Analysis

The European Parliament and Enlargement Policy: Gatekeeper or Rubber Stamp?

The European Parliament (EP) occupies a complex and often contested place within the European Union’s (EU) enlargement process. While enlargement is formally governed by intergovernmental negotiations between the candidate state and the Council, the EP has increasingly sought to shape the debate, exercise oversight, and position itself as a meaningful

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After decades, France moves to settle the infamous Dreyfus case

After decades, France moves to settle the infamous Dreyfus case

More than a century ago, he was wrongfully convicted of treason in a case that shocked France and revealed a rising antisemitic tendency. The first step in righting the wrong was taken Monday when French parliamentarians unanimously approved a symbolic move to promote Alfred Dreyfus, the Jewish captain of the

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France points to Brexit as the cause of Channel migrant crossings

France points to Brexit as the cause of Channel migrant crossings

A prominent French lawmaker has attributed the increase of migrants travelling across the Channel in tiny boats to Britain’s decision to leave the EU. Numbers have been rising since Brexit, when Britain lost its returns agreement with the EU and had a very lax asylum policy, according to Éléonore Caroit,

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Controversial assisted dying bill wins backing in French parliament

Controversial assisted dying bill wins backing in French parliament

As calls for legal end-of-life options spread around Europe, the lower chamber of parliament in France passed a measure permitting individuals with terminal illnesses to take fatal drugs. Although more votes are needed before the measure can become law, the National Assembly vote is a significant milestone in the long-debated

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France positioned by Macron as steadfast partner for Southeast Asia

France positioned by Macron as steadfast partner for Southeast Asia

To pitch Paris and the EU as preferable commercial and security allies for a region affected by tensions between Beijing and Washington, French President Emmanuel Macron has begun a six-day journey to Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore. The effort for closer trade and security collaboration from Macron, who arrived in Vietnam

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Strengthening China-France cooperation amid rising global tensions 

Strengthening China-France cooperation amid rising global tensions 

The recent phone conversation between French President Emmanuel Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping, which Macron arranged, is not your average diplomatic exchange. It is a strategic conversation between two powerful nations amid a period of unheard-of world instability.  Their conversation highlights a larger theme: China-France ties, and therefore China-Europe

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Spain and Portugal want better power links to France after a power outage

Spain and Portugal want better power links to France after a power outage

Following a significant power outage that struck the Iberian Peninsula last month, Spain and Portugal have requested that the European Union intervene in order to push for additional power interconnectors with France, according to Reuters. Why are Spain and Portugal urging EU intervention now? France has delayed major interconnection projects

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Algeria’s growing frustration with France

Algeria’s growing frustration with France

Algeria’s Foreign Ministry threatened a retaliatory response Monday after denouncing France for its “flagrant breach” of a 2013 accord that exempted bearers of diplomatic passports from the need for a visa. The censure followed claims on Saturday that France required Algerian officials with diplomatic passports to have a visa, according

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Charles Kushner's rise as U.S. ambassador to France

Charles Kushner’s rise as U.S. ambassador to France

Charles Kushner, the father of President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and the man who was pardoned by the president following his conviction for tax fraud and witness tampering, was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Monday to serve as ambassador to France. Kushner was supported by the Senate 51

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France announces plans for high-security facility in Amazon region

France announces plans for high-security facility in Amazon region

During a visit to French Guiana, the country’s justice minister declared that France would construct a new high-security prison to accommodate radical Islamists and drug traffickers. The jail would target organized crime “at all levels” of the drug supply chain, according to Gérald Darmanin. The €400 million (£337 million) plant

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Wave of kidnappings sparks fear and outrage in France’s crypto community

Wave of kidnappings sparks fear and outrage in France’s crypto community

Crypto CEO Alexandre Aimonino takes comfort in the adjustments he has made to his daily routine after witnessing horrifying footage of a well-known French crypto boss’ daughter being abused on a Paris street after a failed kidnapping. The 23-year-old co-founder of a crypto compliance software business avoids using public transportation,

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France to invest €150M in Morocco’s South, including disputed Western Sahara

France to invest €150M in Morocco’s South, including disputed Western Sahara

France is dedicated to preserving Morocco’s sovereignty and territorial integrity over its southern Western Saharan territories. The French Development Agency (AFD) recently announced that it will be investing €150 million in Morocco‘s southern provinces, demonstrating France’s commitment to this goal. Remy Rioux, the director general of the agency, made the

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Syria’s president meets Macron amid controversy and high stakes diplomacy

Syria’s president meets Macron amid controversy and high stakes diplomacy

In his first formal trip to Europe since assuming office when Bashar al-Assad’s regime collapsed in December 2024, Syria interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa visited French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace on Wednesday night. After many horrific attacks in Syria prompted public anger, the high-stakes tour became contentious. The

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Merz and Macron aim to reignite Franco-German powerhouse in Europe

Merz and Macron aim to reignite Franco-German powerhouse in Europe

The relationship between France and Germany appears to be improving when Friedrich Merz takes over as German chancellor on May 6. Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, and Olaf Scholz, the former chancellor of Germany, never got along well, and their administrations continued to disagree on a number of important

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French authorities blame Russian-affiliated hackers for cyberattacks on Olympics

French authorities blame Russian-affiliated hackers for cyberattacks on Olympics

The French government accused a hacker collective associated with Russian military intelligence of carrying out cyberattacks against French government agencies, businesses, and the Paris Olympics during a three-year period. The 2024 Paris Olympics saw a massive spike in cyberattacks, mirroring the event’s global visibility as well as increased geopolitical tensions

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Ban on French delegations marks new low in France-Israel relations

Ban on French delegations marks new low in France-Israel relations

On Tuesday, France’s foreign ministry criticized Israel’s embassy for “unacceptable” conduct after it prohibited two French groups, including elected officials, from entering Israel, claiming that the groups were associated with a terrorist organization. The action included revoking entry visas for 27 French left-wing legislators and municipal officials mere days ahead

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France's flag tribute to Pope sparks secularism debate

France’s flag tribute to Pope sparks secularism debate

The organised tributes in France upon the death of Pope Francis have ignited controversy regarding state secularism. Secularism, known as laïcité, is central to French political existence, but it often leads to controversies and political differences over how it should apply to everyday life. From the more serious controversies, such

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