Europe News French ex-surgeon on trial for alleged sexual assault of 299 people A former French surgeon is on trial accused of raping or sexually assaulting almost 300 people, mostly children. 25/02/2025
Philippines France and the Philippines stage joint naval drills in South China Sea The countries' military exercises last week are likely to displease China, which claims ownership over most of the South China Sea. 24/02/2025
Europe News Trial of 'France's biggest paedophile offender' to open in Vannes Joël Le Scouarnec is accused of aggravated rape and sexual assault of 299 victims, almost all minors, between 1989 and 2014. This "extraordinary" trial took two years to prepare. 23/02/2025
Europe News Stabbing attack leaves one dead and five people injured in France The suspect was arrested by the police. According to the public prosecutor, the suspect, a 37-year-old man, was already known to the authorities and had been on a terrorism watchlist. 22/02/2025
Economy French lawmakers back tax on ultra-rich proposed by Ecologist Party Supporters say the levy would tackle inequality in France, although some fear the effect on investment, business expansion and jobs. 21/02/2025
France Minister to meet Air France executives over sexual harassment claims Philippe Tabarot will also talk to staff at the airline, after female employees told Radio France that they had been sexually harassed. 19/02/2025
World News Citizens in Kyiv and Moscow react to US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country won’t accept any outcome from this week's talks if Kyiv doesn't take part. 18/02/2025
France French lawmakers debate ban on religious clothing in sports The measures have sparked controversy, with critics labelling the proposal a “hijab ban,” warning it would disproportionately target women of Muslim faith. 18/02/2025
France Suspected IS militants on trial for kidnapping French journalists The abductees testifying at the trial insisted they were sure in their identification of those who kidnapped them. 18/02/2025
Cinema Berlinale 2025 review: 'La Tour de Glace' ('The Ice Tower') Marion Cotillard stars in French director Lucile Hadžihalolović's fourth feature, a glacially paced adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen”. Prepare to be entranced. 17/02/2025
Europe News European leaders to convene for emergency Ukraine summit in Paris France is discussing holding an informal emergency Ukraine summit in Paris with European countries on Monday. 16/02/2025
Cinema Berlinale 2025 review: 'Ari' - Keeping a heart on your French sleeve The third film from the French director of 'Jeune Femme' ('Montparnasse Bienvenue') and 'Un petit frère' ('Mother and Son') is a tender and poignant ode to a wayward soul. 15/02/2025
Europe News Exclusive: France, Germany divided over how to retaliate to US tariffs Despite EU countries fronting an outward show of unity over the Trump White House's tariff threats, dividing lines are emerging: some favour swift retaliatory action, others would prefer ongoing dialogue with the US. At stake is whether Europe can continue negotiating en bloc or will see a splinter. 14/02/2025
World News Valentine's Day in Europe: From cheese hearts to lion love stories In Naples, red horns — an iconic Neapolitan symbol of prosperity, love and fortune -- are preferred over flowers and chocolates. 14/02/2025
Ukraine Capitulation in Ukraine peace talks would be ‘bad news’, says Macron Other leaders such as President Tokayev of Kazakhstan have welcomed political dialogue between Washington and Moscow. 14/02/2025
France French PM says he will sue over school abuse cover-up allegations François Bayrou rejected accusations he covered up sexual abuse in a school his children attended, stating he would sue the media outlet behind the story for defamation. 12/02/2025
Economy Property sector in danger? More countries may follow Spain's tax moves France, Greece and Portugal could also follow Spain's lead and potentially make significant property tax changes in an effort to tackle their respective housing crises and make real estate more affordable to residents. 11/02/2025
EuroVerify Fact check: Where in Europe has the longest school summer holidays? President Emmanuel Macron said that he wants to review the amount of time French pupils get off for the summer, claiming that France has longer holidays than other countries. How does it compare to the rest of Europe? 10/02/2025
Cinema 'Emilia Pérez' controversy escalates: Is it all over for the Oscars? French director Jacques Audiard has spoken out and criticised his star Karla Sofia Gascón’s “inexcusable” tweets, while Zoe Saldaña has also gone on record to express her sadness at ongoing events. So, is it all over for the woebegone Oscar frontrunner 'Emilia Pérez'? 07/02/2025
Culture news Turkish star accused of promoting terrorism in famous French TV show Le bureau des légendes (The Bureau) actress Melisa Sözen has been questioned on terrorism charges over her role in the French series. She played a double agent in the show’s third season - which aired seven years ago. Apparently fiction must equate to reality for the Istanbul public prosecuton. 05/02/2025