By Pierre Lefevre
Paris-based political reporter. Bylines from Paris, Rome and Madrid. Closely follows elections and coalition politics.
Gulf States Persuade Trump to Halt Iran Strikes, Showcasing Regional Clout
US President Donald Trump paused a planned large-scale assault on Iran after Gulf leaders intervened, citing ongoing negotiations. Qatar, Sa
EU Fertiliser Plan Seeks to Avert New Farm Protests Amid Soaring Costs
The European Commission is presenting a fertiliser plan to prevent another wave of farm protests as Middle East tensions drive up costs. The
MEP Warns of 'Perfect Storm' for EU Jobs If US Trade Deal Fails
European People's Party MEP Željana Zovko cautioned that US 'ideological fights' and EU 'complex process procedures' may prevent a deal in t
EU Envoy for Russia Talks Faces Diplomatic Minefield and Potential Humiliation
The European Union is moving toward direct talks with Russia to end the war in Ukraine, but the envoy's role is fraught with risks. Internal
Hungary's Magyar Targets EU Funds Deal in Brussels Next Week
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar expects to sign a political agreement with the European Commission next week to release €10.4bn in fro
Putin Heads to Beijing Days After Trump, Testing China's Diplomatic Balance
Putin arrives in Beijing on Tuesday for talks with Xi Jinping, just days after Trump's underwhelming visit. The Kremlin denies a link, but t
Brussels and Washington at Odds Over Trade Deal as Trump's Deadline Nears
The European Parliament is debating a trade deal with the US that includes defensive measures against American tariffs. A 4 July deadline lo
Europe Faces a Hostile Economic Order as G7 Tensions and Energy Crisis Mount
G7 finance ministers meet in Paris amid economic volatility and US-Iran tensions. Italy's Meloni threatens to withdraw from EU defence loan
NATO Military Chiefs Convene as Iran War Strains Alliance Munitions
NATO military chiefs gather in Brussels to confront the rapid depletion of high-grade munitions due to the US-led Iran war. The conflict has
Lebanon's President Vows 'Impossible' to End War with Israel as Strikes Persist
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun says he will 'do the impossible' to stop the war with Israel. Despite a ceasefire announced in April, Israeli
Iran Establishes Strait of Hormuz Authority to Levy Transit Fees on Ships
Iran has launched the Persian Gulf Strait Authority to manage and charge ships for transit through the Strait of Hormuz. The move, which for
EU's New Order of Merit for Merkel Signals Stability Amid Transatlantic Strains
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel receives the inaugural European Order of Merit this week. The award revives debate over her legacy, b