As Europe faces unprecedented geopolitical headwinds, from the Ukraine war to Donald Trump’s designs on Greenland, we speak to the EU Commissioner in charge of the economy, productivity, and simplification: Valdis Dombrovskis. A former prime minister of Latvia, Dombrovskis is very much a Brussels insider, serving in various high-profile roles in the EU Commission since 2016, […]
Continue ReadingOn January 1, Bulgaria officially joined the eurozone, becoming the 21st country to join the European single currency. Sofia’s adoption of the euro brings hope of major economic benefits, but it also comes at a moment of deep political polarisation and mass anti-corruption protests, which culminated in the resignation of both the country’s government and president.
Continue ReadingWith an ever-increasing range, lightweight drones are a danger to soldiers and civilians alike anywhere near the frontlines in Ukraine. They can either act as kamikaze weapons in themselves, or drop small bombs and mines. In the southern city of Kherson alone at least 200 civilians have been killed in such attacks. To help defend […]
Continue ReadingUkraine waited for signs on January 30 that Russia is abiding by a commitment that Donald Trump said he made to temporarily halt attacks on Ukraine’s power grid, as Kyiv and other regions are gripped by one of the most bitter winters in years. Russia suggested it would agree to the request; but scepticism remains. […]
Continue ReadingThe sale of French military supplier LMB Aerospace to an American company has ignited controversy in France and drawn criticism from across the political spectrum as the relationship between the US and EU nationals continues to come under increased scrutiny. The minister of Economy Roland Lescure confirmed the government would take a controlling stake in […]
Continue ReadingRussian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to stop striking Kyiv until Sunday following a request by US President Donald Trump, the Kremlin said Friday. Relentless strikes on Ukraine’s energy grid have left whole districts of the capital without heating, with temperatures expected to plunge to around -30C in the coming days.
Continue ReadingTransylvania isn’t only about Dracula and his castle – although another country’s leader has been trying to establish a rather vampiric hold on it. This region of Romania is home to one of the biggest ethnically-Hungarian communities in Europe, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has attempted to influence it for votes. In this new […]
Continue ReadingRussia has stepped up its strikes against Ukraine’s power and heating infrastructure, plunging residents into darkness and cold as temperatures have dropped as low as -20C. The EU is looking to step up support for Ukraine’s power grid and is preparing a new round of sanctions on Moscow for the fourth anniversary of its invasion […]
Continue ReadingAt the beginning of 2026, Bulgaria joined the Eurozone. It is a historic shift that comes at a moment of deep polarisation in the country and mass anti-corruption protests. They culminated in the resignation of its government and its president. FRANCE 24’s Elitsa Gadeva and Juliette Prudhomme were on the ground during that first week […]
Continue ReadingPortugal was hit hard by a particularly violent storm that has left a trail of destruction and at least 4 dead across Portugal on January 28. Lisbon and the centre of the country were hardest hit. All services remained suspended on several lines, several schools remained closed and almost 450,000 customers were still without power […]
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