French prosecutors have charged a former informal teacher with the rape and sexual assault of at least 89 teenagers over more than 50 years. Investigators say Jacques Leveugle used his positions in holiday camps and tutoring roles to gain access to minors across Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. The case emerged after a USB drive containing detailed records of alleged abuse was discovered by a family member. With only around 40 victims identified so far, authorities have issued a rare public appeal, urging others to come forward. A separate investigation has also been launched into allegations that Leveugle killed his own mother and aunt decades ago. Police say the probe remains ongoing, with international cooperation underway to uncover the full extent of the alleged crimes.

France Ex-Teacher Accused of Abusing 89 Teens Over 50 Years Across Countries

France dropped on Tuesday to an all-time low in Transparency International’s annual corruption perceptions index, with the organisation warning of “democratic danger” if politicians fail to act.


France Falls to 27th Position in Global Corruption Index 

France has fallen to the 27th position in the latest global corruption index, marking a historic low for the country. This decline highlights concerns over governance, transparency, and accountability in public institutions.

Corruption Index: France Experiences Historic Low in Global Corruption Report

The Kremlin confirmed Tuesday that France and Russia have resumed “technical-level” dialogue as French President Emmanuel Macron continued to call on European leaders not to allow themselves be sidelined by the United States in Ukraine peace talks.


Macron: Technical-Level Discussion Channels Resume with Russia 

France and Canada opened consulates in Greenland's capital Nuuk on February 6, 2026, signaling Arctic cooperation and support for Denmark amid US pressure under President Trump to acquire the territory.



France, Canada Open Greenland Posts Amid US Arctic Push

France and Greenland have opened consulates in Greenland, signalling support for closer Arctic cooperation. The move highlights growing diplomatic engagement in the Arctic region amid increasing strategic, environmental and geopolitical attention.


France, Greenland Open Consulates in Greenland in Show of Arctic Cooperation 

France has fallen in global wealth rankings, with wealth per person now lower than the European Union average. The shift highlights relative stagnation in household wealth compared with other EU states, raising questions over economic performance and long-term prosperity trends.


France Slips in Global Wealth Rankings as Per Capita Wealth Falls Below EU Average

A stretch of France’s Atlantic coastline has been severely damaged by stormy weather. Around 50 metres of the seafront promenade at Biscarrosse plage collapsed overnight after heavy rain and flooding. The Landes department remains on orange alert as authorities monitor further risks. 


Storm Batters France’s Atlantic Coast, Seafront Collapses at Biscarrosse Plage

France has approved its 2026 budget after two no-confidence motions failed in parliament, giving Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s fragile minority government a crucial survival boost and signalling a phase of relative political stability.


France Budget 2026: Lecornu Survives Two No-Confidence Votes 

France has moved closer to banning social media access for children under 15 after the French National Assembly voted 116–23 in favour of the proposal. The legislation is part of a broader push to protect minors from online harm, cyberbullying and addictive digital platforms, though implementation challenges remain.


France Moves To Ban Social Media For Under 15 After Parliament Vote

The French government has announced plans to ban social media access for children under 15, aiming to protect young users from online risks, cyberbullying, and mental health issues. The proposed law will restrict platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat for minors and enforce strict parental controls. 


France: French MPs Vote in Favour of Bill to Ban Social Media for Under-15s 

#gravitas French President Emmanuel Macron’s appearance at the World Economic Forum has triggered a fashion frenzy after his aviator-style sunglasses drew comparisons to a “Top Gun” look. The eyewear brand worn by Macron has reportedly seen a sharp surge in demand following his Davos appearance.


Macron’s ‘Top Gun’ Look At Davos Sparks Surge In Demand For His Sunglasses | Gravitas

