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Inquiry Reveals Louvre Heist Succeeded Due to 30-Second Security Lapse

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A French culture ministry inquiry has found that the burglars who stole France’s crown jewels from the Louvre in October gained a crucial 30-second advantage due to security lapses at the museum. The four thieves, who escaped with jewels worth $102 million, exploited delays in surveillance footage and weaknesses in the museum’s infrastructure, including a fragile window in the Apollo gallery. The heist has raised questions about how such vulnerabilities existed at the world’s most visited museum.

Investigators concluded that delayed access to live camera feeds and limited monitoring capabilities slowed both museum security and police response. According to Noel Corbin, chief of general inspection of cultural affairs, even a slightly faster alert or a more resistant window could have prevented the burglars’ escape. The report highlighted that security staff were unable to view certain camera images in real time due to insufficient screens and a lack of exterior surveillance coverage.

The Louvre, employing about 2,200 staff and hosting nearly 9 million visitors annually, operates with the complexity of a small city, making rapid coordination essential. The inquiry underscores the need for upgraded systems and improved communication channels within the museum’s sprawling security network. The stolen crown jewels remain missing, and the incident has renewed urgency around reinforcing protection for France’s cultural treasures.

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Huawei Reconsiders Future of Its New French Factory Amid Europe’s Tougher Stance

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Huawei is reassessing the future of its newly completed manufacturing plant in eastern France as slow 5G deployment and growing restrictions on Chinese telecom equipment reshape its European plans. The €200 million facility near Strasbourg, finished in September, remains unused, with officials and executives suggesting the company is undecided about proceeding. The plant was meant to produce wireless base-station equipment and create up to 500 jobs, marking Huawei’s first manufacturing site in Europe.

Europe’s political climate has shifted significantly since the project was announced, with several governments toughening their stance on Chinese technology. Germany recently moved to ban Chinese components from future 6G networks, while broader EU measures aim to phase out Chinese telecom equipment. These developments, combined with sluggish 5G uptake, have placed Huawei in a difficult strategic position. Local authorities also cancelled a previously agreed €800,000 subsidy due to persistent uncertainty around the project’s future.

Sources say Huawei is considering “all options,” including selling the 52,000-square-metre site, with industrial groups already touring the facility. Security concerns and policy shifts have slowed the company’s ambitions in Europe despite its 35–40% market share in 4G and 5G equipment. While its European prospects dim, Huawei is experiencing strong growth in other sectors such as smartphones and smart-driving technology, prompting analysts to suggest the company may redirect resources where demand is rising fastest.

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France Passes Social Security Budget by Razor-Thin Margin

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French lawmakers approved the 2026 social security budget in a tense vote, offering Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu a short-term political victory but exposing deep fractures within the government. The bill passed by just 13 votes, emphasizing the fragile state of a parliament where no party holds a majority.

To secure Socialist support, Lecornu agreed to delay President Emmanuel Macron’s controversial 2023 pension reform until after the 2027 election. While the move ensured funding for healthcare, pensions and welfare, it triggered backlash from centrist and conservative allies who say the concessions are too costly and could push the country towards greater financial strain. The approved plan still leaves France facing a social security deficit near €20 billion, a system that represents more than 40% of public spending.

Despite the narrow win, tougher battles loom ahead as lawmakers prepare to vote on the broader state budget later this month. The government aims to cut the national deficit to below 5% of GDP, but with growing political hostility and no clear majority, another crisis remains likely. Recent budget disputes have already toppled multiple governments since Macron’s election setback last year.

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Macron Stresses Need for U.S.–Europe Unity on Ukraine

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French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed that unity between Europe and the United States remains crucial in supporting Ukraine. Speaking during a visit to China, Macron dismissed suggestions that he had questioned Washington’s commitment to Kyiv, insisting there was “no mistrust” and underscoring that transatlantic cooperation is vital on the issue.

Macron welcomed the peace efforts led by the U.S. but highlighted that Europe must play a leading role alongside Washington. He noted that the United States “needs Europeans to lead these peace efforts,” reinforcing his stance that a collaborative approach is required to secure a sustainable resolution to the conflict.

The comments followed a report published by Germany’s Spiegel, alleging that Macron and German Chancellor Scholz were skeptical of U.S. diplomatic efforts. Macron strongly denied the claims, stating that an enduring peace would only be possible through joint efforts by Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia and Japan. “There is no scenario,” he said, “where peace in Ukraine is achieved without shared responsibility.”

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Louvre to Increase Ticket Prices for Non-EU Tourists After Security Failures

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The Louvre Museum in Paris will raise ticket prices by 45% for most non-EU tourists starting 14 January, increasing the standard entry cost to €32. Visitors from countries such as the US, UK, and China will be affected, with guided group visitors paying €28. The measure aims to generate €15m–€20m annually to support major upgrades, including modernisation and improved visitor facilities.

The decision follows growing concerns over the museum’s outdated security and infrastructure, highlighted after a €102m jewellery heist in October that exposed serious vulnerabilities. An official audit revealed insufficient maintenance investment, despite the museum heavily prioritising art acquisitions in recent years.

With nearly 9 million visitors last year—many rushing to the Mona Lisa—crowding and long queues have long been a challenge. President Emmanuel Macron has backed plans to revamp the museum, move the Mona Lisa to a new space, and expand amenities such as restrooms and restaurants. Renovations will continue alongside closures of ageing sections, including a gallery of Greek ceramics flagged for structural issues.

