Deutsche Welle: DW.com - Europe

Kazakhstan's future after the elections: Russia, EU or China Kazakhstan, where power is being continuously consolidated in the president's hands, will have to continue its tough balancing act between the EU, Russia and China following the parliamentary elections this Sunday. Spain battles forest fire a short drive from flash flood The blaze, near Valencia, forced more than 1,000 people from their homes. In nearby Catalonia, civil defense teams carried out 200 rescue operations after floods trapped residents in cars and homes. Small German airplane crashes in Croatia, killing 2 The two-seater motor glider went down in the Velebit mountains, near Zadar, killing both passengers. 'Masha and the Bear': Ukraine sanctions Russian cartoon Ukraine has imposed sanctions on the hit Russian children's cartoon "Masha and the Bear," a step towards banning it. The culture minister called the show propaganda. Russia said the move showed Kyiv's "ugly nature." German army helps Poland protect itself against Russia Poland is building a defense system along its northern and eastern borders to protect itself from Russia. Since June, German sappers have been assisting their NATO ally with the construction of the East Shield. France issues warning over thousands of substandard condoms French anti-fraud and health agencies have issued a recall order for roughly 260,000 condoms. They advised users to consider sexually transmitted infection and pregnancy tests amid risks of bursting or perforations. Ukraine's farmers struggle to sell harvest amid war, drought Russian attacks on ships and ports in the Black Sea are threatening Ukraine's agricultural sector. Grain exports are severely restricted, and Kyiv is seeking solutions. Drought in Germany and Europe are driving up costs Ongoing drought in Europe is causing rivers to dry up and crops to fail. Transport costs are rising and the price of food has exploded. Is inflation due to extreme weather? Harry and Meghan moving back to Britain: reports Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will return to the UK after living in the US for over six years, according to reports. The former senior royals will reportedly live in a private residence. In drought-stricken France, tankers supply drinking water France is seeing water shortages in regions that usually have plenty of supply. This summer's extreme heat is exposing how unprepared much of the country, and Europe, is for increasing water scarcity.