By Pierre Lefevre
Paris-based political reporter. Bylines from Paris, Rome and Madrid. Closely follows elections and coalition politics.
Spain moves 500 migrant girls from Ceuta to mainland despite regional opposition
Spain's government is preparing the urgent transfer of 500 unaccompanied migrant girls from Ceuta to the mainland, using a royal decree-law
EU's new tobacco tax plan targets vapes and nicotine pouches
The European Commission wants to raise minimum excise duties on cigarettes by 139% and tax vapes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches for t
Fedorov urges wartime elections after losing defence post
Mykhailo Fedorov, sacked as Ukraine's defence minister, has called for elections despite martial law. His appeal follows Zelenskyy's nominat
EU-backed Cyprus power link stalls amid Turkey's maritime claims
The €1.9 billion Great Sea Interconnector, meant to end Cyprus's energy isolation, is stalled by Turkish maritime claims and funding disagre
Denmark to compensate victims of abuse in youth care homes
Denmark will compensate individuals who suffered abuse in youth care homes. The decision follows years of pressure from victims and advocacy
ICC condemns US sanctions on its president and senior prosecutor
The US has imposed sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye. The court warns the measures undermine th
Spanish police union demands fix for squalid Ceuta barracks
Officers sent to reinforce Ceuta after July's migrant crossings are sleeping eight to a room with a single fan. The CEP union says one toile
Europe's evening briefing: August 18, 2026 – key updates
From Brussels to Berlin, here are the key developments shaping Europe this evening. Trade talks advance, a major tech merger clears hurdles,
France's prisons face a new threat: drone-delivered contraband
In Villefranche-sur-Saône, over 1,800 drone deliveries were logged in under two months. In Strasbourg, drone flights now interfere with medi
US and Canada race to avert midnight tariff escalation
US and Canadian officials are in final negotiations to avoid 50% tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian goods set to take effect at midnight. Th
Trump's drill cuts rattle Seoul and Tokyo, testing US alliance
President Trump's abrupt order to reduce US-South Korea military drills has unsettled allies in Asia. Both Seoul and Tokyo reaffirmed the im
UK pledges unwavering support for Ukraine despite Russian threats
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham says Britain will continue to support Ukraine '100%' despite Russian threats of 'consequences.' The warning f