By Pierre Lefevre
Paris-based political reporter. Bylines from Paris, Rome and Madrid. Closely follows elections and coalition politics.
Overnight Russian strikes kill 15 in Kyiv, sparking large fires
Russian missile and drone strikes on Kyiv and the surrounding region killed at least 15 people and wounded 42 overnight. Firefighters battle
Ceuta's fragile recovery: anger, fear, and a divided city
Two days after 72,000 migrants surged into Ceuta, the Spanish enclave is gripped by anger and fear. Residents feel abandoned, while migrants
Russian strikes kill 15 in Kyiv and region in latest overnight assault
At least 15 people were killed and dozens wounded in Russian overnight strikes on Kyiv and the surrounding region. The attack targeted resid
Netanyahu insists on full Hamas disarmament before any Gaza withdrawal
Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a US-drafted plan for Gaza, insisting Israel will not withdraw until Hamas is fully disarmed. The move highl
Channel rescue saves 157 as boat fire sparks major operation
A major rescue operation saved 157 people after an inflatable boat caught fire in the Channel. French and British teams worked together, wit
Spain says 70,000 of 72,000 Ceuta arrivals have returned to Morocco
Spain's interior minister says 70,000 of 72,000 migrants who crossed into Ceuta have returned to Morocco. EU ministers expressed solidarity
Why Europe must keep Israel in its research programme after 2027
Israel is a net contributor to Horizon Europe, yet some EU states want to exclude it. Excluding Israeli scientists would damage European res
Drone footage shows Russian strike on civilian at Kherson market
Ukraine's National Police released video showing a Russian drone deliberately targeting a civilian at a market in Kherson. The 52-year-old v
Patriot licence for Ukraine remains uncertain as Washington stalls
Washington has dashed hopes of a quick deal to let Ukraine build Patriot interceptors under licence. The US ambassador to NATO says no agree
How social media rumours triggered a mass surge on Spain's Ceuta border
Viral social media posts falsely claimed Spain's border with Morocco was open, prompting thousands to rush Ceuta. At least 83 people died, a
EU's maritime services ban on Russian oil stalls amid G7 deadlock
The EU's plan to ban maritime services for Russian oil tankers has stalled, blocked by G7 disunity, Greek and Maltese resistance, and market
Evening briefing: key European stories for August 4, 2026
From Brussels to Berlin, here are the key developments shaping Europe this evening. Trade tensions, climate policy, and cultural milestones