Record-breaking heat this summer will cost the EU economy 180 billion euros – Politico
According to an analysis by Triodos Bank, as reported by Politico, the extreme heat and drought in the summer of 2026 will cost the European Union’s economy approximately 180 billion euros. This amount represents approximately 1% of the bloc’s GDP and virtually wipes out all the economic growth expected in the EU this year.
The greatest losses stem from a decline in labor productivity due to extreme temperatures—this alone reduces GDP by 0.6%. In addition, agricultural output could fall by 3–7%, and low river levels have hampered navigation and caused problems with cooling nuclear power plants and the operation of power grids.
Countries such as France, which risks losing up to 1.4 percentage points of growth, and the Netherlands are particularly hard hit. According to the publication’s estimates, in addition to economic losses, the heatwave has already led to more than 14,000 excess deaths in the six hardest-hit European countries.
Source: Politico.
Spanish authorities have warned of an increased risk of wildfires ahead of the total solar eclipse. Hundreds of thousands of people are heading to the hills and beaches to get a better view of the event. Environment Minister Sara Aagesen stated that the vegetation in the country is extremely dry, and even the smallest spark or moment of carelessness could lead to devastating wildfires.
In the United Kingdom, on the eve of Wednesday’s partial solar eclipse, special protective glasses are in short supply in stores and online. Some shoppers who managed to find the product online are being told that delivery will not be available until the end of the week.
