The Latest Breaking News from Radio France Internationale

The European Union has, for the first time, used its budget to jointly fund the purchase of weapons by member states. The move marks a significant step in strengthening the bloc’s defence capabilities and supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s invasion.

French-made military equipment fitted to armoured vehicles from the United Arab Emirates is reportedly being used by Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in violation of a UN arms embargo in the Darfur region.

African leaders have been quick to congratulate Donald Trump on his re-election, expressing optimism for stronger partnerships with the United States. Yet, analysts suggest that Trump’s next four years are unlikely to bring significant change to the US-Africa relationship, with many expecting the return of a “transactional” approach to diplomacy.

The European Parliament on Thursday approved a one-year delay on implementing the bloc's landmark anti-deforestation rules, while also voting to loosen some requirements of the controversial law.

A Paris court has ordered Google to halt a planned project that would reportedly remove certain media articles from search results in France. The ruling came in response to an emergency injunction filed by the SEPM union, which represents magazine staff in the country.

The French parliament is debating a bill that would ban children under 16 from attending bullfights. While it is likely to face rejection, the proposal has already ignited strong reactions – especially among fans of the centuries-old tradition.

French authorities have mobilised 4,000 police officers for Thursday night's Nations League football match between France and Israel in Paris. The move comes amid security concerns following attacks on Israeli fans in Amsterdam last week, and a day after thousands protested against a pro-Israel gala in the capital.

French prosecutors have demanded that far-right leader Marine Le Pen receive a jail sentence and be banned from public office for five years over charges she embezzled European Parliament funds. Le Pen's defence now has two weeks to present its counter arguments.

French Environment Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher will stay away from the Cop29 global climate change conference in Baku after "unacceptable" attacks by Azerbaijan's President, Ilham Aliyev.