By Pierre Lefevre
Paris-based political reporter. Bylines from Paris, Rome and Madrid. Closely follows elections and coalition politics.
Paris and Berlin Propose Gradual EU Integration Plan Ahead of Balkans Summit
France and Germany have co-signed a paper calling for a new 'structured gradual integration' approach for EU candidate countries. The plan a
Inside the Deal That Ended Hungary's Veto on Ukraine's EU Accession
After two years of deadlock, Hungary lifted its veto on Ukraine's EU accession following a change in leadership and bilateral talks on minor
Eleven European States Push for Stricter Russian Tourist Visa Rules
Sweden, Czechia, and nine other nations urge the EU to tighten visa rules for Russian tourists. They argue that holiday travel undermines EU
Germany's Decline Threatens Europe's Future: A Call for Pragmatic Renewal
Germany lost its UN Security Council bid to smaller nations like Portugal and Austria, exposing a loss of trust and credibility. The country
US Seeks Direct Stake in Azerbaijan's Pipelines as Post-Conflict Economic Ties Deepen
A senior US official announced Washington's desire for a direct stake in Azerbaijan's pipelines and energy infrastructure. The announcement
Iran-Linked Social Network Faked Scottish and Irish Identities to Spread Propaganda
Clemson University researchers found that accounts posing as Scottish and Irish nationals were run by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Cor
Lebanese Minister Hopes US-Brokered Ceasefire with Israel Proves More Durable
Lebanese Culture Minister Ghassane Salamé expressed cautious optimism about the new US-brokered ceasefire with Israel, hoping it will be mor
Germany's UN Security Council Defeat: A Symptom of Waning Global Influence
Germany lost its bid for a UN Security Council seat, receiving only 104 votes against the required 127. The defeat highlights credibility pr
Hungary Lifts Veto on Ukraine's EU Accession Talks, Paving Way for Negotiations
Hungary has lifted its veto on Ukraine's EU accession talks after a deal on Hungarian minority rights in Transcarpathia. The breakthrough al
UK and France Extend 'One-In, One-Out' Migrant Deal Until October 2026
France and the UK have extended their 'one-in, one-out' migrant returns agreement until 1 October 2026. Under Operation Hillmore, only 606 m
Kyrgyzstan Wins First UN Security Council Seat, Presses for Reform
Kyrgyzstan secured a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2027-2028 term, defeating the Philippines. It is the first Centra
Four Farm Workers Burned Alive in Italy: Gangmaster Violence Exposes Migrant Exploitation
Four farm workers were burned to death in a minivan in southern Italy, with two Pakistani nationals arrested. The sole survivor describes th