The ECDC said the COVID-19 pandemic had taught "valuable lessons" and stressed that there needs to be better preparation for future health crises.

The coronavirus pandemic is over as a global health emergency, the World Health Organization said — while stressing that the virus "is here to stay."

In Canada, wildfires continue to devastate the western province of Alberta. Thousands of people have had no choice but to leave their homes, and many more are on evacuation alert. The province has declared a state of emergency, while firefighters are attempting to bring the blazes under control.

Germany is currently the only country that has an actual plan to reduce energy demand permanently. Its goal is to reduce gas consumption by 20 percent, and includes a set of energy savings provisions for both companies and state entities.

Leaders of the European Political Community — all European states with the exception of Russia and Belarus — are meeting in Moldova to discuss strategy over the conflict in neighboring Ukraine.

The European Commission hopes that pushing ahead long-brewing trade deals with Latin American governments can boost the EU.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has unveiled the country's first national security strategy. The plan envisages more coherent foreign and security policies to prevent Berlin from being wrong-footed by geopolitical events.

New data shows Chinese economic growth slowing, with property investment in steep decline and youth unemployment at a record high. Also, the US Federal Reserve confirms its "hawkish pause" policy, keeping interest rates steady for now but planning for more hikes. Finally, economists name an unlikely culprit for persistent Swedish inflation: Beyoncé.

According to the UN health agency, COVID-19 is still responsible for over 1,000 deaths a week in the European region. However, this can be an underestimation as many countries no longer maintain proper data.

In a post-Covid era where music lovers have less disposable income and organisers face higher costs, we discuss what music festivals can do to survive. We're joined by John Rostron, CEO of the Association of Independent Festivals in the UK.

The political divisions are widening between Germany and China, but Berlin does not want to put shackles on its own economic interests when it comes to dealing with its largest trading partner.

Consumer prices within China dropped by 0.3% year-on-year in July while Beijing also reported its steepest plunge in exports since the pandemic.