More than 1,300 Europeans died between 21 and 29 June, above the usual level, due to the heatwave.
85% confidence
HealthEuropean Union
Omissions
The 1,300 figure was a preliminary WHO estimate announced on 28 June 2026, covering roughly 21-28 June; data published after the session date (5,600+ excess deaths by 5 July; 10,000+ by mid-July per Reuters/UN) shows the full toll of the heatwave was much higher than 1,300, so the claim understates the eventual magnitude while remaining accurate as a lower bound for the stated period.
The 1,300 figure is attributed to WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus via a social media statement reported by BBC, France24 and Euronews (all published 28 June 2026, before the session date); the MEP did not cite the source in the speech.
The claim's stated period ends on 29 June while the WHO announcement (28 June) covered deaths 'since 21 June' as of that date; the slight extension to 29 June does not change the accuracy of the 'more than 1,300' bound.
Sources
SecondaryBBC NewsEurope's heatwave linked to 1,300 deaths, WHO says, as Germany hits record 41.7C. In a post on X, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said more than 1,300 excess deaths had been recorded since 21 June 'linked to high temperatures in Europe'. Published 28 June 2026.
SecondaryFrance 24More than 1300 excess deaths have been recorded in connection with Europe's record-breaking heatwave since June 21, according to the World Health Organization. 'Across Europe, more than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded since 21 June linked to high temperatures in Europe', WHO chief Tedros said. Published 28 June 2026.
SecondaryEuronewsEurope has recorded more than 1,300 excess deaths since 21 June as searing temperatures gripped the continent, according to the World Health Organization. Published 28 June 2026.
SecondaryReutersEurope recorded 10,000 excess deaths during late-June heatwave, data show. By Kate Abnett, July 12, 2026. European countries reported more than 10,000 excess deaths during the record-breaking heat wave that engulfed the west of the continent in late June 2026.