Browsing: Paris

The new academic year in France commenced on Tuesday, introducing significant measures including a mobile phone ban in schools and a revised bullying questionnaire incorporating sexual violence queries. Education Minister Édouard Geffray announced around 10 million pupils will participate, with findings expected to highlight serious issues in child safety.

Former French Prime Minister Edouard Balladur has died at 97, announced by his family. Balladur, who served from 1993 to 1995, was honoured by President Emmanuel Macron and PM Sebastien Lecornu as a devoted public servant and reformist statesman, marking his significant impact on French politics.

Saudi Arabia will invest €6 billion to develop three theme parks near Paris, as announced by French President Emmanuel Macron. The project, confirmed during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit, aims to create 22,000 jobs and establish a new global tourist destination in Cergy-Pontoise.

French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for a two-day visit, addressing key topics including the war in the Middle East and economic partnerships. Agreements on health, transport, and energy are expected, highlighting the strengthening ties between France and Saudi Arabia.

French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed on Saturday that France will supply Kyiv with new interceptor missiles after a significant Russian drone attack on Kryvyi Rih, which killed at least 16 people. Macron expressed urgency in enhancing Ukraine’s air defence capabilities amidst ongoing aggression from Russia.

Millions across Europe, particularly in France, Italy, Spain, and the UK, faced extreme heat as temperatures exceeded 35C on Thursday. With parts of France reaching 42C and the UK recording the year’s highest day, concerns grow over climate change’s role in escalating heatwaves and their impacts on health and wildfires.

Spain experienced its first total solar eclipse in over a century on Wednesday, transforming day into night for a brief period. Crowds gathered across the country to witness the spectacle, as the lunar shadow journeyed from the northern coast to the Balearic Islands, captivating onlookers with the Sun’s shimmering corona.

A significant rescue operation occurred on Tuesday, aiding over 170 migrants attempting to cross from France to the UK. The inflatable boat’s engine caught fire, necessitating immediate rescue actions from French and British authorities. All individuals were safely brought to Boulogne-sur-Mer for medical assistance.

Brighton & Hove Pride 2026 commenced today, featuring a parade from Hove Lawns to Preston Park, attracting hundreds of thousands. The two-day event includes a concert with over 150 LGBTQ+ performers, and organisers encourage attendees to use public transport due to road closures and large crowds.

Around 6,000 members of Italy’s armed forces and security services marched in Rome, demanding higher pay and improved pensions. The rally, organised by defence unions, followed the government’s recent collective agreement, which many unions rejected for not adequately addressing their concerns, resulting in calls for further reforms and protections.