By Pierre Lefevre
Paris-based political reporter. Bylines from Paris, Rome and Madrid. Closely follows elections and coalition politics.
Costa Backs Streamlined EU Accession Rules Ahead of Western Balkans Summit
European Council President António Costa has endorsed simplifying EU accession rules, proposing to remove the need for unanimous votes at ea
European Governments Seek Alternatives to US Defence Tech Contractor Palantir
The Netherlands, UK, Denmark, and Germany are moving away from Palantir due to security risks and ethical concerns. European alternatives ar
Berlin Defies Brussels: Germany Rejects EU Demand to End Internal Border Checks
Germany has rejected a formal EU request to scrap internal border controls, arguing that national security requires continued checks. The mo
Zelenskyy Urges Direct Talks with Putin in Open Letter to End War
Zelenskyy sent an open letter to Putin proposing a direct meeting to end the war. He called for a full ceasefire and urged Putin to set a da
Paris and Berlin Propose Gradual EU Integration Plan Ahead of Balkans Summit
France and Germany have co-signed a paper calling for a new 'structured gradual integration' approach for EU candidate countries. The plan a
Inside the Deal That Ended Hungary's Veto on Ukraine's EU Accession
After two years of deadlock, Hungary lifted its veto on Ukraine's EU accession following a change in leadership and bilateral talks on minor
Eleven European States Push for Stricter Russian Tourist Visa Rules
Sweden, Czechia, and nine other nations urge the EU to tighten visa rules for Russian tourists. They argue that holiday travel undermines EU
Germany's Decline Threatens Europe's Future: A Call for Pragmatic Renewal
Germany lost its UN Security Council bid to smaller nations like Portugal and Austria, exposing a loss of trust and credibility. The country
US Seeks Direct Stake in Azerbaijan's Pipelines as Post-Conflict Economic Ties Deepen
A senior US official announced Washington's desire for a direct stake in Azerbaijan's pipelines and energy infrastructure. The announcement
Iran-Linked Social Network Faked Scottish and Irish Identities to Spread Propaganda
Clemson University researchers found that accounts posing as Scottish and Irish nationals were run by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Cor
Lebanese Minister Hopes US-Brokered Ceasefire with Israel Proves More Durable
Lebanese Culture Minister Ghassane Salamé expressed cautious optimism about the new US-brokered ceasefire with Israel, hoping it will be mor
Germany's UN Security Council Defeat: A Symptom of Waning Global Influence
Germany lost its bid for a UN Security Council seat, receiving only 104 votes against the required 127. The defeat highlights credibility pr