EU-Mideast ties

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed was hosted in Paris by President Emmanuel Macron, where the sides signed a groundbreaking cooperation agreement in AI, on Feb. 6, 2025.

Analysis

UAE hedges against global economic volatility with EU trade agreement

The UAE is doubling down on bilateral free trade agreements as it hedges against economic headwinds fueled by the United States' universal tariff policy.

Jennifer Gnana

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

A picture taken on July 23, 2021 shows an Algerian flag fluttering on the facade of the embassy in Paris. - Algeria expressed "deep concern" following press reports that it may have been the target of the Israeli-made Pegasus spyware as it launched a probe. (Photo by Joël SAGET / AFP) (Photo by JOEL SAGET/AFP via Getty Images)

France expels 12 Algerian diplomats in tit-for-tat escalation

Paris decided to retaliate symmetrically after the expulsion on Monday of 12 of its diplomats from Algeria.

TOPSHOT - France's President Emmanuel Macron (R) shares a laugh with Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (L) ahead of a round table as part of the European Political Community Summit in Budapest, on November 7, 2024. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / AFP) (Photo by LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

France recalibrates Turkey ties as east Med dynamics shift: What to know

After years of strain between France and Turkey, the two countries seem to be seeking rapprochement on regional issues.

Jonathan Fenton-Harvey

By Jonathan Fenton-Harvey

In London, reporting on North Africa and Gulf politics

Italian energy giant Eni's general director, Claudio Descalzi.

Italy's Eni to invest $26B in Egypt, Libya, Algeria energy projects

Eni is already a leading foreign energy company in the region, with footholds in Algeria, Egypt and Libya.

Latest News

UK lawyers accuse 10 nationals of war crimes in Gaza: What to know

London Gaza protest

Germany's plan to deport 4 residents over pro-Palestine protests 'unlawful': Lawyer

A protestor shouts during a gathering to commemorate Land Day on March 29, 2025 in Berlin, Germany.

Israeli FM says indirect US-Iran talks likely, hails 'common objective' with France

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas (C) listens to Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar (L) during a visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem on March 24, 2025. (Photo by Menahem Kahana / AFP) (Photo by MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images)

Spain arrests 3 suspects accused of supplying Hezbollah with drone parts

Civil Guard agents are pictured in an anti-terrorist operation against a Hezbollah drone manufacturing facility in this undated photo.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

French President Emmanuel Macron seen before meeting with President-elect Donald Trump at the Elysee Palace, on Dec. 7, 2024, in Paris, France.

After 12 years, France reopens Syria embassy, EU to follow: What to know

For the first time since France severed ties with the Assad regime, its diplomats returned to Damascus and raised the tricolor flag over the old embassy building.

Members of the Syrian community in Berlin hold flags of Syria and Germany as they celebrate the collapse of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government, Dec. 8, 2024.

Analysis

EU seeks channels with HTS as it grapples with post-Assad Syria

The European Union will need a creative solution to establish communications with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a designated terror organization and the caretaker government in Syria.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

OLE BERG-RUSTEN/AFP via Getty Images

Norway's sovereign fund divests from Israel's Bezeq over West Bank links

Norway’s sovereign wealth fund said it has sold all of its shares in Israel’s largest telecoms firm Bezeq, as it provides services to the Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

NOEMIE DE BELLAIGUE/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

Germany arrests suspected Hezbollah member: What we know

Germany has arrested a man suspected of membership in Hezbollah accused of running two affiliated associations in Germany.

Smoke billows from the site of an Israeli airstrike in Marjayoun, near the Lebanon-Israel border, on Sept. 23, 2024.

Israel security cabinet approves ceasefire deal with Hezbollah to end Lebanon war

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his security cabinet approved the US-mediated deal with Hezbollah for stopping the conflict in Lebanon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a memorial ceremony for Israelis killed on the Hebrew calendar anniversary of the Hamas attack on October 7 last year that sparked the ongoing war in Gaza, at the Mount Herzl military cemetery in Jerusalem on Oct. 27, 2024.

Analysis

Will Netanyahu finally agree to Lebanon cease-fire after months of delays?

Barring any major surprises, Israel is expected to approve a cease-fire deal with Hezbollah Tuesday — something that will make delaying his graft trial even harder for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

The International Criminal Court

Germany reluctant to arrest Netanyahu after ICC warrant as France, Canada commit to uphold

The International Criminal Court on Thursday announced arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza.

Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the southern Lebanese border village of Khiam on Nov. 20, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah.

Analysis

Israel seeking US security guarantees to clinch Lebanon deal: What we know

As cease-fire talks advance with Lebanon, Israel might agree to a letter from the US that would guarantee its ability to retaliate to violations by Hezbollah to 1701 framework.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

NUSA DUA, INDONESIA - JULY 08: The Indonesian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi (R) greets the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Luigi Di Maio (L) during arrival of the G20 Foreign Ministers and Head of Department at the Grand Ballroom Mulia Hotel on July 08, 2022 in Nusa Dua, Indonesia. (Photo by Robertus Pudyanto/Getty Images)

Interview

EU escorted over 200 ships in Red Sea amid Gulf maritime threats, envoy says

The Gulf states are supporting the EU's Operation Aspides to counter the Houthi threat in the Red Sea region, as both seek greater cooperation on maritime security, said Luigi di Maio.

Luigi di Maio

Luigi di Maio

EU Special Representative for the Gulf

French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron embark on an aircraft at the airport of Sale, north of Rabat, on Oct. 30, 2024.

Analysis

Relations between France, Algeria grow cooler over Morocco ties

The latest trip of French President Emmanuel Macron to Rabat was the last straw in the already shaky relations between Paris and Algiers.

Rina Bassist

By Rina Bassist

In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs

JEROEN JUMELET/ANP/AFP via Getty Images

Dutch, French leaders denounce attacks on Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam

Hundreds of rioters chased and attacked Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam for the Maccabi Tel Aviv-Ajax match.

France's Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot (2-R) speaks to members of his delegation as he visits the Mount of Olives, overlooking Jerusalem's Old City and Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, Nov. 7, 2024.

Can France help address Israel's conditions for Lebanon cease-fire deal?

During a visit to Israel, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel met with Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Foreign Affairs Minister Israel Katz to discuss advancing an agreement with Lebanon and the security guarantees Israel is demanding.