By Pierre Lefevre
Paris-based political reporter. Bylines from Paris, Rome and Madrid. Closely follows elections and coalition politics.
Room sharing in Spain rises as flat rents push tenants out
A new Fotocasa report finds 3.2% of Spaniards have rented or looked for a room, up from 2.8% a year ago. High prices and limited supply are
Putin's United Russia secures record Duma supermajority as EU threatens sanctions
United Russia secured 355 of 450 Duma seats, a record supermajority, in elections that excluded all opposition to the Kremlin. The EU condem
Lithuania warns Usmanov delisting could expose EU weakness
Lithuania strongly opposes France's push to remove Alisher Usmanov from EU sanctions, warning it would show weakness. A compromise proposal
EU residence permits hit record 3.9 million in 2025, led by work and family
EU countries issued a record 3.9 million first residence permits in 2025, a 10% jump from 2024. Employment and family reunification drove th
Ethiopian rivals unite in seven-group alliance to oust Abiy Ahmed
The TPLF, Amhara's Fano militias, and the Oromo Liberation Army have joined forces in a seven-group alliance to overthrow Ethiopia's Prime M
Thirteen EU states push for sweeping deregulation and 'deep cleaning' of laws
Thirteen EU member states, led by Austria, are calling for a systematic overhaul of European legislation to reduce bureaucratic burdens. The
CNN, MSNBC and Politico sue White House over revoked press access
Three major US news outlets are taking legal action after the White House revoked their press credentials. They argue the move is unconstitu
US and Iran exchange threats as fears of full-scale conflict grow
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says it has prepared for a 'long-term war' with unused strategic weapons. President Trump told Fox New
EU close to deal on Russia sanctions, with Usmanov delisting on the table
EU ambassadors are close to a deal to renew Russia sanctions, with a compromise that could see Alisher Usmanov delisted. The move is linked
US envoy says Greenland security dispute with Denmark is settled
US Ambassador to Belgium Bill White says a weekend agreement resolves the row over Greenland's security. The deal gives Washington permanent
EU's Kids Act: A New Digital Age Limit of 15 to Shield Minors Online
The EU Kids Act will establish a digital majority age of 15, banning under-3s from social media and requiring parental consent for 13-14 yea
Merz faces existential crisis after CDU's worst result in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
Germany's CDU recorded its worst-ever result in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, failing to enter parliament. The AfD topped the poll there, w