Author: France 24

This week, we take you to Vivatech in Paris. The event bills itself as the biggest tech and startup event in Europe. The tech industry is the driving force for growth in the world economy, but Europe only represents a small share of it. Is Europe lagging behind in the race for artificial intelligence? Why are there no tech giants the size of Google or Apple on the continent? Our Business Editor Charles Pellegrin meets with French and German startups, as well as with Estonian Energy and Environment Minister Andres Sutt, who was previously the country’s minister for entrepreneurship and innovation. 

Israel attacked Iran in strikes that took out top military officers and hit nuclear and missile sites, raising the potential for an all-out war between the two bitter Middle East adversaries. For in-depth and a deeper perspective, FRANCE 24’s François Picard welcomes Alon Pinkas, Author, former  Israeli diplomat, and former Policy Advisor to Shimon Peres and Ehud Barak. To better understand what led to Israel’s major attack on Iran’s nuclear sites, Mr. Pinkas highlights that “Iran has been accelerating its enrichment process because Netanyahu encouraged Trump to withdraw unilaterally from the 2015 (JCPOA) nuclear deal.”

Brian Wilson, leader of the US rock band the Beach Boys, has died aged 82, his family announced on Wednesday. Wilson was one of the world’s most influential recording artists, with writing credits on “Good Vibrations,” “California Girls” and other classic summertime anthems.

Senegal became the first African team to ever beat England, securing a 3-1 victory in a friendly match in Nottingham. It was England’s first defeat under Thomas Tuchel since he took charge in January, casting doubt over his suitability for the role.

Fresh analysis from LinkedIn shows the rate of women hired into leadership positions has slowed for the third year in a row, leaving the hiring rate back where it was in 2020. The data shows women are being shut out of senior positions, holding less than a third of top roles despite making up almost half of the global workforce. Sue Duke, LinkedIn’s Global VP of Public Policy discusses some of the solutions that would help reverse this decline.

Israeli NGO Adalah rights group said on Thursday that six more activists detained aboard a boat attempting to breach Israel’s blockade of Gaza were en route to the airport for deportation. French MEP Rima Hassan, who is of Palestinian descent, is among the group to be imminently expelled.

His looping melodies and bewitching harmonies were the soundtrack to an endless, Californian summer. Brian Wilson’s death has prompted an outpouring of affection and admiration, as the music industry pays tribute to a man considered a lyrical genius and a master of harmonies, and whose compositions now constitute the gold standard in pop. Music editor Jennifer Ben Brahim tells us more about Wilson’s hits with the Beach Boys, his legacy and his personal struggles. We also check out the frenzied fandom surrounding Billie Eilish’s recent concert dates in Paris.

One of the world’s leading cancer specialists has spoken to FRANCE 24 about the need to detect cancer early and prevent it from ever taking hold, rather than having to treat people later. Professor Alexandra Leary is an oncology specialist in gynaecological cancers and deputy director of the oncological department of the Gustave Roussy cancer research hospital outside Paris. She is just back from a major gathering of the world’s top cancer specialists in Chicago. She spoke to us in Perspective.

With the World Cup just one year away, the list of qualified countries is growing. In South America, Brazil and Ecuador will be taking part. Ancelotti scores his first win with his new team. 

Vivatech 2025, billed as Europe’s largest tech and startup event, kicked off this Wednesday in Paris. Some 14,000 startups are showcasing their innovations, hoping to attract the attention of investors in a difficult context. FRANCE 24’s Charles Pellegrin speaks with Jad Shimaly, EY Global Managing Partner, about how trade uncertainty is weighing on the tech sector, Europe’s quest for tech sovereignty, and how EY is advising businesses to integrate artificial intelligence.