By Pierre Lefevre
Paris-based political reporter. Bylines from Paris, Rome and Madrid. Closely follows elections and coalition politics.
EU Early School Leaving Falls to 9.1% in 2025, but Gaps Persist Across Member States
In 2025, 9.1% of EU youth aged 18–24 left school early, down from 11% a decade ago. Croatia recorded the lowest rate at 2.1%, while Romania
Ukrainian Drone Strike Sets Moscow Oil Refinery Ablaze After Russian Bombardment
A Ukrainian drone strike set a Moscow oil refinery ablaze, with Kyiv framing it as retaliation for Russia's intensified aerial campaign. The
EU Migration Pact: No Fines for Refusing Migrants, Only Flexible Contributions
The EU's Pact on Migration and Asylum does not impose fines on member states that refuse to accept migrants. Instead, it offers a flexible s
Bolton: Trump Outmaneuvered by Iran in Nuclear Deal Negotiations
John Bolton says Iran played Donald Trump 'like a violin' in negotiations, sensing his desperation for a deal. Tehran secured more favorable
G7 Summit in Évian: Iran Deal, Ukraine, and Energy Security Top Agenda
Global leaders gather in Évian for the second day of the G7 summit, focusing on the US-Iran framework deal, the war in Ukraine, and energy s
EU Fails to Unite on Sanctions for Israeli Minister Ben Gvir Amid Growing Pressure
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas confirmed Monday that no unanimous agreement was reached on sanctioning Israeli National Security Minist
Ukraine and Moldova Launch EU Accession Talks After Two-Year Deadlock
Ukraine and Moldova opened the first phase of EU membership negotiations in Luxembourg on Monday, ending a two-year deadlock. The talks, hai
UK Parliament Renovation Delays Could Add £420 Million to Final Cost
The UK's National Audit Office warns that each year of delay in restoring the Houses of Parliament adds £320-420 million to the total cost.
Swedish Military IT Consultant Faces Trial for Alleged Attempt to Spy for Russia
A former Swedish military IT consultant faces trial for attempted espionage, accused of trying to hand over classified information to Russia
Trump Threatens 100% Tariff on French Wine Over Digital Tax Ahead of G7
Trump threatens 100% tariff on French wine and champagne unless France abolishes its digital services tax. The levy targets revenues of majo
G7 Leaders Converge on Évian After US-Iran Framework Deal
US President Trump claims a framework deal with Iran is imminent as G7 leaders arrive in Évian. The summit agenda includes Ukraine, AI regul
Cocaine Use Surges in Spanish Cities, New Wastewater Data Shows
Spanish cities lead Europe in cocaine wastewater residues, with Barcelona and Lleida seeing the steepest increases. Denmark and Slovenia als