By Pierre Lefevre
Paris-based political reporter. Bylines from Paris, Rome and Madrid. Closely follows elections and coalition politics.
NATO jets down Russian-linked drone over eastern Latvia
NATO fighter jets intercepted and downed a foreign drone over Latvia's Balvi region on Friday. The Latvian military attributed the incursion
Trump orders Navy to scrap EMALS on Ford-class carriers
Trump has ordered the Navy to remove EMALS from Ford-class carriers, reverting to steam catapults. The change could cost billions and affect
Sweden lowers criminal responsibility age to 14 before election
Sweden's parliament approved lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 14, a key government pledge. The law takes effect three days bef
Blast hits ammunition plant near Rome, no injuries reported
A powerful explosion hit the KNDS Ammo Italy plant near Colleferro, southeast of Rome, on Thursday. Italian media reported no casualties, wi
Bomb in bin kills Russian submarine commander in occupied Sevastopol
A bomb hidden in a rubbish bin killed a Russian naval officer in occupied Sevastopol on Thursday. Reports identify him as a Ukrainian defect
Hungary launches register to bar corrupt firms from EU-funded tenders
Hungary has set up a register of companies barred from public tenders due to criminal offences. The move is part of Budapest's efforts to sa
EU experts arrive in Ceuta as fears grow of new migrant surge
A team of EU migration experts is in Ceuta for a first-hand assessment of the situation. Reports warn of a potential new migrant influx on 1
France and Iran clash over executions amid rising diplomatic tensions
France has sharply condemned Iran's use of the death penalty, calling it 'bloodshed.' Iran responded by accusing Paris of 'blatant hypocrisy
Sweden's next government set to harden EU budget stance
Sweden's likely next prime minister, Magdalena Andersson, is expected to maintain a hardline 'frugal' stance in EU budget negotiations. Her
Russian drone strike on Odesa passenger train kills driver, injures dozens
A Russian Shahed drone struck a passenger train in Ukraine's Odesa region on 13 August 2026, killing the driver and his assistant. The attac
Midday Europe Briefing: August 13, 2026 – Markets, Politics, and Summer Events
European markets hold steady despite August volatility. French presidential hopefuls face fake video attacks. Greece opens ancient sites for
Spain insists Ceuta and Melilla sovereignty is non-negotiable
Spanish diplomatic sources insist sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla is beyond doubt. Morocco's justice minister says the issue remains on t