Displaying items by tag: Europe

Prime minister Michel Barnier has been ousted in a historic no-confidence vote, leading to the collapse of his government. The motion follows his controversial use of special powers to pass a budget without parliamentary approval. The budget, which aimed to reduce the deficit by €60 billion, faced criticism from both the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) and far-right National Rally (RN); Marine Le Pen, RN leader, called it ‘toxic for the French’. This has plunged France into deeper political instability; no new parliamentary elections can be held until July, so the current deadlock in the Assembly - where no group has a working majority - is set to continue. Barnier, appointed by Emmanuel Macron just three months ago, has presented his government’s resignation, but will continue for now in a caretaker capacity. Macron’s presidency remains intact, but pressure on him is mounting.

Notre Dame Cathedral is set to reopen on 7 December, after a five-year restoration following the devastating 2019 fire. Ceremonies will blend tradition and modernity, including a symbolic door-striking ritual led by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich and a solemn Mass on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. (8 December). The restored cathedral features a mix of Gothic preservation and contemporary updates, such as a new altar and reliquary, sparking debate but garnering widespread admiration. Restoration efforts exceeded funding goals, totaling €700 million, and Paris anticipates a renewed influx of visitors. Somewhat surprisingly, Donald Trump’ will be there, joining nearly fifty world leaders: security will be tight, with 6,000 personnel deployed. Conspicuously absent, however, is Pope Francis, whose refusal to attend has fuelled speculation about the Vatican’s priorities. As Notre Dame prepares to welcome the faithful once again, its reopening symbolises resilience and the enduring significance of sacred spaces.

The landmark trial in Avignon, involving the systematic drugging and rape of Gisèle Pelicot by 49 men orchestrated by her ex-husband Dominique Pelicot, has gripped the nation. The prosecution has sought a twenty-year sentence for Pelicot, who admitted to facilitating the assaults over nearly a decade, and 10-18 years for most co-defendants. The case has sparked national debates on consent, male violence, and systemic legal shortcomings. Prosecutors have highlighted Pelicot’s bravery in waiving her anonymity and allowing graphic evidence to be shown, confronting societal shame surrounding sexual violence. Feminist activists have rallied in support, condemning the accused and demanding justice. Defence lawyers, however, argue that many defendants were misled by Pelicot’s claims of his wife's consent. The trial has renewed calls for legal reforms, and Michel Barnier’s government has pledged new measures to combat violence against women. One commentator said: ‘This trial has affected every one of us. What have we done wrong as a society to produce men who are capable of such inhumane behaviour?’

On 27 November Russia launched a massive, coordinated strike on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, hitting cities nationwide with waves of drones and missiles. This marks the second large-scale attack on Ukraine’s energy facilities this month, compounding fears of a harsh winter ahead. Emergency power cuts were introduced as damage to civilian infrastructure was reported in many regions, leaving over a million people without power. Ukrainian officials warned of preemptive power cuts to protect the grid from overloads as temperatures continue to drop. The attacks are part of a broader strategy, with over 1,500 strikes reported this week. Ukrainian officials fear Russia aims to cripple the country’s power grid, a tactic used in previous winters. Russia has also deployed a new type of missile to strike the city of Dnipro, in response to Ukraine launching UK-supplied missiles into Russian territory. For an analysis of the recent developments in the war, see

Joe Biden’s long-awaited decision to allow Ukraine to use American missiles against Russian territory comes amid significant Russian territorial gains in 2024. One study shows that Russia has captured nearly 2,700 sq km of Ukrainian land this year - six times its 2023 gains. This aggressive push has strained Ukraine’s defences, despite Kyiv’s efforts to repel attacks. The destruction is immense, and Ukraine’s stretched defensive lines are increasingly vulnerable. The surprise incursion into Russia’s Kursk region initially boosted morale but is now faltering, with Russian forces reclaiming nearly 50% of lost territory. Analysts suggest that the incursion may have led to a broader strategic miscalculation, tying down its best troops and advanced equipment without significantly slowing Russia’s eastern advances. Meanwhile, the approaching second Trump administration casts uncertainty over US military support for Ukraine, raising fears of reduced aid as the war continues.

On 20 November a nationwide general strike disrupted Greece as workers demanded better pay and improved living standards. Doctors, teachers, transport workers, and trade union members were among those who joined the protest. In Athens, demonstrators chanted for workers' rights and decried the high cost of living, with inflation in energy, food, and housing outpacing salary increases. The strike reflects frustration over the lingering effects of Greece’s 2009–2018 debt crisis, which required severe wage and pension cuts in exchange for €280 billion in bailouts. Though the economy has rebounded, wages remain low compared to the EU average, and many workers report a 50% reduction in purchasing power. The government has raised the minimum wage four times, now at €830, with a target of €950 by 2027, but protesters argue these measures fall short. The strike coincides with the submission of Greece's 2025 budget, which includes plans for modest economic growth and increased spending on wages and pensions.

There has been severe unrest in Amsterdam since antisemitic violence linked to a football match on 7 November between Israel's Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax. The police presence in the city has been strengthened and most protests banned, but the violence has continued. The police have faced targeted attacks, including stones and fireworks. The disturbances have been fuelled by both anti-Israeli and anti-Palestinian sentiments, and Jewish institutions have received heightened security. So far, over a hundred people have been arrested in connection with the riots. Amsterdam’s mayor described the violence as an ‘outburst of antisemitism’: she said the authorities had considered calling the match off because of tensions fuelled by social media, but could find no legal grounds for doing so. The violence has sparked outrage, prompting an emergency debate in the Dutch parliament. In related news, four thousand police will be deployed in Paris on 15 November for a match between France and Israel: see

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has confirmed that it has jurisdiction to hear cases filed by Armenia and Azerbaijan, two long-standing adversaries. The cases stem from the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, with both nations accusing each other of violating the international convention on racial discrimination. Armenia accuses Azerbaijan of engaging in ‘ethnic cleansing’, while Azerbaijan claims Armenia has spread hate speech and racist propaganda. The ICJ had previously issued emergency orders to prevent the incitement of racial hatred and protect ethnic Armenians fleeing Nagorno-Karabakh after Azerbaijan’s military actions in 2023. While the court’s rulings are binding, it lacks enforcement power. The cases are still in the early stages, with the court narrowing the scope of certain claims and excluding others. The process could take years to resolve, as both nations await the next hearings and a final ruling on the merits of their claims.

The reelection of Donald Trump could significantly impact US support for Ukraine as the war with Russia continues. Throughout his campaign, Trump expressed doubts about the USA’s ongoing commitment to Kyiv, suggesting the possibility of pressuring Ukraine into a truce with Russia. This comes at a critical time; Russia is making advances in the Donbas region, and North Korean troops are reportedly bolstering Russian forces. The Biden administration has provided tens of billions in military and financial aid to Ukraine, but Trump has often praised Vladimir Putin and criticised Volodymyr Zelensky. He has claimed that the war would not have started under his presidency, and has promised to end the conflict swiftly. Zelensky, who was quick to congratulate Trump on his victory, must be concerned about the potential implications for his beleaguered country: American military aid to Ukraine currently accounts for 43% of the total.

Following Spain’s deadliest natural disaster in recent memory, a visit by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia to Valencia became the target of public outrage, with protesters hurling mud at them. The recent devastating floods claimed at least 217 lives, with the toll expected to rise. When the royal couple appeared, alongside Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and other leaders, many locals expressed their fury at what they saw as inadequate warnings and slow government response. Protesters shouted ‘Murderers!’ and ‘Get out!’ at officials, blaming them for the disaster’s aftermath, and there were several clashes with police. Queen Letizia burst into tears after speaking to several grieving people. One commentator noted that the crowd's anger was directed at the politicians, not the royal family. Public resentment over the government's handling of the floods has intensified. One week after the floods struck, many people still did not have drinking water.