About: France
Lavender farmer explains legal case against EU climate policy
A lavender farmer and 10 other families decided to sue the European Union for failing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions back in May. Now, the fragrant-flower farmer explains the rationale behind the landmark case. EURACTIV.fr reports.
European Parliament wants to put an end to the solidarity offence in Europe
Only eight EU member states have banned the solidarity offence from their national laws. This offence is often used to prosecute citizens and organisations assisting migrants. EURACTIV.fr reports.
France’s contradictory climate ambitions
While French President Emmanuel Macron fights the corner of climate diplomacy, actions carried out by the French government led by Edouard Philippe mainly defend industrial interests. EURACTIV.fr reports.
EU puts ‘North Macedonia’ and Albania on hold until the European elections
The European Union agreed a compromise on Tuesday (26 June) whereby it would open negotiations to join the bloc with Albania and Macedonia in June next year, provided a string of conditions on rule of law, crime and corruption are met.
Bulgaria under fire for ill-treatment of asylum-seekers
French lawyers will file a complaint against Bulgaria and ask the European Commission to start an infringement procedure for inhumane treatment of asylum seekers by the country’s authorities, the Green/EFA group announced on Tuesday (26 June).
School canteens find it difficult to be supplied with local products
Local farmers are increasingly sought after by catering establishments, which want to improve their food supply and enhance local production. However, public procurement rules hinder their plans. EURACTIV.fr reports.
Macron warns of populism ‘leprosy’, Italy hits back
French President Emmanuel Macron said yesterday (21 June) populism was spreading across Europe like a disease that Europeans should fight more vigorously instead of criticising the actions of pro-European governments like his.
Half of Aquarius migrants seek asylum in France
Almost half of the 630 migrants that were rescued from the Mediterranean and arrived in Spain's port of Valencia at the weekend want to seek asylum in France, the Spanish government said yesterday (18 June).
Europe and refugees causes rift among the French right
The theme of Europe and refugees is the main cause for division in the French conservative party Les Républicains. The leader of the party has dismissed its vice-president Virginie Calmels, who accused him of “defending his own ideas”. EURACTIV.fr reports.
France takes the lead on conflict prevention
While armed conflicts are on the rise around the world, Paris launched a new strategy for prevention, resilience and sustainable peace in developing countries, on 13 June. EURACTIV.fr reports.
Italian PM Conte slams French ‘hypocrisy’ in migrant convoy clash
Italy forged ahead with plans to send hundreds of migrants to Spain in a small naval convoy on Tuesday (12 June) after shutting its own ports to them, sparking a war of words with France that exposed EU tensions over immigration.
Does France take its fair share of migrants?
France is the third European country in terms of asylum applications received but is only 26th out of 28 when it comes to acceptance rate. EURACTIV.fr reports.
Germany, France voice cautious hope on reviving Ukraine peace process
Germany and France voiced cautious optimism Monday that Russia and Ukraine will take steps to revive the long-stalled peace process in the smouldering Ukraine war that has claimed 10,000 lives.
French farmers start refinery blockade over palm oil imports
French farmers began a blockade of oil refineries and fuel depots on Sunday evening (10 June) over plans by Total to use imported palm oil at a biofuel plant, which have fanned farmer discontent over unfair competition.
Fake news law on the back-burner in France
The debate on the controversial draft law on “fake news” is set to continue in France but the law will not be adopted before July. Meanwhile, Brussels refuses to legislate this sensitive subject. EURACTIV.fr reports.
French aid lags behind on gender equality
Despite France’s commitments it is struggling to get its aid to the poorest countries as well as for gender-equality programmes, according to an assessment by the OECD. EURACTIV.fr reports.
France tells Germany ‘it’s now or never’ to save the EU
France called today (8 June) for more ambition from Germany in reforming the euro zone, saying Europe faced a "now or never" moment with rising external threats from the United States and China.
UN seeks ‘immediate’ heavy arms pullout in Eastern Ukraine
The UN Security Council condemned yesterday (6 June) "continuous violations of the ceasefire" in Ukraine's east and called for an immediate withdrawal of heavy weapons.
France to intensify efforts to end Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
France plans to intensify efforts to find a solution to the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has said.
French law zooms in on solidarity offence
Helping illegal migrants can come at a cost in France where the notion of solidarity offence is currently under revision. At the European level debates on the issue have only just started. EURACTIV.fr reports.
EU ministers reach key agreement to unlock Banking Union file
Member states have reached an agreement on a package of measures aimed at reducing risk in the banking industry. The political consensus built upon a joint proposal by the French and German Finance ministers paves the way for a deepened reform of the Economic and Monetary Union.
Livestock farmers cry wolf, call on EU to act
Livestock farmers and MEPs met in Brussels this week to demand a change in the EU's policy on the protection of wolves. Farmers are angered by the European Commission’s position, which they say favours wolves over livestock. EURACTIV.fr reports
France ups the pressure for eurozone budget
Without reform the euro area won’t survive, according to France's economy minister, adding to the pressure on Germany a few weeks ahead of a crucial European Council summit. EURACTIV.fr reports.