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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EU needs 'new markets' and 'trade agreements': Commission Executive Vice-President Séjourné
23 May 2025
We speak to French EU Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné, a close associate of President Macron, and one of the Commission’s six Executive Vice-Presidents. He in in charge of a key portfolio: Prosperity and Industrial Strategy. Before his appointment to the post he was France’s foreign minister, an MEP, and leader of the centrist Renew group in the European Parliament. On May 21, Stéphane Séjourné presented a strategy for boosting the EU’s single market, something that he argues is critical for growth and prosperity in the European Union.
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Crucial elections in Poland and Romania: A populist backlash in Eastern Europe?
23 May 2025
Many EU leaders were undoubtedly relieved when the result of the Romanian presidential election was announced on the night of May 18. Nicusor Dan, who had campaigned on a platform of pro-Western stability, defeated the firebrand populist and Eurosceptic George Simion. Indeed, Dan achieved a stunning reversal, after heavily losing the first round. But Simion still won more than five million votes, or around 46 percent, which highlighted a deep fracture in Romanian society.
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Russia and Ukraine begin first stage of large-scale prisoner swap
23 May 2025
Ukraine and Russia began a major prisoner exchange Friday, as both sides received 390 people in the first stage in what, if completed, would be the biggest swap since Moscow invaded Ukraine more than three years ago. The process, set to last 3 days, will free 1000 prisoners in total on each side.
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Farmers' fears for crops as worst drought in decades hits northern Europe
23 May 2025
Farmers in parts of northern Europe are worried for their crops amid the worst drought in decades. Unusually dry weather this spring has already delayed crops such as wheat and corn that would normally already have sprouted.
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Germany's Merz inaugurates new brigade in Lithuania, saying Russia 'is a threat to us all'
22 May 2025
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Thursday inaugurated a historic new brigade in Lithuania, saying that Germany and its NATO partners are prepared to defend "every inch" of the alliance's territory. The thousands-strong brigade is part of European efforts to strengthen the region's defences in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
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Italy's high court rules both same-sex mothers can be named on birth certificates
22 May 2025
Italy's highest court ruled Thursday that women in same-sex couples who become mothers through IVF both have the right to be recognised on the birth certificate. Previously, some cities recognised only the biological parent, leaving non-biological mothers at risk of losing access to their children if their partner died or the relationship broke down.
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UK agrees to hand sovereignty of disputed Chagos Islands to Mauritius
22 May 2025
Britain on Thursday agreed to transfer sovereignty of the strategically located Chagos Islands to Mauritius, resolving a long-standing colonial-era dispute. The Indian Ocean archipelago is home to an important naval and bomber base on the largest of the islands, Diego Garcia, operated by US forces and crucial for British counterterrorism and intelligence.
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Net migration to the UK halves in 2024 after fewer study and work visas issued
22 May 2025
Net migration to the UK fell by nearly half in 2024, official figures revealed Thursday, driven by a drop in work and study visas. Earlier this month, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced new measures to further curb long-term immigration.
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Père-Lachaise or bust: Four decades later, stolen Jim Morrison relic recovered on the other side
22 May 2025
Police have found a bust of Jim Morrison that was stolen nearly four decades ago from the Paris grave that has long been a place of pilgrimage for fans of the legendary Doors singer and poet. The bust taken in 1988 from Père-Lachaise cemetery was found during an unrelated investigation conducted by a financial anti-corruption unit, Paris police said in an Instagram post Monday. For deeper insight, François Picard is pleased to welcome Anaïs Grateau, Head Librarian of the Henry Clay Frick Fine Arts Library at the University of Pittsburgh Library System (ULS).
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More drones intercepted over Russian capital, flights disrupted
22 May 2025
Russia said it intercepted more drones heading towards Moscow early Thursday. The attacks came a day after over two dozen drones were launched at the Russian capital. Both Moscow and Kyiv have deployed drones in the conflict.
