By Pierre Lefevre
Paris-based political reporter. Bylines from Paris, Rome and Madrid. Closely follows elections and coalition politics.
CIA chief's Moscow visit leaves Baltic security questions unanswered
CIA Director John Ratcliffe's secret trip to Moscow has sparked speculation about Russian plans to test NATO's Article 5. Baltic officials d
Spain gets EU approval for temporary fuel tax cuts amid Hormuz crisis
Spain has secured EU permission to temporarily reduce petrol and diesel taxes below the bloc's minimum rates. The measure, valid from July t
Russian drone barrage wounds four in Zaporizhzhia as Kherson braces for winter
A Russian drone strike on a Zaporizhzhia hypermarket wounded four people and caused a large fire. In Kherson, officials urged residents to e
King Haakon VIII takes Norway's throne amid royal scandals
Crown Prince Haakon has become King Haakon VIII following the death of his father, Harald V. He inherits a largely ceremonial role but faces
Austrian business park on former Nazi camp site draws outrage
A business park is being built on part of the former Nazi concentration camp in Leobersdorf, Austria. Activists and historians are demanding
Norway's King Harald V dies at 89, ending a 35-year reign
King Harald V of Norway died on Friday at Oslo University Hospital, aged 89. He had been hospitalized since August 17 with haemolytic anaemi
Europe's education spending: who invests most and does it pay off?
EU governments spent €806bn on education in 2023, 4.7% of GDP. Sweden tops the list at 6.8%, while Romania spends just under 3%. Yet higher
Morning briefing: key European stories for August 28, 2026
From Brussels to Berlin, here are the stories shaping Europe this morning. Key political shifts, economic updates, and cultural highlights a
French presidential hopefuls clash over economy in first debate
Seven candidates in France's presidential race faced off in a debate focused on the economy, public debt, and pension reform. Divisions emer
Trump dismisses NATO attack fears after CIA chief's Moscow visit
President Trump said Putin is not going to attack NATO territory, pushing back on media reports. EU officials see no imminent Russian threat
Russian drone strikes hit Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, killing one
Russian drone and missile attacks hit Kyiv, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Odesa on Thursday, killing one and wounding at least a dozen. Ukrainian Pr
Eastern EU commissioners push von der Leyen for Baltic security coordinator
Five EU commissioners from Eastern Flank states have called on Ursula von der Leyen to create a high-level coordinator for the region. They