By Pierre Lefevre
Paris-based political reporter. Bylines from Paris, Rome and Madrid. Closely follows elections and coalition politics.
Trump suspends new Russia sanctions package amid diesel deal
Trump has signed an executive order to waive a new package of Russia sanctions and tariffs, citing US national interest. The move follows a
Morning Briefing: Europe's Economic Discontent and Key Developments on October 17, 2026
Europe wakes to protests driven by wage-price gaps. EU and Turkey prepare for October summit on Cyprus. COP31 push focuses on energy securit
Sánchez hits back at EU critics over Spain's migration record
Pedro Sánchez dismissed criticism of Spain's migration approach as 'blah, blah, blah' and pointed to falling irregular arrivals. He clashed
Trump's press secretary exits after five days amid credentials row
Katie Zacharia has left the role of White House press secretary after less than a week. Her departure follows a short press briefing and scr
EU summit ends with budget deadlock, Ukraine funding gap and migration rifts
EU leaders failed to break the budget deadlock in Brussels. Ukraine asked for €70bn in new support. Migration and China trade tensions also
EU and Ukraine launch joint task force to accelerate accession reforms
The European Commission and Ukraine have launched a joint task force to accelerate EU accession reforms. The move follows Hungary's decision
EU and Turkey set for October summit on Cyprus talks
A high-level EU-Turkey meeting is planned for October to explore restarting Cyprus talks. Cypriot President Christodoulides says progress in
Norwegian teen jailed for 20 years over UK assassination plot
Johannes Kongsnes Natland, 19, was arrested in England with a pistol, revolver, and ammunition. He had agreed to carry out the killing for €
Croatian officials condemn anti-Semitic chants before Ajax match in Split
Croatian officials condemned pro-Nazi and anti-Semitic chants by Hajduk Split fans before a UEFA Conference League match against Ajax. Polic
Magyar and Zelenskyy meet as Hungary and Ukraine seek to mend ties
Péter Magyar and Volodymyr Zelenskyy held their first bilateral talks on the EU sidelines. The meeting follows Ukraine's new minority educat
Switzerland-plus model floated for UK as EU trade chief signals openness
Bernd Lange, chair of the European Parliament's trade committee, says the EU is open to a 'Switzerland plus' arrangement with the UK. The pr
EU budget talks: A new framework for competitiveness and cohesion
The EU's proposed 2028-2034 budget introduces a Competitiveness Fund but risks cutting social and cohesion programs. Germany pushes for a 20