By Pierre Lefevre
Paris-based political reporter. Bylines from Paris, Rome and Madrid. Closely follows elections and coalition politics.
Russian Drones Strike Two Foreign Civilian Ships in Black Sea, Ukraine Reports
Russian drones struck two civilian ships flying flags of Saint Kitts and Nevis and Panama in the Black Sea, killing one crew member and inju
Andy Burnham Returns to Westminster, Setting Up Labour Leadership Challenge to Starmer
Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election with 55% of the vote, returning to Westminster. He warned Labour it has a 'final chance to chang
EU Summit: Frugal States vs Cohesion Advocates in €2 Trillion Budget Battle
The second day of the EU summit focuses on the €2 trillion budget proposal. Cyprus proposes a 2% cut, but frugal states want more. Leaders a
EU Leaders Ponder Ukraine Strategy as Costa Opens Kremlin Channel
EU leaders wrapped up talks in Brussels dominated by Ukraine and European security. European Council President António Costa opened a diplom
EU Leaders Face Tough Budget Talks as Frugal States Clash with Cohesion Advocates
EU leaders begin negotiations on the €2 trillion common budget at a Brussels summit. Frugal states push for cuts while 16 countries defend a
Zelenskyy Pushes for Fast-Track EU Membership, Citing Ukraine's Sacrifice and Military Strength
President Zelenskyy told EU leaders in Brussels that Ukraine merits fast-track membership because it has paid the highest price for freedom.
Le Maire: Core EU Six, Not 27, Is the Path to a Stronger Europe
Bruno Le Maire proposes a six-country core EU to bypass slow consensus. The E6 coalition would tackle defense, supply chains, and digital so
Cuba's Díaz-Canel Admits Urgent Economic Reforms Needed Amid Crisis
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has admitted that the country's communist model requires urgent changes to overcome a severe crisis. He ci
Germany and Uzbekistan Forge Closer Ties as Steinmeier Visits Tashkent
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Tashkent to strengthen ties with Uzbekistan, highlighting $1.4 billion in trade and $2 bill
UK Jails Two Chinese-British Nationals for Spying on Hong Kong Dissidents
Former UK Border Force official Peter Wai was jailed for 10 years, and retired Hong Kong policeman Bill Yuen for 8 years, for spying on Hong
Bulgaria Blocks EU Sanctions on Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill
Bulgaria's new prime minister, Rumen Radev, has voiced opposition to EU sanctions on Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Albania's Rama in Berlin: EU Needs Kohl-Style Courage for Enlargement
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama called on the EU to show strategic courage like Helmut Kohl did for German reunification. He proposed gradu