Good afternoon from Brussels. Here is your midday briefing for September 6, 2026, with the stories shaping Europe today.
Border checks and Schengen
Spain has announced it will keep border checks on arrivals from Italy until 22 September, citing security concerns. The move, which extends a temporary measure, has raised questions about the future of the Schengen area's open-border principle. The checks were initially introduced after a series of incidents, but critics argue they undermine the bloc's core freedoms.
Meanwhile, the European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES) flexibility period ends today. From now on, border authorities across the bloc will apply stricter rules for non-EU travellers, including fingerprinting and facial recognition checks. The system, which has faced delays and technical glitches, is now fully operational at most crossing points. Travellers should expect longer queues at airports and land borders, especially in popular destinations like France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
For a broader look at how these changes affect travel, see our explainer on the EES transition.
Heat and climate
Spain has tied its September heat record, with temperatures reaching 45.7°C in parts of Andalusia. The extreme heat, which has persisted for over a week, has prompted health warnings and increased pressure on water resources. Meteorologists attribute the prolonged heatwave to a blocking high-pressure system over the western Mediterranean, a pattern that some studies link to climate change.
The heat has also exacerbated wildfire risks, with several blazes reported in Valencia and Catalonia. Local authorities have urged residents to limit outdoor activities during peak hours. For more on the record-breaking temperatures, read our detailed report.
Disinformation watch
European fact-checkers have flagged a fake video circulating online that falsely claims a Ukrainian soldier killed NATO troops in Latvia. The video, which appears to be a manipulated version of a Euronews broadcast, has been shared widely on social media. Latvian authorities have denied the incident, and NATO has called the video a "blatant disinformation attempt" designed to sow discord among allies.
This comes as the EU steps up its efforts to counter foreign interference ahead of upcoming elections in several member states. The European External Action Service has warned that such fabricated content is part of a broader pattern of hybrid attacks. For more on this, see our analysis of the disinformation campaign.
Looking ahead
As the day progresses, keep an eye on the European Commission's agenda, which includes a meeting on energy prices and a statement on the upcoming winter preparedness plan. Also, the European Parliament is set to debate the rule of law in Poland and Hungary, a recurring issue that continues to test the bloc's unity.
For a comprehensive roundup of tomorrow's stories, check our morning briefing for September 7. And if you missed yesterday's evening update, you can find it here.
That's all for now. Stay informed, stay safe, and we'll be back with more updates later today.
