News : France24

Today

EU agrees to €90 billion loan for Ukraine, without frozen Russian assets

Europe • 7:59 AM

European leaders on Friday decided to finance Ukraine's war effort for at least two years through a joint loan of €90 billion, without resorting to Russian assets due to a lack of agreement. Kyiv was at risk of running out of money as early as the first

Read the article

Morocco defeat Jordan, claim the Arab Cup ahead of hosting AFCON

Morocco won the Arab Cup after a thrilling final against Jordan (3-2) on Thursday in Lusail, Qatar, three days before the start of the Africa Cup of Nations at home.

Read the article

Strasbourg finish top of Conference League group stage win over Breidablik

Strasbourg wrapped up the Conference League group stage with a 3-1 win over Iceland’s Breidablik, finishing unbeaten and top of their group. Liam Rosenior’s men were held for much of the match but found the breakthrough in the final ten minutes. The resu

Read the article

Live: Zelensky says EU's massive loan 'truly strengthens' Ukraine resilience

EU leaders agreed on Friday to provide a massive interest-free loan to Ukraine to meet its military and economic needs for the next two years, but they failed to bridge differences with Belgium that would have allowed them to use frozen Russian assets to

Read the article

Brown University shooting suspect found dead, police say

The man suspected of carrying out a mass shooting at Brown University that killed two people and wounded several others has been found dead, officials said on Thursday. Authorities believe the 48-year-old Portuguese national, a Brown student, was also re

Read the article

Australia announces gun buyback scheme and reflection day after Bondi shooting

Pacific Asia • 3:16 AM

Australia has announced a major gun buyback program and a national day of remembrance following the anti-Semitic shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, which left 15 people dead. On Friday, hundreds of surfers and swimmers plunged into the ocean to honour th

Read the article

TikTok signs joint venture deal to avert US ban over ownership

TikTok said on Thursday it had agreed to a joint venture with investors to keep operating in the United States, averting a potential ban tied to its Chinese ownership, US media reported. CEO Shou Chew said ByteDance approved the deal, with Oracle, Silver

Read the article

Yesterday

UN elects former Iraqi president Barham Salih to lead UNHCR

The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday approved former Iraqi president Barham Salih as the next head of the UN Refugee Agency, the first from the Middle East since the late 1970s. The 193-member body elected the 65-year-old by consensus.

Read the article

Repatriated Frenchwoman sentenced to 10 years for terrorist conspiracy

A French court on Thursday sentenced a woman repatriated from Syrian camps holding Islamic State group members to 10 years in prison for terrorist conspiracy. Carole Sun, 30, left France for Syria in 2014 and was arrested by Kurdish forces in 2017 as the

Read the article

Tren de Aragua mastermind charged in US federal court with racketeering, drug charges

An alleged leader of Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang was charged in New York with racketeering and drug and firearms offences, US officials said on Thursday. Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, 42, whose whereabouts are unknown, faces a $5 million US rew

Read the article

Viral videos question Morocco's AFCON stadiums after deadly floods

In Morocco, at least 37 people have been killed after flash floods swept through the city of Safi. Officials say it’s the country’s deadliest flooding disaster in more than a decade. Online, viral videos have since claimed that torrential rain also sever

Read the article

US announces $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, largest ever

President Donald Trump's administration has announced a massive package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $10 billion that includes medium-range missiles, howitzers and drones, drawing an angry response from China. FRANCE 24's Monte Francis spe

Read the article

US announces $11 billion arms package for Taiwan, largest ever

Pacific Asia • 9:54 PM

President Donald Trump's administration has announced a massive package of arms sales to Taiwan valued at more than $10 billion that includes medium-range missiles, howitzers and drones, drawing an angry response from China. FRANCE 24's Monte Francis spe

Read the article

EU targets 41 additional vessels in Russia's shadow fleet

The European Union on Thursday imposed sanctions on 41 more ships in Russia's shadow fleet, taking the total of designated vessels to almost 600. The EU has imposed 19 packages of sanctions against Russia so far, but Moscow has managed to adapt to most m

Read the article

Trump administration imposes sanctions on two more ICC judges for investigating Israel

The International Criminal Court slammed a "flagrant attack" on its independence on Thursday after the United States imposed sanctions on two more judges over their role in investigating Israeli officials for possible war crimes in Gaza. Israel's Prime M

Read the article

M23 says started withdrawing troops from key DR Congo city

Africa • 9:14 PM

In tonight's edition, Rwandan-backed M23 rebels say they have begun pulling out from the strategic town of Uvira in eastern DRC. Also, 11 detained Nigerian Air Force personnel have been released in Burkina Faso. And Sudanese football finds an unexpected

Read the article

Donald Trump mocks former US presidents in White House plaques

President Donald Trump has affixed partisan plaques to the portraits of all U.S. commanders in chief, himself included, on his Presidential Walk of Fame at the White House, describing Joe Biden as “sleepy,” Barack Obama as “divisive” and Ronald Reagan as

