By Pierre Lefevre
Paris-based political reporter. Bylines from Paris, Rome and Madrid. Closely follows elections and coalition politics.
Israel launches criminal probes into deaths of Hind Rajab and Gaza medics
Israel's military has opened criminal investigations into the deaths of five-year-old Hind Rajab and 15 Palestinian medics in Gaza. The move
Second Ukrainian detained in Croatia over Nord Stream sabotage
A Ukrainian national has been arrested in Croatia over the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions. German prosecutors allege he took part in t
Latvia's eastern border: migration, drones, and defense converge
Latvia is confronting a multifaceted security crisis on its eastern border, where irregular migration, drone incursions, and hybrid threats
Disney and ABC sue FCC over licence threats in free-speech clash
Disney and ABC filed a lawsuit against the US Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday, claiming the agency is threatening their broadca
Spain moves 500 migrant girls from Ceuta to mainland despite regional opposition
Spain's government is preparing the urgent transfer of 500 unaccompanied migrant girls from Ceuta to the mainland, using a royal decree-law
EU's new tobacco tax plan targets vapes and nicotine pouches
The European Commission wants to raise minimum excise duties on cigarettes by 139% and tax vapes, heated tobacco, and nicotine pouches for t
Fedorov urges wartime elections after losing defence post
Mykhailo Fedorov, sacked as Ukraine's defence minister, has called for elections despite martial law. His appeal follows Zelenskyy's nominat
EU-backed Cyprus power link stalls amid Turkey's maritime claims
The €1.9 billion Great Sea Interconnector, meant to end Cyprus's energy isolation, is stalled by Turkish maritime claims and funding disagre
Denmark to compensate victims of abuse in youth care homes
Denmark will compensate individuals who suffered abuse in youth care homes. The decision follows years of pressure from victims and advocacy
ICC condemns US sanctions on its president and senior prosecutor
The US has imposed sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye. The court warns the measures undermine th
Spanish police union demands fix for squalid Ceuta barracks
Officers sent to reinforce Ceuta after July's migrant crossings are sleeping eight to a room with a single fan. The CEP union says one toile
Europe's evening briefing: August 18, 2026 – key updates
From Brussels to Berlin, here are the key developments shaping Europe this evening. Trade talks advance, a major tech merger clears hurdles,