Year: 2026

Florent Montaclair, a professor of language science, faces criminal charges including forgery and fraud as a Montbéliard investigation scrutinises his alleged fabricated academic credentials. His fictitious organisation, claiming prestigious awards, has been exposed, leading to his expulsion from Marie & Louis Pasteur University.

EU negotiators are under pressure as they enter critical trade talks with the US, amidst heightened tariff threats from President Donald Trump. German MEP Bernd Lange and the Cypriot EU presidency strive to finalise a summer deal, yet internal divisions complicate the process, raising uncertainties for European businesses.

Catalan Minister Jaume Duch praised Madrid’s diplomatic stance, asserting Spain’s early criticism of US actions, particularly regarding Iran, demonstrates its leadership within Europe. Duch emphasised the necessity for closer ties between regional governments and EU institutions to address local challenges more effectively, supporting greater autonomy for Catalonia.