By Pierre Lefevre
Paris-based political reporter. Bylines from Paris, Rome and Madrid. Closely follows elections and coalition politics.
Portugal's PM unveils cost-of-living package but rules out VAT cuts
Portugal's prime minister has announced a €1.3bn package to ease the cost of living, including pension bonuses and income tax cuts. He ruled
Portugal's PM unveils cost-of-living package but rules out VAT cuts
Portugal's prime minister has announced a €1.3bn package to ease living costs, including pension bonuses and income tax cuts. He ruled out l
Trump claims progress on permanent US base in Poland
Donald Trump says 'major progress' has been made toward establishing a US Army base in Poland. The US currently has around 10,000 rotational
Morning Europe briefing: key stories for September 18, 2026
Our morning briefing covers the latest developments across Europe on September 18, 2026. From political shifts in Berlin to cultural milesto
Russia and China veto UN bid to extend Iran sanctions monitoring
Russia and China vetoed a US-backed UN resolution to extend the Iran sanctions expert panel. The vote leaves sanctions in place but removes
How long do Europeans actually receive pensions?
EU men can expect 18.4 years of pension payments, women 21.8 years. But the range is huge, from under 15 years in Bulgaria to over 27 in Tur
Greek parliament lifts ex-EU commissioner's immunity in Qatargate probe
Greek MPs voted overwhelmingly to lift the immunity of former EU Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos. The move clears the way for Belgian pro
Poland scrambles jets as Russian strike near border triggers air raid alerts
Air raid alerts were issued in eastern Poland on Thursday after a Russian strike on western Ukraine near the border. Polish jets were scramb
Sweden's centre-left bloc wins narrow election victory
Sweden's centre-left bloc has won a narrow parliamentary majority, ending the right-wing government's term. The Social Democrats lost seats
Italy leads Europe in civilian space spending per GDP, OECD finds
Italy now spends more on civilian space relative to GDP than any other European country except Luxembourg. Germany plans €35 billion in mili
Europe scrambles to shield motorists as Saudi pipeline attack tightens oil markets
A Saudi pipeline attack threatens global oil supply, pushing Brent above $113. France, Italy, Spain, and Germany are rolling out measures to
Le Pen's EU exit pledge: fact-checking the Frexit claims
Claims that Marine Le Pen promises a Frexit referendum if she wins the 2027 presidency are false. She abandoned that policy in 2022, now adv