By Pierre Lefevre
Paris-based political reporter. Bylines from Paris, Rome and Madrid. Closely follows elections and coalition politics.
Ceuta sees record migrant surge as Spain struggles to respond
Spain's Interior Ministry estimates more than 40,000 migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco in a single day, the largest influx since 2021. Loc
UK commits £8.4bn to Dreadnought submarine programme
The UK government has announced £8.4bn (€9.8bn) for the next phase of its Dreadnought-class submarine programme. BAE Systems will receive £5
Giant land art in northern England urges Burnham to restore UK aid
A giant land art portrait of UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has appeared in northern England, urging him to restore humanitarian aid. The ca
Spain and Morocco agree urgent return of latest Ceuta migrants
Spain is sending troops to Ceuta after hundreds of migrants swam around the border fence. Madrid and Rabat have agreed to fast-track returns
Evening update: key European stories for July 30, 2026
From Brussels to Berlin, here are the key developments shaping Europe this evening. Political shifts, economic moves, and cultural highlight
Thousands cross into Spain's Ceuta from Morocco, prompting emergency call
Thousands of migrants crossed into Ceuta from Morocco, overwhelming the Spanish enclave. Local authorities have called for national emergenc
Illicit tobacco trade persists despite major EU raids, former OLAF chief warns
Two major OLAF operations in Spain and across Europe seized over 170 million cigarettes in a year. Yet illicit consumption remains at 10.3%
Four dead in separate Channel crossing attempts as migrant boats grow more crowded
A boat sank late Wednesday off Hardelot, killing one man. Three more bodies were found near Dunkirk. French authorities say smugglers are pa
Unidentified object enters Polish airspace as Russian strikes kill eight in Ukraine
An unidentified object, believed to be a missile, entered Polish airspace early Thursday before disappearing from radar. Polish helicopter c
EU security debates intensify as summer recess begins
As the European Parliament breaks for summer, a special edition of The Ring revisits key debates on EU security. MEPs from across the politi
UEFA escalates war of words with FIFA over World Cup investment plan
UEFA has sharply criticised FIFA's proposal to sell up to 20% of the World Cup to private investors. European football's governing body accu
EU patience wears thin as Italy delays decision on €14.9bn defence loan
Italy has not signed its €14.9bn SAFE defence loan agreement, leaving other EU countries unable to access leftover funds. Brussels is growin