featured News Trending

Macron Brings Ukraine and Allies Together to Push Security Guarantees

By 87 0

French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and leaders from more than 30 allied nations in Paris as efforts intensify to secure long-term security guarantees for Kyiv in the event of a ceasefire with Russia. The meeting includes members of the so-called “Coalition of the Willing,” as well as US mediators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, amid claims from Zelensky that a US-backed peace plan is largely agreed.

While around 90% of the proposed framework is said to be settled, the remaining disagreements centre on territorial concessions Ukraine is being asked to consider. Russia currently controls most of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine and has shown little willingness to compromise, while continuing intensified attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during winter. Ukraine, meanwhile, has stepped up drone strikes inside Russia, including on energy facilities.

Talks in Paris are focused on defining post-war security arrangements, including the possibility of a multinational reassurance force, long-term military and economic support for Ukraine, and guarantees in case of renewed Russian aggression. European allies are also seeking a clear US commitment to act if Russia breaches a future peace deal, though broader geopolitical tensions involving recent US actions abroad and disputes over Greenland risk overshadowing the discussions.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Louvre Reopens After Strike Delay, Some Sections Remain Closed

By 105 0

Paris’ Louvre Museum reopened on Monday after a three-hour delay, though several sections remained closed as staff partially resumed a strike over pay and working conditions, according to Reuters. Employees had held a meeting earlier in the day to decide whether to continue rolling industrial action, which began last month and was paused during the Christmas period.

The labour dispute has added to the challenges facing the world’s most visited museum, which is still reeling from a major jewel heist in October. In that incident, four burglars stole jewels worth about $102 million in broad daylight, and the stolen items have yet to be recovered.

The Louvre has also been grappling with infrastructure issues, including a recent water leak that damaged ancient books and raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of the historic building. Together, the strike, security lapse, and maintenance problems have put renewed pressure on museum management and French authorities.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

France Tightens Food Import Controls Amid Farmer Protests Over Mercosur Deal

By 114 0

France has announced stricter checks on a range of food imports in response to protests by farmers who argue they face unfair competition from countries with weaker agricultural regulations. The move comes as opposition grows in France to a proposed European Union trade agreement with the South American Mercosur bloc, as well as concerns over livestock disease controls.

Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard said the new measures aim to ensure imported food meets EU standards, particularly regarding the use of banned pesticides and fungicides. France will soon issue a decree suspending imports of products found to contain prohibited substances, including mancozeb, glufosinate, thiophanate-methyl and carbendazim. Fruits and vegetables such as melons, apples, cherries, strawberries, grapes and potatoes will only be sold if they show no traces of these chemicals.

Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said any imported product failing to meet these standards would be barred from entering France. While Germany and Spain support the Mercosur deal, critics in France fear it would lead to cheaper imports, especially beef, that do not comply with EU environmental and food safety rules. The government said protecting farmers, public health and fair competition is non-negotiable and urged the European Commission to extend similar rules across the EU.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

George and Amal Clooney Granted French Citizenship to Protect Family Privacy

By 161 0

Actor George Clooney, his wife Amal Clooney, and their twin children, Alexander and Ella, have been granted French citizenship, according to official government documents. The move comes after Clooney expressed concerns about raising his children amid the pressures and scrutiny of Hollywood. The family, who also hold U.S., British, and Lebanese ties, primarily reside on a farm in France, while maintaining homes in England and Kentucky.

Clooney has openly discussed his desire to provide his children with a more normal upbringing, away from the constant attention of paparazzi and Hollywood fame. “I was worried about raising our kids in LA, in the culture of Hollywood. France – they kind of don’t give a sh*t about fame,” he told the New York Times, emphasizing that the country offers a safer and more private environment for his family. He has also previously written to media outlets requesting that his children’s faces not be published.

France’s strict privacy laws make it illegal to photograph individuals in private spaces or share personal information such as home addresses. Celebrities in France are further protected, as photographers can face legal action if they capture images outside official appearances, a system that Clooney and other public figures have welcomed as a safeguard for their personal lives.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Europe Condemns US Visa Bans Targeting Anti-Disinformation Advocates

By 108 0

The European Union, along with France and Germany, strongly condemned U.S. visa bans on five European citizens, including former EU commissioner Thierry Breton, who have been involved in combating online hate and disinformation. Washington accused them of censoring free speech and imposing undue restrictions on U.S. tech companies, a move that European officials described as unjustified and an infringement on Europe’s legislative autonomy. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the importance of protecting Europe’s independence and the freedom of its citizens.

Breton, who helped design the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), faced particular scrutiny from the Trump administration. The DSA requires tech companies to tackle illegal content such as hate speech and child sexual abuse material, but the U.S. argued it unfairly targets American platforms and citizens. Previous disputes, including fines against Elon Musk’s X platform, have heightened tensions between Brussels and Washington over internet regulation and freedom of expression.

The visa bans also affected activists from the U.K. and Germany, with both countries expressing support and solidarity. German authorities called the bans unacceptable, noting that digital rules are determined in Europe, not Washington. British and international organizations described the U.S. actions as authoritarian and an attack on free speech, while the EU signaled it may respond decisively to what it views as a coercive measure undermining democratic norms.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Elysee Palace Silverware Keeper to Stand Trial Over Alleged Porcelain Theft

By 159 0

France’s presidential silverware keeper and two other men will stand trial over the suspected theft of valuable porcelain and tableware from the Elysee Palace, Paris prosecutors said. The presidency had reported the disappearance of items used during state dinners and official events, with the total value of the missing objects estimated between €15,000 and €40,000. The French presidency has not commented on the case so far.