France on Monday (19 Jan) underscored its commitment to the United Nations charter after the US president invited it to join his "Board of Peace." The development comes amid heightened tensions between the European Union and the United States as Donald Trump threatened multiple European countries with tariffs if they oppose his ambition of taking Greenland under American control.&nbsp;The French Foreign ministry in a statement, said it was reviewing the proposal of the new body "whose project extends beyond the situation in Gaza", while it "reiterates its attachment to the United Nations charter (which) remains the cornerstone of effective multilateralism".&nbsp;Donald Trump’s proposed peace initiative is being seen as a United States-dominated alternative to the United Nations, raising questions about whether it would further concentrate global decision-making under Washington’s influence.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imf-raises-india-s-growth-forecast-to-7-3-in-current-fiscal-predicts-sharp-drop-next-year-economic-growth-indian-economy-developed-economies-imf-1768825082463">IMF raises India’s growth forecast to 7.3% in current fiscal; predicts sharp drop next year</a>&nbsp;The European Union’s Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI) allows the bloc to act collectively when a non-EU country uses or threatens economic measures to force policy changes. It enables the European Commission to investigate coercion, seek dialogue, and, if needed, impose proportionate countermeasures such as tariffs, trade restrictions, investment limits, or exclusion from EU public procurement. The tool can be invoked when economic pressure is used to undermine the EU’s or a member state’s sovereign decisions.&nbsp;On Sunday, Emmanuel Macron's team said that he will push the European Union to exercise its powerful anti-coercion instrument against the United States if President Donald Trump imposes tariffs against the European countries in efforts to acquire Greenland. The tension between NATO allies France and the United States sharply escalated after Donald Trump threatened European countries, including Denamark Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland, accusing them of "playing this very dangerous game" by journeying to Greenland for a "purpose unknown." Responding to Trump's threat, while most European countries adopted a cautious tone, stressing shared values and warning that it could undermine the Western alliance, France struck a far sharper tone, condemning the US president’s threats by drawing a direct parallel with Russia’s actions in Ukraine. “No intimidation or threat will influence us—neither in Ukraine, nor in Greenland, nor anywhere else in the world when we are confronted with such situations,” President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X.

Donald Trump’s proposed peace initiative is being seen as a United States-dominated alternative to the United Nations, raising questions about whether it would further concentrate global decision-making under Washington’s influence.

France on Monday (19 Jan) underscored its commitment to the United Nations charter after the US president invited it to join his "Board of Peace." The development comes amid heightened tensions between the European Union and the United States as Donald Trump threatened multiple European countries with tariffs if they oppose his ambition of taking Greenland under American control. The French Foreign ministry in a statement, said it was reviewing the proposal of the new body "whose project extends beyond the situation in Gaza", while it "reiterates its attachment to the United Nations charter (which) remains the cornerstone of effective multilateralism". Donald Trump’s proposed peace initiative is being seen as a United States-dominated alternative to the United Nations, raising questions about whether it would further concentrate global decision-making under Washington’s influence. Also Read: IMF raises India’s growth forecast to 7.3% in current fiscal; predicts sharp drop next year The European Union’s Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI) allows the bloc to act collectively when a non-EU country uses or threatens economic measures to force policy changes. It enables the European Commission to investigate coercion, seek dialogue, and, if needed, impose proportionate countermeasures such as tariffs, trade restrictions, investment limits, or exclusion from EU public procurement. The tool can be invoked when economic pressure is used to undermine the EU’s or a member state’s sovereign decisions. On Sunday, Emmanuel Macron's team said that he will push the European Union to exercise its powerful anti-coercion instrument against the United States if President Donald Trump imposes tariffs against the European countries in efforts to acquire Greenland. The tension between NATO allies France and the United States sharply escalated after Donald Trump threatened European countries, including Denamark Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland, accusing them of "playing this very dangerous game" by journeying to Greenland for a "purpose unknown." Responding to Trump's threat, while most European countries adopted a cautious tone, stressing shared values and warning that it could undermine the Western alliance, France struck a far sharper tone, condemning the US president’s threats by drawing a direct parallel with Russia’s actions in Ukraine. “No intimidation or threat will influence us—neither in Ukraine, nor in Greenland, nor anywhere else in the world when we are confronted with such situations,” President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X.

Donald Trump’s proposed peace initiative is being seen as a United States-dominated alternative to the United Nations, raising questions about whether it would further concentrate global decision-making under Washington’s influence.

After Trump’s peace board invite, France says it's committed to UN charter

Ukraine’s military intelligence has warned that Russia is considering strike options against substations supplying Ukraine’s nuclear power plants, raising fears of a dangerous escalation in the war.

The assessment was issued by the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine, which said such attacks could disrupt power supplies critical for nuclear safety. Targeting substations linked to nuclear facilities could significantly increase risks for both Ukraine and neighbouring countries, amid continued Russian strikes on energy infrastructure.

