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World · 16 August 2026

Europe's heatwaves could wipe €180bn off EU's economy

Europe's heatwaves could wipe €180bn off EU's economy

Economists at Dutch bank Triodos estimate the scorching summer heatwaves could cut the EU's GDP by €180 billion. France is expected to be among the worst-hit, potentially losing 1.4 percentage points from its GDP as nuclear power plants shut down. Germany's economy faces threats from low Rhine river levels, which are disrupting critical freight transport.

Reported by Guardian · How we write briefs

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