Read the article

'This night may show us whether Europe is capable of being a real leader'

Europe • 8:30 PM

As discussions on the use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine continue at the EU summit in Brussels, Ukrainian MP Lisa Yasko tells FRANCE 24 that 'this evening, this night may show us whether Europe is capable of being a real leader or fear of Russia wi

Read the article

Diplomats say EU-Mercosur treaty signing postponed to January

Europe • 8:23 PM

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen told EU leaders at a summit in Brussels that the signing of a free trade deal with South American bloc Mercosur would be postponed to January, according to officials. The European Commission wanted to have the pact to create

Read the article

Signing of EU-Mercosur trade pact postponed, Von der Leyen tells EU leaders

Read the article

Decision time in Brussels: Will EU ignore threats and seize frozen Russian assets?

Europe • 7:21 PM

Some brand it "the most crucial EU summit" since the financial crisis of 2008; a last chance to stave off bankruptcy for a Ukrainian government that might run out of money by the end of spring.

Read the article

Nigerians call for government action against worsening insecurity

Hundreds of members of Nigeria's main labour union take to the streets, demanding urgent government action against worsening insecurity, including kidnappings and killings that they say affects their safety and livelihoods. Also, Sierra Leone declares it

Read the article

EU-Mercosur trade deal signing postponed as France and Italy seek more safeguards

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen told EU leaders at a summit in Brussels that the signing of a free trade deal with South American bloc Mercosur would be postponed to January, diplomatic sources said, amid French-led opposition to the mammo

Read the article

A decade on, Greek island of Lesbos remains symbol of Europe's migration crisis

For more than a decade, the Greek island of Lesbos has been a symbol of Europe's migration crisis. Located close to Turkey, the island was a major entry point to the European Union back in 2015. But since then, arrivals have sharply decreased as Europe h

Read the article

Christmas ornaments: Did the French invent them?

🎄 Once upon a time, people would use apples and other fruits to decorate their #Christmas trees. So how did we end up with glass balls? Turns out a French glassblower might have had something to do with it…

Read the article

Fake French coup videos go viral, traced to Burkinabé student

Earlier this week, several AI-generated videos claiming a coup d’état in France were posted on Facebook. The fake clips quickly went viral, prompting outrage from the Élysée Palace. An investigation by Le Monde revealed that a young Burkinabé student, ea

Read the article

Oscars to stream on YouTube from 2029

Culture • 4:59 PM

From 2029, the Oscars will no longer air on US network television but will stream worldwide on YouTube, ending ABC’s decades-long broadcast. The Academy says the move reflects its global audience, as falling TV ratings and the rise of streaming continue

Read the article

India: Officials dismiss Delhi’s air crisis

Recent remarks about pollution from two Indian officials have increased frustration among residents who say policymakers are unwilling to acknowledge the severity of India's air quality crisis.

Read the article

Bianca Costa: 'I went partying with Neymar'

Culture • 4:51 PM

🇧🇷🇫🇷From Rio to Paris, @BiancaCosta is blending bossa nova and rap into her own sound, the bossa trap. The result? 50 million streams worldwide 🌍 Now 26, she’s releasing her debut album, “Gringa”, Portuguese for “the foreigner”. Speaking with FRANCE

Read the article

Police search French culture minister's home and offices in corruption probe

French police searched Culture Minister Rachida Dati's private home and offices on Thursday as part of a corruption investigation involving her European Parliament mandate, the French Financial Prosecutor has said. Dati, who is running for mayor of Paris

Read the article

US artist Mickalene Thomas dazzles at Paris's Grand Palais

FRANCE 24's Charli James previews the new exhibit "All About Love" at the Grand Palais in Paris, which is celebrating the superstar American artist Mickalene Thomas. It spans 20 years of her striking, multi-disciplinary work that rewrites the role of Bla

Read the article

Nigerians protest against insecurity

Africa • 4:32 PM

Hundreds of Nigerians took to the streets this week to protest against worsening insecurity across the country, including kidnappings, armed robbery and violent crime. Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) marched in cities such as Lagos and Abuja

Read the article

Son of Hong Kong activist Jimmy Lai denounces political persecution

Pacific Asia • 4:26 PM

Foreign ministers from the G7 on December 17 condemned the prosecution of Hong Kong journalist and media entrepreneur Jimmy Lai, who was found guilty of collusion with foreign forces this week. His son, Sebastien Lai, told FRANCE 24 that his father is be

Read the article

Ghana sends troops to aid hurricane-hit Jamaica

Africa • 4:23 PM

Ghana has sent a military contingent to assist with reconstruction and relief efforts in hurricane-hit Jamaica, following the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa over a month ago. This marks the third time this year that Ghana has extended support to

Read the article

All you need to know about bûche de Noël, the traditional French Christmas dessert

One of the highlights of the Christmas season here in France is the food. The main feast usually happens on Christmas Eve and the traditional dessert is the incredible Yule log or bûche de Noël. More than eight million Yule logs are sold in France every

Read the article

Ukraine: Kharkiv tries to give its youngest a normal life

Europe • 4:09 PM

Only forty kilometres away from Russia, the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv is a regular target of Russian air attacks. Still, it tries to give its children and teenagers a somewhat normal life. #ukraine #ukrainewar #russia

Read the article

More than 1,000 civilians killed when Sudan paramilitary group seized Zamzam camp, UN says

Africa • 4:02 PM

More than 1,000 civilians were killed when Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces took over the famine-stricken displacement camp of Zamzam in Sudan's Darfur in April, according to a UN report published on Thursday. About a third of the victims were s

Read the article

Are Trump, the Gulf states and Russia meddling in Italy's top newspapers change of ownership?

