

The European Anti-Fraud Office uncovered a trafficking route used to distribute counterfeit condoms in Europe, putting the sexual health of thousands of Europeans at risk.

Health news

Men up to six times as likely to ‘hit the wall’ during marathons

Men are up to six times more likely than women to "hit the wall" during a marathon, according to a study of more than 870,000 runners.

Health news

Heatwave leaves Europe with thousands of excess deaths

Preliminary data from Western Europe points to more than 4,000 additional deaths as record June temperatures strain health systems — with governments now scrambling to bolster preparedness for future heatwaves.

Health news

France records nearly 30% increase in deaths during June heatwave

The number of deaths rose most sharply in the Île-de-France region, up 62.8%. A similar surge was also reported in the Pays de la Loire region in western France.

Health news

Billions of mRNA vaccine doses’ review underpins their effectiveness

A review of data covering billions of doses of mRNA vaccines has found "compelling" evidence that the technology is both safe and highly effective against infectious diseases, with researchers arguing that the focus should now shift to improving access.

Europe News

Lithuania's parliament approves Sinkevičius as prime minister

Lithuania's parliament, the Seimas, on Tuesday approved Mindaugas Sinkevičius as the country's new prime minister — a third Social Democrat prime minister in this parliamentary term.

Health news

Treat heatwaves as ‘health crisis,’ WHO Europe chief tells governments

With temperatures soaring across Europe, WHO Europe chief Hans Kluge has called on governments to recognise extreme heat as a health crisis and strengthen health system preparedness.

Health news

French power utility pledges €80mn to cooling schools and nurseries

France’s state-owned power utility Électricité de France (EDF) will invest €80 million to equip schools, nurseries and daycare centers with cooling systems as the country faces increasingly severe heatwaves.

Health news

WHO warns of significant Ebola spillover risk into South Sudan

There is a 70% chance that Ebola could reach South Sudan, according to a World Health Organization modelling study published on Thursday. Researchers said that preparing the country for a proper response is the “most urgent priority.”

Health news

Costly IVF add-ons fail to show benefits, new study finds

A range of extra treatments marketed by fertility clinics to improve the chances of success during in vitro fertilisation (IVF) lacks convincing evidence that they work, according to a new study published in the scientific journal The Lancet.

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