FRANCE 24 explores events across Europe, including in the 27 member states of the European Union and the United Kingdom. Follow our on-the-ground reports, interviews and analyses of the events affecting social and political life on the Continent and Europe’s role in the world.
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Russia and Ukraine exchange more than 300 POWs in UAE-brokered deal
30 December 2024
In a deal mediated by the United Arab Emirates, Moscow and Kyiv on Monday exchanged captive soldiers, with more than 300 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers returning home ahead of New Year's Eve.
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Anger in Germany over Elon Musk’s support for far-right AfD party
30 December 2024
US tech billionaire Elon Musk has provoked anger in Germany with his praise of far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD), which the government has characterised as an attempt to influence the upcoming parliamentary election. Musk penned an opinion piece in a German paper on Sunday in support of the party, following an earlier post on X.
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Turkish foreign minister calls for improved ties with EU
30 December 2024
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called for improved ties with the European Union, saying after the visit to Ankara of EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen that he believed there was a desire on both sides to restart a high-level political dialogue between Turkey and the bloc. Fidan added that it was time to get back to a more fruitful relationship after years of tensions, calling for a return to a "pre-Sarkozy" era – a reference to former French president Nicolas Sarkozy, in power from 2007 to 2012, who firmly opposed Turkey's membership of the EU.
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French PM visits Mayotte after Cyclone Chido destruction
30 December 2024
French Prime Minister François Bayrou arrived in Mayotte on Monday accompanied by a large delegation including education minister Elisabeth Borne and Manuel Valls, the new overseas territories minister. They have vowed to bring help to the island and promised "concrete action". For Inés Alma, a journalist based in Mayotte, "it is more about action than words." Alma added that: "Bayrou visiting for less than 24 hours is not what can change [things]."
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Activists demand 'concrete measures' to rebuild Mayotte after deadly cyclone
30 December 2024
French Prime Minister François Bayrou arrived in Mayotte on Monday, vowing to bring help to the Indian Ocean territory ravaged by a cyclone. "[The French state] needs to take its responsibility," said Mayotte activist Syviane Amavie, who is demanding "concrete measures" to rebuild the ravaged island. Locals are enraged by the slow pace of aid and delays in the arrival of clean water, a flashpoint even before the disaster struck.
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Retrospective: The top 10 news stories that defined 2024
30 December 2024
From the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny to former US president Donald Trump’s return to the abrupt collapse of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad’s regime, FRANCE 24 looks back at the key events that defined 2024.
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French PM Bayrou pledges 'concrete' aid to Mayotte after deadly cyclone
30 December 2024
French Prime Minister François Bayrou arrived in Mayotte on Monday as part of a large delegation of ministers vowing to bring aid to the overseas territory after a devastating cyclone killed at least 39 and left thousands injured. Bayrou said he will announce an aid plan on Monday night "that will pave the way".
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Dominique Pelicot will not appeal his conviction in French mass rape case
30 December 2024
The ex-husband of Gisèle Pelicot, who was given a 20-year prison sentence for orchestrating mass rapes of his wife for over a decade will not appeal his conviction, his lawyer said Monday. At least 17 of the other men found guilty alongside Dominique Pelicot have appealed their convictions.
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Croatian President Zoran Milanovic looks set for reelection but fails to avoid run-off
30 December 2024
Croatia's President Zoran Milanovic will face conservative rival Dragan Primorac in an election run-off in two weeks' time after the incumbent narrowly missed out an outright victory on Sunday, official results showed.
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Azerbaijan's president says Russia unintentionally shot down crashed jetliner
29 December 2024
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev said that Russia unintentionally shot down an Azerbaijani Airlines flight that crashed in Kazakhstan on Wednesday, killing 38 people. Aliyev on Sunday called for Russia to admit guilt and pay compensation for the incident.