Two of Italy’s top newspapers, La Repubblica and La Stampa, are likely to be sold to Greek media tycoon Theodore Kyriakou, whose political and business links abroad have sparked concern over editorial independence. The proposed sale, which involves forei

Read the article

‘Ukraine needs this money’ : Zelensky is in Brussels for talks on Russian assets

Europe • 3:37 PM

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was in Brussels for a key European Union summit, where EU leaders faced a critical decision on the use of frozen Russian assets. Zelensky urged the bloc to release the funds to support Ukraine, warning that without

Read the article

Massive farmers protests in Brussels over EU regulations

Europe • 3:35 PM

On the sidelines of the European summit, hundreds of farmers are gathering in Brussels, blocking parts of the Belgian capital to protest against EU regulations and the signing of a Mercosur trade deal, which they call unfair competition for European farm

Read the article

For the Brazilian President, signing the Mercosur-EU deal is 'now or never'

Europe • 3:33 PM

As Europe hesitates over the Mercosur agreement, Brazilian President Lula has shown signs of frustration with a deal '37 years in the making'. He warned it was 'now or never' to sign, saying there would be no further opportunities during his term in offi

Read the article

EU leaders urge swift decision on frozen Russian funds for Ukraine

EU leaders are split in Brussels over using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine. Poland backs urgent action, while Belgium resists over legal and financial risks. Ukraine is pressing for a decision by year’s end.

Read the article

Excitement grows in Morocco ahead of Africa Cup of Nations

Morocco is putting the finishing touches on preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations, which starts on December 21 and runs until January 18. With venues ready across six cities, the football tournament is seen as a showcase of Morocco’s sporting ambiti

Read the article

Australia mourns youngest Bondi victim as government acts on antisemitism

Australia is tightening hate speech laws after the Bondi Beach Hanukkah massacre, which killed 10-year-old Matilda and others. PM Anthony Albanese announced tougher penalties, easier prosecution of hate crimes, blacklisting extremist groups, visa restric

Read the article

Farmers take Brussels to protest Mercosur deal and EU rules

Thousands of French and Belgian farmers converged on Brussels in protest, expressing frustration over EU regulations, struggling livelihoods, and the Mercosur trade deal, which they fear will disadvantage European agriculture. Anger has also been fueled

Read the article

US Trump Christmas speech draws criticism over inflation claims

President Trump delivered a pre-recorded Christmas address highlighting his first year back in office, focusing on economic achievements, immigration, and tariffs, while criticizing the previous administration. He promised an economic boom and announced

Read the article

Brussels: Farmers block roads to protest EU-Mercosur trade deal

Farmers, particularly in France, worry the Mercosur deal, which will be discussed at the EU leaders meeting, will see them undercut by a flow of cheaper goods from agricultural giant Brazil and its neighbours.

Read the article

France marks International Migrants Day amid growing pressure on migrant workers

On International Migrants Day, hundreds of groups across France are mobilizing to highlight migrants’ contributions and struggles as immigration rules tighten and expulsions rise. Migrant workers remain vital to sectors like restaurants and construction,

Read the article

UK to rejoins EU's Erasmus exchange program

Britain and the European Union agreed on December 17, 2025 to allow UK students to rejoin the bloc's popular student exchange programme Erasmus+ from 2027, a small but symbolic sign of improved relations after Brexit.

Read the article

Brazil Congress passes bill to cut Bolsonaro prison term

Brazil’s Senate passed a bill that could drastically reduce former President Jair Bolsonaro’s 27-year prison sentence for plotting a coup, potentially cutting his time behind bars to just over two years. The bill, already approved by the lower chamber, n

Read the article

EU kicks off crunch summit on Russian asset plan for Ukraine

Europe • 1:33 PM

EU leaders kicked off a make-or-break summit Thursday on using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine, with key player Belgium under pressure to drop its opposition. The 27 nation bloc is scrambling to bolster its ally Ukraine, as US President Donald Trum

Read the article

Donald Trump delivers year-end address, deflects blame for economic difficulties

President Trump delivered a prime-time address blaming Democrats and Joe Biden for economic struggles while promising an eventual economic boom. He announced a one-time bonus check for U.S. troops tied to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, in a speech

Read the article