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine Intelligence Warns Russia May Target Nuclear Power Plant Substations

France has issued a sharp warning to the United States, cautioning the Donald Trump administration against any military move involving Greenland. In an interview with the Financial Times, French Finance Minister Roland Lescure said such an action would cross a red line, threaten EU–US relations, and create a “totally new world.” The warning comes as NATO allies including Denmark, Germany, and Norway bolster defenses in Greenland amid rising tensions. This video explains why Greenland matters strategically, how Europe is responding, and what this means for transatlantic relations.

France's Future In NATO Under Scanner As Greenland Crisis Fuels Divisions Within

France is now providing two-thirds of the intelligence supplied to Ukraine by its partners, President Emmanuel Macron said on Jan. 15.

US Intelligence Cut Threats Push Kyiv Towards France

Russia is increasing the intensity of attacks on Ukraine while making rapid gains on the ground. Kyiv has ordered fresh evacuations from frontline villages. As Kyiv begs for help, France is blocking a $104 billion fund from being spent on American weapons. Paris wants the money kept in Europe to boost its own industry. 


Russia-Ukraine War: France Blocks Weapons: Ukraine Left Defenceless? 

Alain Orsoni, a former separatist leader of Corsica in France was shot dead at his mother's funeral on Monday. He was often dubbed 'Godfather' for his alleged past involvement in gang violence.

Corsican ‘Godfather’ Shot Dead at Mother’s Funeral in France

France Blocks Weapons: Ukraine Left Defenceless?

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen faces a critical legal battle as her appeal trial begins, with major implications for her presidential ambitions. The case could determine whether she remains eligible to contest future elections, potentially reshaping France’s political landscape. Supporters see the trial as politically motivated, while critics argue it underscores accountability under the law. This video explains the charges, the stakes for Le Pen, and how the outcome could impact French and European politics.

France's Marine Le Pen's Presidential Bid on the Line as Her Appeal Trial Begins 

The EU gave on Friday, January 9, a long-delayed go-ahead to a huge trade deal with South American bloc Mercosur championed by business groups but loathed by many European farmers – overriding opposition led by France. A majority of the European Union's 27 nations backed the pact at an ambassadors' meeting in Brussels.


EU Farmers Protest: EU Paves Way For Latin America Trade Deal

French President Emmanuel Macron said that he would pay a visit to India next month, with New Delhi set to host the AI Impact Summit. He made the remarks while addressing the Diplomatic Corps yesterday, where he talked about the successes of French diplomacy in 2025.


India-France Relations: French President Macron to Visit India Next Month

French President Emmanuel Macron said that he would pay a visit to India next month, with New Delhi set to host the AI Impact Summit. He made the remarks while addressing the Diplomatic Corps yesterday, where he talked about the successes of French diplomacy in 2025.

India-France Relations: Macron to Attend AI Summit in New Delhi 

Europe remains split over the proposal to send troops to Ukraine as the war with Russia drags on. While several EU nations voice concern over escalation, the UK and France have signed a new defence agreement, claiming backing from the United States.

Europe Divided Over Sending Troops to Ukraine; UK, France Sign Deal, Claim US Backing

The UK and France have signed a declaration of intent on deploying troops in Ukraine if a peace deal is made with Russia, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced.


UK, France agree to send troops to Ukraine if peace deal struck

The United States publicly endorsed a new security framework publicly signed by Ukraine, France and the UK on Tuesday, January 6, at a summit in Paris of the "coalition of the willing" to reassure Ukraine in the case of a ceasefire with Russia. Officials from 35 countries were gathered for the meeting. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a trilateral “declaration of intent” that paves the way for the deployment of French and British troops on Ukrainian soil. However, countries like Italy and Poland have ruled out troop deployment.&nbsp;“Following a ceasefire, the UK and France will establish military hubs across Ukraine and build protected facilities for weapons and military equipment to support Ukraine’s defensive needs,” said Starmer in a joint press conference. The summit was attended by US envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, as well as America's top general in Europe, Alexus Grynkewich."Those security protocols are meant to ... deter any attacks, any further attacks in Ukraine, and ... if there are any attacks, they're meant to defend, and they will do both. They are as strong as anyone has ever seen," said Steve Witkoff. Kushner said if Ukraine makes a final deal, they have to know they are secure after the deal.&nbsp;Macron asserted that the force is to explicitly serve as a deterrent rather than engage in frontline combat. The allies also broadly agreed on legally binding security guarantees which might involve military, intelligence and logistical support, diplomatic initiatives and further sanctions for Russia if it decides to attack Ukraine again. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said that there were discussions among the officials regarding territorial questions, as these have been the major bone of contention between Moscow and Kyiv. Kyiv is unwilling to cede territories, specifically parts of the Donetsk region. The Russian President has demanded control of the Donetsk and Donbas regions. There were reports about establishing Donbas as a free economic zone if Ukraine withdraws, though nothing was agreed upon. Russia had not officially responded to these agreements; it had previously strictly pushed back against any foreign troop deployment or military infrastructure in Ukraine, which is likely to be a flash point of further conflict. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The US endorsed a new Ukraine security framework as the UK and France signed a pact to deploy troops after a ceasefire with Russia.

