By Pierre Lefevre
Paris-based political reporter. Bylines from Paris, Rome and Madrid. Closely follows elections and coalition politics.
NATO Military Chiefs Convene as Iran War Strains Alliance Munitions
NATO military chiefs gather in Brussels to confront the rapid depletion of high-grade munitions due to the US-led Iran war. The conflict has
Lebanon's President Vows 'Impossible' to End War with Israel as Strikes Persist
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun says he will 'do the impossible' to stop the war with Israel. Despite a ceasefire announced in April, Israeli
Iran Establishes Strait of Hormuz Authority to Levy Transit Fees on Ships
Iran has launched the Persian Gulf Strait Authority to manage and charge ships for transit through the Strait of Hormuz. The move, which for
EU's New Order of Merit for Merkel Signals Stability Amid Transatlantic Strains
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel receives the inaugural European Order of Merit this week. The award revives debate over her legacy, b
Hungary Signals Shift on Ukraine EU Accession Talks After Orbán Era
Hungary's new government signals openness to Ukraine's EU accession talks, initiating technical discussions on Hungarian minority rights in
Russia Unleashes Massive Drone and Missile Barrage on Eight Ukrainian Regions
Russia fired 524 drones and 22 missiles at eight Ukrainian regions overnight, wounding 26 people including children. President Zelenskyy cal
Meloni Presses EU to Treat Energy Crisis Like Defence Emergency, Seek Fiscal Flexibility
Giorgia Meloni has called on the European Commission to extend the same fiscal flexibility granted for defence to energy security. In a lett
EU-US Trade Deal Faces Final Hurdle in Strasbourg as Trump's Tariff Deadline Looms
EU lawmakers and diplomats gather in Strasbourg for make-or-break talks on the EU-US trade deal. Disagreements over the sunrise clause and s
EU Short-Term Rental Rules: Why Proportionality Matters for Europe's Tourism and Housing
The EU Short-Term Rental Data Regulation takes effect in May 2026. Airbnb calls for clear timelines and harmonised technical standards acros
Sánchez's PSOE Suffers Historic Defeat in Andalusia: What It Means for Madrid and Brussels
The PSOE secured its worst-ever result in Andalusia, with the PP's Juanma Moreno retaining an absolute majority. The outcome weakens Sánchez
Trump Threatens Iran's Annihilation as Nuclear Deal Deadline Looms
Trump warns Iran to accept a nuclear deal or face total destruction. A drone strike hits the UAE's Barakah nuclear plant, escalating regiona
Drone Strike Near UAE Nuclear Plant Heightens Iran Ceasefire Fears
A drone strike ignited a fire near the UAE's Barakah nuclear power plant, though no injuries or radiation leaks were reported. The incident