By Pierre Lefevre
Paris-based political reporter. Bylines from Paris, Rome and Madrid. Closely follows elections and coalition politics.
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
At D-Day Commemorations, US Defence Secretary Hegseth Pressures Europe on Military Spending
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth used D-Day commemorations in Normandy to call on Europe to prioritise its own conventional defence. His re
Lebanese President Aoun Tells Iran: 'This Is Our Country' as Hezbollah Disarmament Debate Intensifies
President Joseph Aoun tells Iran's Revolutionary Guard that Lebanon is not their country, urging an end to exploitation. He calls for direct
Ukraine Launches Major Drone Offensive as Putin Meets Schröder
Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on Russian naval and energy targets across western Russia. President Zelensky confirmed ordering
Montenegro's PM Calls Country the 'Cookie of the Balkans' as EU Entry by 2028 Gains Momentum
Montenegro's prime minister says EU membership by 2028 is realistic, calling the country a 'cookie of the Balkans' that could revive enlarge
Pope Leo XIV Begins First Apostolic Visit to Spain Since Election
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Madrid on 6 June for his first apostolic journey to Spain since his election in May 2025. The six-day trip includes
Pay Transparency Deadline Looms: Most EU States Unprepared for New Rules
The EU Pay Transparency Directive requires member states to enforce salary transparency by June 7, 2026, but most countries are behind sched
Baltic States Face Radar Shortages Amid Drone Threats, European Defence Bottlenecks
The Baltic states urgently need more short-range radars to detect drones, but European defence bottlenecks are causing delays. Experts say i
Portugal Grounded: General Strike Shuts Transport, Schools, and Hospitals Over Labour Reforms
Portugal's general strike has left railway stations empty and airports disrupted. Unions are protesting government labour reforms that they
EU's Ukraine Diplomacy Under Scrutiny as MEPs Convene in Strasbourg
MEPs are meeting in Strasbourg to debate the EU's diplomatic approach to Ukraine. The session comes as the Iran conflict drives an energy sh
Trump's NATO Grievance Over Iran Strains Transatlantic Ties
US Ambassador to the EU Andrew Pudzer warns Trump is still upset with NATO allies for not assisting US operations in Iran. European refusals
JD Vance Condemns UK Police Response to Southampton Murder, Linking It to Migration
US Vice President JD Vance condemned UK police for handcuffing a dying student, Henry Nowak, after a stabbing in Southampton. Vance linked t