Hack Exposes Personal Data of Foreign Nationals via French Immigration Subcontractor
Sensitive personal information of foreign residents in France has surfaced online following a cyberattack linked to a subcontractor working with the French immigration agency. Authorities confirmed the breach and announced legal and security actions
Severe Winter Weather Paralyzes Transport Across UK, France and Netherlands
A deep winter freeze swept across parts of Europe, bringing heavy snowfall, icy roads and sub-zero temperatures. Transport networks struggled to cope, with hundreds of flights cancelled, trains suspended and weather alerts issued for millions of residents
Maduro Appears in New York Court, Claims Kidnapping After US Arrest
Nicolás Maduro appeared in a New York federal courtroom for the first time following his arrest by US forces in Venezuela, pleading not guilty to serious drug and weapons charges while claiming he was unlawfully kidnapped from Caracas
Belgium Enters 2026 With Confidence, But Deep Structural Challenges Loom
Belgium enters 2026 on a relative high, buoyed by new political stability and international relevance. Yet looming structural reforms, rising debt, law and order concerns and paralysis in Brussels threaten to quickly erode the government’s hard-won political capital
Crans-Montana Mourns 40 Victims of New Year’s Eve Bar Fire
A solemn Mass, a silent march and a message from Pope Leo XIV marked a day of mourning in Crans-Montana, where families and friends paid tribute to victims of a devastating New Year’s Eve fire at a packed ski resort bar
France’s Struggle to Protect Women: Six Years After Grenelle Violence Reforms
France’s six‑year push against domestic violence has yielded new tools like emergency phones and restraining‑order bracelets, yet rising victim numbers and systemic gaps in enforcement and support highlight deep problems in translating political will into real safety for women
France Plans to Ban Social Media Use for Children Under 15 in 2026
France proposes a ban on social media for under-15s, citing addiction and cyberbullying concerns, with the law set to be debated in Parliament early 2026
AFCON Knockout Fever Grips Paris as Diaspora Celebrates African Football
From packed cafés to street celebrations, the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage has electrified Paris. The city’s African diaspora is uniting behind its teams, while small businesses thrive on football-fuelled festivities and shared continental pride
Bulgaria Adopts Euro as 21st Member, Hope and Inflation Fears Collide
Bulgaria entered the eurozone as its 21st member, abandoning the lev after centuries of use. While leaders celebrate deeper EU integration, many Bulgarians fear inflation, political instability and rising living costs as the new currency takes hold