Switzerland

Switzerland is grappling with an extreme and historic drought, with numerous major rivers registering their lowest summer water levels ever recorded. Drone footage vividly illustrates the severity of the situation in regions like Untersee and Hochrhein, and two glaciers have already been lost to the ongoing heat. The critically low levels of the Rhine River are also raising concerns about potential increases in goods transportation costs.

In the political arena, new debates are intensifying. Conservative parliamentarians are exploring options to bypass the debt brake to finance drone defense, while civic councilors are reportedly blocking an EU deal on wage protection. The appeal trial of former Raiffeisen CEO Pierin Vincenz continues for its third day, with a judge expressing shock at his testimony.

Further domestic news includes a major fire in Bützberg, new EU packaging regulations posing challenges for Swiss mini-shops, and a National Council leader, Samuel Bendahan, entering the race for the Vaud State Council. A positive development sees a new interactive fuel price map aiming to increase transparency among gas station chains.