Good morning from Brussels. As the continent stirs into a new day, several stories are vying for attention. Here's what you need to know this Friday, September 11, 2026.
French police scandal deepens
The fallout from a leaked video continues to rock the French police force. The footage, which surfaced earlier this week, appears to show officers engaging in racist abuse and discussing a coup. The government has suspended the officers involved and launched a full investigation. This incident has reignited debates about institutional racism and the politicization of law enforcement in France. Critics are calling for sweeping reforms, while police unions defend their members, citing the pressures of the job. The Élysée has remained tight-lipped, but sources suggest President Macron is monitoring the situation closely.
Ukraine seeks air defence, eyes Trump meeting
In Kyiv, President Zelenskyy has expressed hope for a meeting with former President Trump by late September. The talks would focus on bolstering Ukraine's air defence capabilities, a critical need as the war with Russia grinds on. Zelenskyy's diplomatic push comes amid growing concerns about Western support fatigue. European allies, meanwhile, are grappling with their own defence budgets, trying to balance domestic priorities with the security demands of the eastern flank. The coming weeks will be crucial for Ukraine's military and diplomatic strategy.
AI video stirs controversy in Washington
Across the Atlantic, a bizarre AI-generated video featuring former President Trump as a 'Green Lantern' has gone viral. The clip, which critics say is out of touch with reality, has drawn ridicule and concern. It highlights the growing use of deepfakes in political discourse, a trend that European policymakers are watching with alarm. The EU has been at the forefront of regulating AI, and this incident underscores the urgency of those efforts. As the technology becomes more accessible, the line between fact and fiction blurs, posing new challenges for democracies everywhere.
Disinformation watch: fake Euronews video debunked
In a related development, a fake Euronews video falsely claiming that a Ukrainian soldier killed NATO troops in Latvia has been debunked. The disinformation campaign, likely originating from Russian sources, aimed to sow discord among NATO allies. European fact-checkers quickly exposed the hoax, but not before it gained traction on social media. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing information war and the importance of media literacy. The EU's rapid alert system is on high alert for such narratives, especially as the anniversary of the invasion approaches.
Markets and business roundup
On the economic front, European markets opened mixed on Friday. The DAX in Frankfurt and the CAC 40 in Paris showed slight gains, while London's FTSE dipped. Investors are eyeing the upcoming European Central Bank meeting, with expectations of a rate decision that could impact borrowing costs across the bloc. Meanwhile, the energy sector remains volatile, with gas prices fluctuating amid supply concerns from Russia. Businesses are also bracing for new EU regulations on digital services, which are set to take effect next month. Compliance is proving costly for some, but the long-term benefits of a unified digital market are touted by Brussels.
Culture and travel
In cultural news, the Venice Film Festival wrapped up with a surprise winner, while the Berlin Philharmonic announced its autumn season, featuring a tribute to Beethoven. For travelers, the EU's new digital travel authorization system is rolling out, simplifying entry for non-EU visitors. However, airlines are warning of potential delays as the system goes live. As autumn approaches, European cities are bracing for a surge in tourism, with many hoping for a rebound after a challenging summer.
That's the morning briefing. Stay with European Pulse for updates throughout the day.
