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At close · Fri, Jul 31, 2026
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Heatwave spreads evacuations and energy-saving steps across parts of Europe

Hungary told businesses to cut electricity use voluntarily, while Slovakia set up more than 30 cooling stations in Bratislava as temperatures rose.

Central Europe sweltered during a new heatwave on Friday, as authorities across the region took steps to reduce wildfire risk and ease pressure on essential services like water and energy networks, according to coverage by SCMP Economy citing Agence France-Presse.

The wildfire threat was described as expanding, with evacuations driven by high winds and heat stretching from Greece to the UK, even as fires were brought under control in France and Spain.

In Hungary, Prime Minister Péter Magyar called on businesses to voluntarily reduce electricity consumption, banned outdoor fires, and said decorative lighting would be switched off on state buildings to save energy.

In Slovakia, officials in Bratislava opened more than 30 cooling stations offering air-conditioned spaces and drinking water, as residents described the strain of the heat, including needing more breaks during the day.

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