The United States publicly endorsed a new security framework publicly signed by Ukraine, France and the UK on Tuesday, January 6, at a summit in Paris of the "coalition of the willing" to reassure Ukraine in the case of a ceasefire with Russia. Officials from 35 countries were gathered for the meeting. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a trilateral “declaration of intent” that paves the way for the deployment of French and British troops on Ukrainian soil. However, countries like Italy and Poland have ruled out troop deployment. “Following a ceasefire, the UK and France will establish military hubs across Ukraine and build protected facilities for weapons and military equipment to support Ukraine’s defensive needs,” said Starmer in a joint press conference. The summit was attended by US envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, as well as America's top general in Europe, Alexus Grynkewich. "Those security protocols are meant to ... deter any attacks, any further attacks in Ukraine, and ... if there are any attacks, they're meant to defend, and they will do both. They are as strong as anyone has ever seen," said Steve Witkoff. Kushner said if Ukraine makes a final deal, they have to know they are secure after the deal. Macron asserted that the force is to explicitly serve as a deterrent rather than engage in frontline combat. The allies also broadly agreed on legally binding security guarantees which might involve military, intelligence and logistical support, diplomatic initiatives and further sanctions for Russia if it decides to attack Ukraine again. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said that there were discussions among the officials regarding territorial questions, as these have been the major bone of contention between Moscow and Kyiv. Kyiv is unwilling to cede territories, specifically parts of the Donetsk region. The Russian President has demanded control of the Donetsk and Donbas regions. There were reports about establishing Donbas as a free economic zone if Ukraine withdraws, though nothing was agreed upon. Russia had not officially responded to these agreements; it had previously strictly pushed back against any foreign troop deployment or military infrastructure in Ukraine, which is likely to be a flash point of further conflict.

The US endorsed a new Ukraine security framework as the UK and France signed a pact to deploy troops after a ceasefire with Russia.

US backs security guarantees for Ukraine as UK and France signal troop deployment after ceasefire

French farmers escalated protests across the country on January 7, 2026, erecting roadblocks with tractors at major highways and roundabouts, dumping manure at prefectures, and targeting EU offices over the controversial Mercosur trade agreement that would flood markets with cheaper South American meat and produce, threatening dairy, beef, and poultry sectors already reeling from low prices and high input costs.


French Farmers Revolt Over Mercosur Trade Deal, Block Roads in Tax, Trade Fury 

France, the UK and Ukraine have signed a declaration of intent on deploying a multinational force after any ceasefire with Russia. The move came at a Paris meeting of Ukraine’s allies, aimed at reinforcing Kyiv’s future security and unity against Moscow.

France, UK & Ukraine Sign Pact on Troop Deployment After Ukraine Ceasefire

The UK’s Ministry of Defence says an underground facility likely storing ISIL weapons was the target of the attack, but the area was ‘devoid of any civilian habitation’.


UK, France carry out joint strike on isil target near Syria’s Palmyra

A French ban on the production and sale of cosmetics and most clothing containing polluting and health-threatening "forever chemicals" came into force. Watch this report for more details!


French ban on 'forever chemicals' in cosmetics, clothing to enter force 

France plans to ban children under 15 from social media sites and to prohibit mobile phones in high schools from September 2026, local media reported on Wednesday, moves that underscore rising public angst over the impact of online harms on minors.


France targets Australia-style social media ban for children

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