Author: France 24

The European Commission has given the green light for Bulgaria to adopt the euro on January 1, 2026, putting the country on course to become the 21st member of the single currency zone.  Brussels says Bulgaria has now met all the criteria necessary to join the eurozone, including price stability and fiscal discipline. However, Bulgarians are divided and many protested outside the parliament.  

In an interview with FRANCE 24, Israeli Economy Minister Nir Barkat rejected the creation of a Palestinian state, advocating instead for an “emirate model” for Palestinians in the West Bank. He also criticised France for considering recognition of a Palestinian state, urging Paris to “support the only democracy in the Middle East” and help Israel “finish the war [in Gaza] quickly”.

With music festival season in full swing, we chat to Last Train frontman Jean-Noël Scherrer. His band have just had a sold-out tour here in France and played extensively in Germany, the UK and other European countries. We also speak to Tallulah Sim-Savage of up-and-coming English trio HotWax, whose debut album is a punchy blend of grunge and rock ‘n’ roll.

A Ghanaian oncology nurse who has won an international award for her work has spoken to FRANCE 24 about the need to invest in nursing. Naomi Ohene Oti is an Oncology Nurse Specialist and Head of Nursing at Ghana’s National Radiotherapy Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Centre. She has just been named the winner of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, with the prize aiming to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary contribution of nurses across the world. “Nurses are the heartbeat of healthcare, so when they (governments) get it right (in terms of investing in nursing), the system also will get it…

Both the men and women’s defending champions Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek reached the French Open semi-finals Tuesday after Alcaraz swiftly dispatched American Tommy Paul, and Swiatek beat Elina Svitolina to set up a clash with top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka.

With voters turning out in record numbers, South Korea elected liberal leader Lee Jae-myung to lead the country left in turmoil by the brief imposition of martial law by Yoon Suk-yeol. The nation of 51 million people has the world’s lowest birth rate and is now a “super-aged” society. South Korea saw forecasts for its growth downgraded… as the OECD revised down growth prospects for most of the world amid Donald Trump’s trade war. 

Local health authorities in Gaza said on Tuesday that at least 27 Palestinians were killed while waiting for aid distribution near Rafah. The Israeli military said it shot at individuals who “posed a threat to them” about half a kilometre from the US aid centre.

Chanel, Dior, Saint Laurent – the names that define Parisian chic are French. But did you know that the entire French Haute Couture empire was built by … an Englishman? Join Eve Jackson at the Petit Palais in Paris for a dazzling deep dive into a new exhibition on Charles Frederick Worth, the revolutionary British designer who transformed fashion from mere clothing into high art and big business.

France’s overseas territory of New Caledonia is facing a growing crisis. The number of healthcare workers has dropped dramatically, particularly since the unrest of May 2024. In response, authorities are offering incentives – such as annual contracts and free accommodation – to attract doctors and nurses back to the island. But in the meantime, volunteers are stepping in to train locals in basic medical care, as clinics and hospitals across the island remain closed due to staff shortages. Our France 2 colleagues report, with FRANCE 24’s Guillaume Gougeon.

Novak Djokovic needed just 3 sets to beat Cameron Norrie and go down in French Open legend. The Serb won his 100th match on the Paris clay court. Between matches, the public and players at the tournament received a rather special visitor : Ousmane Dembélé and the latest Paris Saint-Germain trophy.