Heat & Power Markets: Extreme temperatures pushed French and German day-ahead electricity prices up more than 20% as nuclear output faced limits from hot river water and German wind weakened. Drought & Rivers: Western Europe’s heat and drought deepened, with Rhine flow hitting record lows and water levels threatening transport and industry. Climate Reality Check: New WMO/Copernicus reporting shows July as the joint second-warmest on record, with Western Europe’s June–July the hottest on record and multiple heatwaves since May. Water Management: Switzerland agreed to temporarily increase Lake Lugano outflow to Italy to support rice-growing regions, cutting Lugano levels by about 10 cm over 10 days. EU Chemicals & Packaging: New EU rules banning higher PFAS levels in food-contact packaging kick in, adding pressure on small firms already worried about compliance costs. Industry Decarbonisation: LANXESS switched hydrogen for natural gas at its Krefeld-Uerdingen site, cutting emissions from iron oxide pigment production by about 6,000 tonnes a year. Security & Infrastructure: Germany plans sweeping intelligence reforms amid drone threats, including an explosive drone found near Leipzig airport. Solar Eclipse & Heat: A total solar eclipse crosses parts of Europe this week, but Germany braces for another heatwave with up to 39°C possible.