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Macron Launches Voluntary Youth Military Service Amid Rising Global Threats

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French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday a new voluntary youth military service set to begin by mid-2026, aiming to strengthen the nation’s defense in the face of “accelerating threats” worldwide. Open to 18- and 19-year-olds, the program will last 10 months, offer pay, and initially engage 3,000 participants on French soil, expanding to 10,000 by 2030. The initiative is part of a broader European trend, aligning France with countries like Germany and Denmark, and will cost an estimated 2 billion euros ($2.32 billion).

Macron emphasized that the program is not a return to conscription, which was abolished by Jacques Chirac in 1996, but rather a “hybrid army model” combining national service youth, reservists, and the active military. Participants could integrate into civilian life, continue as reservists, or join the armed forces full-time. France also plans to expand its pool of reservists to 100,000 by 2030, up from around 47,000 today, with total military strength reaching approximately 210,000.

The announcement comes amid controversy sparked by comments from General Fabien Mandon, France’s armed forces chief, who suggested that France may need to endure losses in the face of Russian aggression. Macron clarified that the youth program would not involve sending French volunteers to Ukraine, while political figures defended Mandon’s blunt remarks as a necessary warning to the public.

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French PM Urges Lawmakers to End Budget Standoff and Pass 2026 Bill

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French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has pressed lawmakers to pass the 2026 national budget before the end of the year, following the lower house’s rejection of key tax provisions. The bill now moves to the Senate, where a review will begin immediately, amid rising political tensions within France’s fragmented parliament.

Lecornu said there is still time to reach consensus and called on opposition groups to avoid blocking the legislative process. With President Emmanuel Macron’s minority government facing intense pressure from both the far right and far left, any setback could trigger a no-confidence vote that may topple the prime minister. He said he would meet party leaders in the coming days to negotiate a compromise.

Once the Senate debates the proposal, a joint committee will attempt to reconcile differences between the two chambers before a final vote in the lower house. Lecornu stressed that the government is determined to keep next year’s deficit below 5% of GDP, despite major revisions expected to the initial plan, which includes over €30 billion in deficit reduction primarily through spending cuts and selective tax increases.

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France Nears First Food Trade Deficit in Nearly 50 Years Amid Export Pressures

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France is on the verge of recording its first annual food and agricultural trade deficit in almost five decades, driven by new foreign tariffs on wine exports and soaring global prices for cocoa and coffee. The country, long considered an agri-food export powerhouse thanks to the EU’s largest farming base, has seen its competitiveness steadily erode amid intensifying global and intra-EU competition. The decline has fueled strong opposition among farmers toward trade agreements like the proposed pact with the Mercosur bloc.

Customs data from the French Agriculture Ministry shows a cumulative deficit of 351 million euros for January to September 2025, following last year’s sharp surplus drop to its lowest level since the 1980s. Despite a significantly stronger harvest this year boosting cereal exports, the sector still posted a trade deficit in September. Analysts warn that temporary challenges, including tariffs from the U.S. and China and a spike in import costs for cocoa and coffee, are only part of the picture.

Industry leaders say deeper structural issues—such as high production costs, regulatory burdens, and slower global marketing efforts compared to competitors like Spain and Italy—have further weakened France’s trade position. As France grapples with these pressures, agricultural organisations argue for urgent reforms to revive competitiveness and rebuild the country’s historic strength in global food trade.

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Ukraine to Receive US LNG via Greece as Winter Energy Pressures Mount

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Ukraine will begin importing US liquefied natural gas through Greece this winter, using the Trans-Balkan pipeline to help stabilise its energy supply amidst ongoing Russian attacks. The announcement followed a meeting in Athens between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who emphasised Greece’s growing role in supplying American LNG to reduce regional dependence on Russian gas.

Zelensky said the first deliveries are expected in January, noting that Ukraine urgently needs external supplies to offset the damage inflicted on its domestic gas infrastructure. Kyiv has allocated close to €2bn—backed by European Commission guarantees and bank financing—to secure gas imports through March. The deal comes as the EU pushes toward a complete halt of Russian gas imports by 2027.

During his European tour, Zelensky also met French President Emmanuel Macron and signed a letter of intent for Ukraine to potentially acquire up to 100 Rafale fighter jets, along with air defence and radar systems. The visit highlighted Ukraine’s dual battlefronts—strengthening its military capabilities while preparing for a harsh winter as Russia intensifies attacks on energy facilities and multiple regions report continued casualties.

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Zelenskyy Set to Seal Major Air Defence and Warplane Deals in France

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Paris to finalise major defence agreements with France, aiming to boost Ukraine’s long-term air defence and aviation capabilities amid intensified Russian attacks. Speaking ahead of the visit, Zelenskyy said a “historic agreement” would be signed on Monday, covering combat aviation, air defence systems and other military support. The visit comes as Russia increases drone and missile strikes while reporting ground advances in the Zaporizhzhia region.

According to sources, France is preparing a 10-year strategic aviation agreement that could include the provision of Rafale multi-role fighter jets, supplementing Ukraine’s future fleet alongside U.S. F-16s and Sweden’s Gripen aircraft. Paris is also expected to announce additional SAMP/T air-defence systems and Aster 30 missiles, with some deliveries drawn from French stocks and others through long-term orders. Macron had already pledged more Mirage jets and new missile batches, though questions remain over how the expanded assistance will be financed.

Zelenskyy is set to meet defence manufacturers including Dassault before signing letters of intent and contracts. A separate forum will bring together Ukrainian and French drone-sector companies to deepen cooperation. French officials say the goal is to align the country’s defence industry with Ukraine’s needs and strengthen its capacity to counter Russian aggression. France and Britain continue to push for forming a coalition of nations prepared to deploy troops and assets to Ukraine or its borders once a peace deal is reached.

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