By Pierre Lefevre
Paris-based political reporter. Bylines from Paris, Rome and Madrid. Closely follows elections and coalition politics.
Kazakhstan's New Constitution Takes Effect, Parliamentary Elections Set for August 23
Kazakhstan's new constitution, approved by referendum in March, took effect on July 1, abolishing the bicameral parliament. President Kassym
EU Budget Commissioner Serafin Warns Frugal States Against Cuts
Commissioner Piotr Serafin argues that a frugal EU budget could lead to higher national costs. Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Finlan
European Confidence in US and Trump Plummets Ahead of July 4th Anniversary
Over 80% of citizens in Sweden, Netherlands, France, Germany, and Italy lack confidence in Donald Trump. Trust in the US as a reliable partn
EU Enlargement Takes Center Stage as Ireland Begins Council Presidency
The European Commission is reallocating €6 billion in Western Balkans funding, favoring frontrunners Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedoni
EU to Redirect Western Balkans Funds to Frontrunners in Accession Push
The EU is set to redistribute unspent Western Balkans reform funds to frontrunner countries Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia. Bosnia
Russian Petrol Crisis Deepens as Ukrainian Drone Strikes Disrupt Refineries
Ukrainian drone strikes have knocked out a third of Russia's refining capacity, leading to petrol shortages and rationing in over half of Ru
US-Iran Talks in Doha Yield Progress, Future Meeting Set After Khamenei Funeral
US and Iranian negotiators held parallel talks in Qatar, making positive progress and agreeing to meet again after Ayatollah Khamenei's fune
Overnight Russian Strikes Kill Eight in Kyiv, Wound Dozens
At least eight people were killed and dozens injured in Kyiv after a massive Russian missile and drone barrage overnight. The attack undersc
EU Institutions Push for Ambitious Budget and New Revenue Sources
European Union institutions are intensifying calls for a more ambitious multiannual financial framework. The push includes proposals for new
Cyprus Talks on Post-War Gaza Governance Called 'Highly Productive' by Palestinian Committee
The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) held 'highly productive' talks in Cyprus with international experts. Discussion
Ukraine Opens Transparent Arms Export System to Fund War Effort
Ukraine has approved a transparent export mechanism for its weapons, allowing partner countries to purchase directly from manufacturers. The
Albania's NATO Summit Hosting at Risk Over Defence Spending Shortfalls
Albania's failure to meet NATO's defence spending targets puts its hosting of the 2026 summit in doubt. The US has condemned allies it sees