By Pierre Lefevre
Paris-based political reporter. Bylines from Paris, Rome and Madrid. Closely follows elections and coalition politics.
Palestinian Arrested in Crete on Suspicion of Planning Terror Attack Linked to Hamas
A Palestinian man was arrested in Crete on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack on Israeli targets. Authorities seized chemicals and lab
Zelenskyy to Meet Macron, Merz, and Starmer in London Amid Russian Setbacks
Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet Emmanuel Macron, Friedrich Merz, and Keir Starmer in London to discuss military aid and peace efforts. The mee
Pope Leo XIV Urges Spain to Reject Polarisation on First Day of Visit
Pope Leo XIV began a week-long visit to Spain, urging an end to polarising narratives. He praised Spain's commitment to international law an
Kosovo Heads to Third Election in a Year as Political Paralysis Deepens
Kosovo holds its third parliamentary election in just over a year amid widespread voter frustration. The February 2025 vote was inconclusive
EU-Western Balkans Summit: Enlargement Momentum, Protests, and a Dead Flamingo
The EU-Western Balkans summit in Tivat saw renewed enlargement momentum after Hungary lifted its veto on Ukraine. Protests erupted in Albani
Israeli Airstrike Kills Three Lebanese Soldiers, Strains Fragile Ceasefire
An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon killed three Lebanese soldiers and six others, including a brigadier general. The attack threatens
At D-Day Commemorations, US Defence Secretary Hegseth Pressures Europe on Military Spending
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth used D-Day commemorations in Normandy to call on Europe to prioritise its own conventional defence. His re
Lebanese President Aoun Tells Iran: 'This Is Our Country' as Hezbollah Disarmament Debate Intensifies
President Joseph Aoun tells Iran's Revolutionary Guard that Lebanon is not their country, urging an end to exploitation. He calls for direct
Ukraine Launches Major Drone Offensive as Putin Meets Schröder
Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on Russian naval and energy targets across western Russia. President Zelensky confirmed ordering
Montenegro's PM Calls Country the 'Cookie of the Balkans' as EU Entry by 2028 Gains Momentum
Montenegro's prime minister says EU membership by 2028 is realistic, calling the country a 'cookie of the Balkans' that could revive enlarge
Pope Leo XIV Begins First Apostolic Visit to Spain Since Election
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Madrid on 6 June for his first apostolic journey to Spain since his election in May 2025. The six-day trip includes
Pay Transparency Deadline Looms: Most EU States Unprepared for New Rules
The EU Pay Transparency Directive requires member states to enforce salary transparency by June 7, 2026, but most countries are behind sched