Good morning from Brussels. Here are the stories shaping Europe this Monday, September 7, 2026.
Border checks and the EES
Spain has decided to keep temporary border checks on arrivals from Italy until 22 September, citing security concerns. The move, which was due to expire this weekend, has been extended as part of a broader tightening of controls across the Schengen area. The decision follows the end of the flexibility period for the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) on 6 September, which now requires non-EU travellers to register biometric data at external borders. The European Commission has urged member states to apply the rules uniformly, but several countries, including France and Germany, have also introduced temporary checks in recent months.
The EES, which replaces passport stamping with digital registration, is a cornerstone of the EU's border management strategy. However, its rollout has been uneven, with some airports and land crossings experiencing delays. The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) has deployed additional officers to assist at key crossing points, particularly in the Balkans and the Mediterranean.
Heat record tied in Spain
Spain has tied its September heat record, with temperatures reaching 45.7°C in the southern city of Seville. The extreme heat, which has persisted for over a week, has prompted health warnings and put pressure on the country's energy grid. The Spanish meteorological agency AEMET has issued red alerts for parts of Andalusia and Extremadura, urging residents to stay indoors during peak hours. The heatwave is part of a broader pattern of unusually high temperatures across southern Europe, with Portugal and Italy also experiencing above-average conditions.
Climate scientists point to a combination of a stationary high-pressure system and the lingering effects of climate change. "We are seeing more frequent and intense heatwaves, and September is no longer a safe month," said Dr. Elena García, a climatologist at the University of Barcelona. The heat has also exacerbated drought conditions, affecting agriculture and water supplies in several regions.
Disinformation concerns
In the realm of disinformation, a fake video purporting to show a Ukrainian soldier killing NATO troops in Latvia has been circulating on social media. The video, which mimics the branding of Euronews, has been debunked by fact-checkers. Latvian authorities have opened an investigation, and the EU's East StratCom Task Force has warned of a coordinated disinformation campaign aimed at undermining NATO's eastern flank. This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of countering false narratives in the digital age.
For a broader look at the week ahead, our September 6 briefing covered the key stories from the weekend, including the ongoing border checks and the heatwave. And for a recap of Friday's events, see our evening update for September 5.
Travel and tourism
For travellers, there are two important updates. First, Spain's border checks on Italian arrivals mean that those crossing by land or sea may face delays. Second, Thailand has halved the visa-free stay for EU travellers from 60 to 30 days, effective from September. The move is part of Thailand's efforts to manage tourism numbers and address overstays. The EU has expressed concern, but the decision is seen as a sovereign matter.
Meanwhile, the EU's new border checks are part of a wider trend. As we reported, EU border checks tighten as EES flexibility ends, and Spain's extension is in line with that. For those planning trips, it's advisable to check the latest requirements.
Looking ahead
As the week begins, European leaders are preparing for a series of summits, including discussions on energy security and migration. The European Parliament will hold its plenary session in Strasbourg, with debates on the rule of law in Poland and Hungary, as well as the bloc's response to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. The European Central Bank is also expected to make a decision on interest rates later this week, with markets watching closely.
Stay with European Pulse for comprehensive coverage throughout the day. For a deeper dive into the stories mentioned, check our article on Spain's border checks and our report on the heat record.
