By Pierre Lefevre
Paris-based political reporter. Bylines from Paris, Rome and Madrid. Closely follows elections and coalition politics.
EU Migration Pact Takes Effect June 12: What Changes for Asylum and Borders
The EU's Pact on Migration and Asylum becomes fully operational on June 12, introducing stricter border checks and common asylum procedures.
Pashinyan Secures Strong Mandate for Pro-Western Shift in Armenian Election
Incumbent Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's Civil Contract party leads with 51.2% of the vote, securing a strong mandate for a pro-Western ag
Ukraine's €90 Billion EU Loan: Where Will the Money Go?
The EU's €90 billion loan for Ukraine will start disbursing in mid-June. Most funds are earmarked for defense, but Kyiv has kept its shoppin
UK, France, Germany Back Direct Ukraine-Russia Talks with US and EU Involvement
The UK, France, and Germany have endorsed a proposal for direct dialogue between Ukraine and Russia to achieve a ceasefire. The joint statem
Armenia Vote Count Begins in Election That Could Redraw South Caucasus Map
Vote counting is underway in Armenia's parliamentary election, with PM Nikol Pashinyan's Civil Contract party facing a pro-Russian oppositio
Series of Magnitude 5.2 Quakes Shakes Northern Evia, Felt in Athens
A series of earthquakes around magnitude 5.2 hit the northern Gulf of Evia on Sunday afternoon. Landslides were reported on local roads, but
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