Author: France 24

The deal reached by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and US President Donald Trump over the weekend has led the Euro to lose value against the US dollar. This follows wide-ranging criticisms within the bloc over the “asymmetrical” nature of the deal, with French Prime Minister François Bayrou equating it to submission. In this edition, we look back on what’s been agreed on, and what still needs to be determined.

After pledging to recognise a Palestinian state in September, France is co-chairing a UN conference in New York this week in a push to rally other countries behind its lead. A far cry from the “unconditional” support for Israel declared in the wake of the October 7 attacks, French diplomacy seems to be shifting gears.

Join arts24 presenter Eve Jackson on an exclusive journey inside the Grand Egyptian Museum – a colossal cultural masterpiece just a mile from the Great Pyramids of Giza. The museum’s grand debut has faced multiple delays and was set to open this July, but ongoing tensions in the Middle East have pushed back the opening once again, making this your rare opportunity to explore its wonders ahead of time. 

A backlash is brewing in France’s culinary world over the Duplomb law, which reauthorises a banned pesticide. Michelin-starred chefs, school canteen cooks, bistro owners and farmer-restaurateur collectives have spoken out, accusing lawmakers of endangering health, biodiversity and food quality.

Marseille have reached an agreement with Feyenoord for the transfer of winger Igor Paixao. The French giants will spend €35 million, including add-ons, making the 25-year-old Brazilian the most expensive signing in the club’s history.

Israel’s “creeping annexation” of the occupied West Bank is illegal and must stop, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Monday, equally condemning what he described as the “wholesale destruction” of the Gaza Strip. Guterres’ remarks came at the UN conference on a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians. Follow our liveblog for the latest development.

The first-ever Birkin handbag sold for 8.58 million euros ($10 million) at a Sotheby’s auction in Paris on Thursday, smashing previous price records for a handbag. The bag, which was bought by private collector in Japan, was designed by French luxury brand Hermes for celebrity Jane Birkin.

Tadej Pogacar secured his fourth overall victory in the Tour de France after an epic final stage, during which he aimed to claim a prestigious win. However, the 26-year-old Slovenian was beaten by a stronger competitor. Wout van Aert won the stage on the Champs-Élysées after outperforming Pogacar on the third and final climb of Montmartre Hill. This victory marks his tenth Tour de France stage win and his first since 2022.

Israel said on Sunday it would halt military operations for 10 hours a day in parts of Gaza and allow new aid corridors as Jordan and the United Arab Emirates airdropped supplies into the enclave, where images of starving Palestinians have alarmed the world. Details by FRANCE 24 correspondent in Jerusalem, Noga Tarnopolsky.

Have you ever imagined yourself, on a visit to a major museum, busting through a wall, arms full of looted African artifacts and ready to return them to their rightful homes? Well, you may soon have the chance, thanks to South African video game studio Nyamakop. Story by Emily Boyle.