Brussels is prioritising security cooperation with Ankara over concerns about democratic backsliding and crackdowns on the Turkish opposition

The NHS warns that excessive heat is potentially dangerous for children aged five and under, and older people aged 65 years and over, as well as people with underlying health conditions including heart problems, breathing problems, and diabetes.

Turkey is hit by a record high temperature of 50.5 degrees as southeastern Europe reels under a heat wave and battles wildfires.

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In Turkey, temperatures have soared above 40C in recent days and fires are currently burning across five areas - Sakarya, Bilecik, Eskisehir, İzmir, Karabuk and Manisa. Hundreds of wildfires have broken out across Turkey this summer, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate their homes.

Member of the European Parliament Andreas Schieder on Saturday urged Turkey to embrace peace talks with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and called for stronger European Union engagement across Syria and the region.

Europe and the US are recalibrating their security priorities, with renewed respect for Turkey’s strategic importance and defence industry.

Turkey and Greece are among the countries impacted by record-breaking temperatures and widespread wildfires. | ITV National News