It took the invasion of Ukraine for Europeans to realise that decades of short-sighted energy policy have caught up with them. As Germany strips its former chancellor of parliamentary privileges over his refusal to sever ties with Gazprom, Gerhard Schröder's downfall is a reminder that it's all of Germany and most of Europe that went for a quick buck by buying Russian oil and gas.

"When there is war again on our continent, you cannot be neutral." Those were the words of Denmark's prime minister after her country voted by a two-thirds majority to end the Danish opt-out from EU defence and security policy. As Vladimir Putin continues his bloody war against Ukraine, Denmark is not alone in the European Union in making historic moves regarding European defence capacities. We take a closer look with three MEPs.

In the week that EU leaders agreed on a sixth round of sanctions against Russia, Polish Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Pawel Jablonski speaks to FRANCE 24 about the effect he hopes the measures will have on the Russian economy, his disappointment at the Hungarian government's stance regarding sanctions and the latest developments in Poland's rule of law dispute with the European Commission.

German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach has recommended the voluntary wearing of masks in indoor public spaces amid a summer wave of infections. He also indicated that stricter rules are likely on their way.

Several Western European countries are facing a sweltering weekend as summer arrives early. Much of Spain, France and Italy have been put on high alert for wildfires.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine four months ago, the cost of living crisis has become a global issue. Prices have gone up around the world. In Europe, the countries that use the euro saw an average of 8.1 percent inflation in May. Pressure on prices, combined with stuttering economic growth, has sparked fears of a recession. These concerns could still come into play regarding the EU's response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In this programme, we're joined by two MEPs to discuss how the EU should balance sanctions against Russia with the risk of recession.

Russia is supplying less and less gas to Germany. Now the Nord Stream pipeline is being shut for maintenance, and no one knows for sure if it will come back online. The Kremlin is using gas to exert leverage on Germany.

Canada will return to Germany the repaired turbine of the Russian Nord Stream 1 pipeline, vital for sustaining German gas supply. Ukraine has condemned the move, saying it undermines the sanctions against Russia.

As the euro dashes toward parity with the US dollar, currency traders say the slide is unlikely to stop there. While a weakened euro should worry European consumers, US travelers visiting Europe could benefit.

Lots of sun, little rain: Europe is grappling with another summer of record temperatures and low water levels. Countries like Italy are struggling to fight climate change, and keep the cost of food and energy down.

More than five million Ukrainian refugees have fled the country since Russia's invasion, and many are seeking jobs in host countries throughout Europe. The Tent Partnership for Refugees has launched a new initiative, which aims to integrate displaced Ukrainian women into the workforce in the EU. Dozens of major European corporations have signed on to the Sunflower Project.

The fallout from the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues to impact global commodity markets and to represent a major threat to global food security. In a post-COVID-19 recovery already marked by market balance challenges and price surges, it brings additional instability and uncertainty. Ukrainian agriculture is directly impacted all along the supply chain, from production to trade, maintaining the pressure on the global supply of cereals and oilseeds.