As the first week of September draws to a close, several stories are shaping the European agenda. From renewed border controls in the Schengen area to record-breaking heat in the Iberian Peninsula, here is what you need to know this evening.
Spain extends border checks on Italian arrivals
Spain has announced it will keep temporary border checks on arrivals from Italy until 22 September. The measure, which was due to expire this weekend, has been extended amid ongoing concerns over irregular migration and internal security. The checks are being conducted at land borders, particularly in the regions of Catalonia and the Basque Country, and have caused some delays for cross-border commuters.
The decision comes just one day before the European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) flexibility period ends on 6 September. From that date, member states are expected to apply the new biometric border controls more strictly. The tightening of EU border checks is part of a broader effort to modernise the bloc's external borders, but it has also raised concerns about potential bottlenecks at major crossing points.
Spain's move is not isolated. Several other Schengen members have reintroduced temporary controls in recent months, citing security and migration pressures. The European Commission has repeatedly called for a coordinated approach, but national governments retain the right to act unilaterally under the Schengen Borders Code.
Spain ties September heat record at 45.7°C
Meanwhile, Spain continues to swelter under an exceptional late-summer heatwave. On Friday, the country tied its all-time September temperature record, with the mercury hitting 45.7°C in the southern city of Jaén. The previous record was set just a few years ago, and meteorologists say the current episode is being driven by a persistent ridge of high pressure over the western Mediterranean.
The extreme heat has exacerbated drought conditions across much of the country, and has also increased the risk of wildfires. In neighbouring Portugal, authorities have issued red alerts for several districts. The Mediterranean heat is also fuelling concerns about flash floods, as the warm atmosphere can hold more moisture, leading to intense downpours when storms do break.
Climate scientists point to a clear trend: summers in southern Europe are becoming longer and hotter, with September increasingly resembling what used to be July. This has profound implications for agriculture, tourism, and public health across the region.
Other stories making headlines
In Brussels, the European Commission is preparing to unveil its autumn legislative agenda next week, with sources indicating a focus on competitiveness and energy security. In the Balkans, EU-mediated talks between Serbia and Kosovo are set to resume in the coming days, though no breakthrough is expected.
On the travel front, British and Irish travellers are adjusting to new passport rules that came into effect this month, affecting ferry travel between the two islands. The change, which requires passports for all passengers, has already caused some confusion at ports. For those planning trips further afield, Thailand has halved visa-free stays for EU travellers, a move that will affect winter sun-seekers.
As the evening unfolds, all eyes will be on the weather forecasts and the next round of EU policy announcements. For a comprehensive look at the day's developments, you can also check our morning briefing from earlier today.