Prosecutors said the silverware keeper, identified as Thomas M., and his partner Damien G. were arrested on suspicion of theft, while a third man, Ghislain M., was detained on suspicion of receiving stolen goods. Investigators found around 100 items in Thomas M.’s locker, car and home, including copper pots, Sevres porcelain and Baccarat champagne glasses. Authorities said suspicious inventory adjustments had raised internal alarms, suggesting the thefts may have been planned in advance.

Some stolen items were allegedly offered for sale online, including air force-stamped plates and ashtrays found on a resale platform. Sevres, a key supplier to the Elysee, later identified several missing pieces on auction websites, with some items since recovered. Ghislain M., who reportedly worked as a guard at the Louvre Museum, has been barred from returning to his post pending trial, which is scheduled for February.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

France Pushes to Delay EU Mercosur Trade Deal Vote Amid Farmer Protests

By 127 0

France is urging the European Union to delay a vote on ratifying the EU–Mercosur free trade agreement, citing strong opposition from farmers and recent protests across the country. The deal with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, signed a year ago but not yet ratified, aims to open new markets for European exporters facing pressure from U.S. tariffs and Chinese competition. However, French farmers fear an influx of cheaper agricultural imports produced under less stringent environmental standards.

As Europe’s largest agricultural producer, France is trying to build a blocking minority of EU member states to halt or postpone the vote in Brussels. While the European Commission has proposed safeguard measures for farmers, Paris has dismissed them as insufficient. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has called for delaying the vote until after Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s planned visit to Brazil later this month, arguing that farmers’ concerns have not been adequately addressed.

The debate has exposed divisions within the EU, with countries such as Poland, Hungary, Austria and Ireland expressing sympathy for France’s stance, while Germany and business groups warn against missing a strategic trade opportunity. Italy’s position could prove decisive, as its industrial sector supports the deal but its farming community opposes it. At home, resistance in France is being fuelled by political pressure, livestock disease outbreaks and broader discontent in rural areas, making the Mercosur agreement a highly sensitive issue.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Global Cities Tighten Hanukkah Security After Sydney Bondi Beach Attack

By 150 0

Major cities across Europe and the United States have heightened security around Hanukkah celebrations following a deadly shooting at a Jewish holiday event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Authorities in Berlin, London, New York and Warsaw increased police presence at synagogues, public menorah lightings and other Jewish sites as a precaution. The measures come amid concerns over public safety during the religious festival.

In Berlin, police intensified security around the Brandenburg Gate, where a large electric menorah was lit to mark the first night of Hanukkah, with the event also including a prayer for the victims of the Sydney attack. New York Mayor Eric Adams said additional protection was being deployed for synagogues and public celebrations across the city to ensure the Jewish community could observe the holiday safely. In Warsaw, armed security was doubled at the city’s main synagogue, while Polish police reinforced protection around diplomatic missions and places of worship.

London’s Metropolitan Police said it had stepped up patrols and community engagement, despite no indication of a direct threat linked to the Sydney incident. France also ordered stronger security around Jewish institutions during the Hanukkah period, with Interior Minister Laurent Nunez calling for increased vigilance at religious services and large public gatherings. The moves underscore broader efforts by authorities to prevent further violence following what Australian officials described as a targeted antisemitic attack.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Google Faces $129 Million Asset Freeze in France After Russian Court Rulings

By 136 0

Alphabet-owned Google is facing a temporary freeze on around €110 million ($129 million) of its assets in France after orders obtained by the administrator of its defunct Russian business. According to documents seen by Reuters, the move follows rulings issued by Russian arbitration courts between 2024 and 2025 and marks an unusual attempt by Russian authorities to pursue Western corporate assets overseas through legal channels.

The freeze targets shares linked to Google International and was requested by the judicial administrator of Google Russia. The action was executed by a French bailiff, though neither Google, its Russian administrator, nor the French government commented on the matter. A lawyer representing the Russian liquidator said a Moscow tribunal had found Google guilty of making an illegal dividend payment in 2021 worth roughly 10 billion roubles, forming the basis of the claim.

Under French law, the asset freeze is temporary and requires formal court recognition within a month to remain in effect. The Paris Judicial Court will decide whether to enforce the Russian rulings, a process that could take more than a year. Google retains the right to challenge the freeze, and if enforcement is approved, the funds could ultimately be seized to satisfy the Russian court judgments.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Marseille Gripped by Fear as Drug Wars Pull Children Into Brutal Violence

By 173 0

Marseille is facing an intense wave of drug-related violence, with children increasingly pulled into the city’s escalating gang wars. The recent murder of 15-year-old Adel—shot, burned, and left on a beach—has shocked residents and fuelled a growing sense of psychose, or collective panic. Local authorities say teenagers are being recruited, coerced, and sometimes enslaved by traffickers who now rely on younger, more expendable “little soldiers” to run the expanding €7bn drug industry.

Police have responded with aggressive crackdowns known as “security bombardments” to dismantle trafficking hotspots, but officers, prosecutors, and community leaders warn that the violence is spreading faster than it can be contained. Videos circulating on social media glamorise drug dealing and openly advertise job offers for lookouts and couriers, luring vulnerable youth with false promises of quick profits. Many, however, end up trapped, abused, or killed in clashes between rival networks such as the dominant DZ Mafia.

The crisis has sparked political battles, with far-right leaders blaming immigration and demanding a state of emergency, while critics argue that decades of poverty, neglect, and failing public services are the real drivers of the violence. Activists like Amine Kessaci, whose two brothers were murdered, say the city is enduring unprecedented brutality as the victims and perpetrators grow younger each year. Despite the fear gripping Marseille, some urge residents not to surrender to panic but to confront both the violence and the deeper social fractures fuelling it.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright