By Pierre Lefevre
Paris-based political reporter. Bylines from Paris, Rome and Madrid. Closely follows elections and coalition politics.
Two Greek pilots die in Phantom F-4 crash at Tanagra air show
A Phantom F-4 jet crashed during an air show at Tanagra air base, killing both pilots. The crash sparked a wildfire that firefighters are ba
Spain keeps border checks on Italian arrivals until 22 September
Spain has extended border checks on arrivals from Italy until 22 September, matching Italy's own measures. The reciprocal restrictions stem
Mladić's Belgrade funeral draws thousands but no state honours
Thousands are expected at Ratko Mladić's funeral in Belgrade on Monday, but no serving officials or military honours will be present. The EU
AfD's Siegmund rallies Magdeburg ahead of Saxony-Anhalt vote
Around 10,000 supporters attended an AfD family festival in Magdeburg, where lead candidate Ulrich Siegmund promised a political shake-up. P
EU custodian plan could unlock frozen Russian assets for Ukraine
Sweden, the Netherlands, Spain and Poland are pushing to use frozen Russian central bank assets for Ukraine. A new idea—moving them to an EU
Morning briefing: key European stories for September 5, 2026
Spain ties a September heat record at 45.7°C. EU border checks tighten as EES flexibility ends. Thailand halves visa-free stays for EU trave
France will reject Le Pen's extremism, EU minister Haddad insists
EU minister Benjamin Haddad says he is 'quite confident' French voters will reject extremism and far-right candidate Marine Le Pen in next y
EU leaders push for new bloc-wide taxes to fund 2028–2034 budget
EU institutions and several member states are pressing for new EU-level taxes to finance the next long-term budget. Frugal countries remain
Trump demands Europe repay US military aid to Ukraine
Donald Trump says he will demand repayment from Europe for US military aid to Ukraine. The WHO meanwhile reports a third attack on its wareh
Lorry driver's hesitation proves fatal in Gdańsk level crossing crash
A lorry driver ignored warnings and failed to clear a level crossing in Gdańsk before a PKP Intercity train struck his vehicle. The train dr
EU warns Serbia that Mladić funeral could derail accession talks
EU enlargement chief Marta Kos warns Serbia that the funeral of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić will be a key test for its EU path. Stat
US trade envoy: London's EU alignment blocks trade deal expansion
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer says Britain's EU alignment is hampering efforts to expand last year's trade deal. Prime Minister And