By Pierre Lefevre
Paris-based political reporter. Bylines from Paris, Rome and Madrid. Closely follows elections and coalition politics.
US Indicts Raúl Castro on Murder Charges, Escalating Pressure on Cuba
The US Department of Justice indicted Raúl Castro on murder charges related to the 1996 shootdown of two civilian aircraft. The move echoes
MEPs Clash Over Europe's Military Spending: Strategic Investment or Political Gesture?
European Parliament members clash over the purpose of rising defense spending. Lukas Mandl argues it is essential for security against Russi
US Indicts Raúl Castro for 1996 Downing of Civilian Planes
The US Justice Department indicted 94-year-old Raúl Castro for the 1996 downing of civilian planes. The indictment accuses him of conspiracy
EU Vows to Maintain Pressure on Russia as UK and US Adjust Sanctions
The European Commission reaffirms its commitment to sanctions on Russian oil and gas. The UK faces backlash for issuing licences allowing im
EU Repatriation Orders Hit Five-Year High as Germany, France Lead Expulsions
EU repatriation orders hit a five-year high in 2025, with nearly 500,000 issued. Germany carried out the most expulsions, followed by France
Italy and France Condemn Israel's Treatment of Gaza Flotilla Detainees
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called Israel's treatment of Gaza flotilla activists 'unacceptable' after a video showed them bound an
Visegrád Group Eyes Revival as Hungary's New PM Seeks Reset with Neighbors
Hungary's new PM Péter Magyar is pushing to revive the Visegrád Four, with a summit planned in Budapest. The group, once a powerful bloc in
Von der Leyen Vows EU Response After Drone Incidents Rattle Baltic States
Vilnius briefly shut down on Wednesday after a suspected drone incursion, grounding flights and evacuating top officials. European Commissio
Putin and Xi Deepen Military Ties in Beijing, Dimming Hopes of Splitting Russia from China
Putin and Xi signed a joint statement in Beijing on Wednesday, agreeing to deepen military cooperation. The pact underscores their unyieldin
Von der Leyen Urges EU to Finish Single Market, Cut Red Tape for Competitiveness
Von der Leyen told MEPs the EU must tear down remaining internal market barriers to compete globally. She criticized 'gold plating' of EU ru
US to Reduce Military Capabilities Available to NATO Allies in Wartime
The US is set to announce a reduction in military capabilities available to NATO in the event of conflict, part of a pivot away from Europe.
Xi Urges Middle East Ceasefire but Avoids Pressuring Putin on Ukraine
Xi Jinping told Vladimir Putin it is 'imperative' to stop the conflict in the Middle East, but made no mention of Ukraine. The meeting in Be