Author: France 24

The European Union on Friday reached an agreement on an 18th sanctions package against Russia over its war in Ukraine, with a raft of measures aimed at dealing further blows to Russia’s oil and energy industry. France’s top diplomat described the measures as “unprecedented”.

South of the Syrian capital Damascus, Yarmouk refugee camp was the scene of violent clashes between Bashar al-Assad’s regime and rebel militias, and later the Islamic State group, during the almost 14-year-long Syrian war. Ahmed and Jihane Tameem were among those who fled the bombs at the end of 2012. Three years later, they left Syria and found refuge in Sweden with their two children. Now, after the fall of Assad, they have returned home to reunite with their loved ones. FRANCE 24’s Claire Billet and Olivier Jobard report.

Our TV critic Dheepthika Laurent joins Eve Jackson to unpack the highlights of July and August’s biggest series and films – from “Jaws at 50” featuring exclusive interviews, to the light-hearted drama of “Acapulco”, the Emmy buzz surrounding this year’s nominations and the exciting new “Black Panther” spinoff “Eyes of Wakanda” on Disney+. Don’t miss our full rundown and exclusive insights into what to watch this summer!

President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with a common and benign vein condition following concerns over swollen legs and hand discolouration, the White House confirmed Thursday. Officials also attributed recent hand bruising to frequent handshaking and routine aspirin use.

Tadej Pogacar reclaimed the coveted yellow jersey at the Tour de France after a commanding solo victory on the grueling Hautacam climb in the Pyrénées. The Slovenian superstar surged ahead by over two minutes on key rival Jonas Vingegaard, while overnight leader Ben Healy suffered a heavy time loss.

Senate Republicans have voted to cut $9 billion from public broadcasting and foreign aid, a victory for US President Donald Trump who has repeatedly criticised PBS and NPR. Meanwhile, Trump is scaling up his pressure campaign against Fed Chair Jerome Powell, and taking credit for an ingredient swap at Coca-Cola. 

Renewed violence in Syria between the Islamist-led government and Druze communities has drawn international attention to one the region’s influential but often overlooked religious minorities. As fighting intensifies in southern Syria, Israel has cited the protection of Druze civilians as justification for recent strikes against Syrian forces – escalating tensions in a region already fraught with sectarian and political divisions.

The Avignon theatre festival is a three-week concentration of performing arts – dance, drama, readings and debates – which is now in its 79th year. Hundreds of events are crammed into the relatively small French city, often in beautiful historical sites. And that’s just the official programme. FRANCE 24’s Olivia Salazar-Winspear has been filming a special show there and joins us on set to give us her personal highlights from the festival.

Norwegian rider Jonas Abrahamsen won the 11th stage of the Tour de France on Wednesday as race favourite and three-time champion Tadej Pogacar crashed near the finish with 4 kilometers remaining. Pogacar fell after hitting the back wheel of another rider but his rivals for the general classification slowed so he could rejoin them. 

Major stock markets on Monday largely shrugged off US President Donald Trump’s latest tariff threat to hit the EU and Mexico with 30 percent levies. Analysts said investors viewed the warning as yet another negotiating ploy against America’s trading partners rather than a genuine move – although lingering uncertainty weighed on oil prices. FRANCE 24’s Sharon Gaffney speaks to Gavin Bade, Trade and Economic Policy Reporter at The Wall Street Journal.