From protests against rising fuel prices in Syria to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s EU charm offensive to Quito’s wildfires and Céline Dion’s return to the stage, FRANCE 24 looks back at the week's most striking pictures.
The Israeli filmmakers behind the documentary NAZA may have received a standing ovation at the Venice film festival, they have been facing violent threats to their lives and citizenship at home in Israel. A month ahead of crucial elections, the film profiles anonymous military sources who speak about the widespread killing of civilians in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he intends to introduce legislation aimed at revoking the citizenship of people who "defame IDF soldiers". Details by Shirli Sitbon, FRANCE 24 international affairs editor.
In Russia, voters are on the third and final day of casting ballots in the country's first wartime parliamentary election. Despite the voting however, Ukraine carried out what Moscow described as the "largest ever" drone attack on the Russian capital. Kyiv reportedly fired over 1.000 drones at the country, leaving two dead in the Moscow region and inflicting damage upon an oil refinery. Details by FRANCE 24 correspondent in Kyiv, Gulliver Cragg.
Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are set to hold talks on Sunday aimed at strengthening economic and defence cooperation between France and Canada during a meeting in the French archipelago of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon. The discussions come days after Carney expressed support for the prospect of Canada becoming the European Union's first associate member, arguing that closer ties with Europe would help protect Canada's economic interests and sovereignty. Relations between Canada and Europe have gained greater prominence as Ottawa seeks to diversify its partnerships and reduce dependence on the United States amid trade tensions and tariff disputes. Speaking upon his arrival in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon on Saturday, Macron described the meeting as "an important moment" and said the talks would help strengthen bilateral economic and defence relations between the two countries. The French president also linked the discussions to broader efforts to enhance France's energy security as the conflict involving Iran continues to disrupt global energy markets. File picture of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. AP Macron noted that Canada possesses significant reserves of critical minerals and rare earth elements and is a major producer of oil and natural gas. He said France is seeking agreements that would secure additional liquefied natural gas supplies for Europe's Atlantic coast. According to Carney's office, the leaders will discuss expanding cooperation in key sectors including aerospace, energy, critical minerals and advanced technologies such as quantum computing, satellites and supercomputing. The meeting also follows a recent agreement announced by US President Donald Trump regarding Greenland, which will expand the US military presence on the island while maintaining Danish sovereignty. Macron welcomed the agreement, saying that Danish sovereignty and international law were being respected and that any development helping to ease tensions was positive.
As the French wine industry reaches a crisis point, key players are considering new markets, products and generations.
It is apt that the most perplexing football country will now be guided by the most enigmatic of leaders Even in his playing days, Zinedine Zidane seemed unknowable. As a manager, the sense of distance has only grown. He won three Champions Leagues with Real Madrid without ever giving a sense of what his idea of football looked like. France are perhaps the most perplexing football country: a squad that teems with such talent that a B team would be serious contenders at a World Cup, that reached three major finals under Didier Deschamps with a sense of unfulfilment, a team that progressed but rarely entranced, or at least didn’t until this summer’s World Cup, when they attacked with gusto and ended up overrun in midfield by Spain . Continue reading...
The Guardian•Jonathan Wilson19 Sept
The far-right party has been divided over its stance toward Russia.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the government claims that the Ebola outbreak has changed course, with cases trending downwards in hotspots. But that interpretation is being met with pushback from experts and health responders, who say the outbreak remains as bad as ever. Details by FRANCE 24 correspondent Emmet Livingstone.
Just months before France's presidential election, rising fuel costs due to the wars in Iran and Ukraine have pushed the nation to the verge of crisis. In an attempt to address public anger and energy threats, French President Emmanuel Macron gathered the nation's major party presidential candidates at the presidential palace. But the main takeaway from this meeting was perhaps Macron's warning about Russian "hybrid attacks"... what exactly does he mean and how serious is the threat? Details and analysis by Richard Werly, France and Europe correspondent for Blick.
Not so long ago, inhabitants of Greenland feared that the US was preparing to invade, after US President Donald Trump repeatedly claimed the US wanted to control the Arctic territory. But Trump now says he has struck a deal with Denmark to give Washington "permanent control" over Greenland's security, while ensuring the territory remains firmly in the hands of Denmark. Denmark and Greenland have both hailed the deal, but its exact terms remain unclear. Details by FRANCE 24 correspondent in Washington, Fraser Jackson.
For his first squad announcement on Friday, new France boss Zinédine Zidane made it clear he intends to break with Didier Deschamps. Five new faces, an attacking philosophy ... Ahead of his first games in charge in the Nations League, “ZZ” is bringing a breath of fresh air to Les Bleus.
French President Emmanuel Macron is travelling to Saint Pierre and Miquelon this weekend, an archipelago the Élysée describes as "central to today's France."
Euronews19 Sept
France and Germany among countries with low Pisa scores, which show how well 15-year-olds use school learning in life France’s were its worst ever. Germany’s, too. In the Netherlands, results also tumbled to all-time lows. Even in Finland, Europe’s much-vaunted schools champion and a global leader for decades, scores plummeted. The 2025 Pisa scores, which assess how effectively 15-year-olds apply school-learned knowledge and skills in reading, mathematics and science to real-life situations, have rocked some of western Europe’s education powerhouses. Continue reading...
The Guardian•Jon Henley, Deborah Cole in Berlin, Angelique Chrisafis in Paris and Miranda Bryant Nordic correspondent19 SeptPublished at 2000PDT 18SEP26 / 0300GMT 19SEP26 Transavia France from December 2026 plans to launch new seasonal service to Finland, previously not covered on AeroRoutes . From 12DEC26, the carrier schedules 1 weekly Paris Orly – Kajaani flight with Airbus A320neo aircraft. TO7940 ORY0750 – 1220KAJ 32N 6 TO7941 KAJ1330 – 1605ORY 32N 6
Toulouse, France-based Kepplair Evolution is targeting a 2027 entry into service for its water bomber conversion of the ATR 72-200F platform, pending European Union Aviation Safety Agency certification. The multipurpose conversion — dubbed the Kepplair 72 — modifies ATR 72-200Fs into aircraft capable of carrying out firefighting, humanitarian support, medical evacuation and cargo flights, David […]
Koror, Palau: The United Arab Emirates has joined the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) as a Strategic Partner, marking a new chapter in the UAE’s longstanding relationship with Pacific Island nations and building on years of close cooperation. The decision was confirmed at the PIF Leaders’ Retreat, held as part of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Koror, Palau. The UAE joins 12 other Strategic Partners of the Forum: China, the United States, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, India, Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea and the European Union. The announcement follows the participation of Noura bint Mohamed Al Kaabi, Minister of State, on behalf of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, held from 30 August to 4 September 2026 in Koror. The UAE’s recognition as a Strategic Partner reflects its longstanding ties across the Pacific, including cooperation with Small Island Developing States in renewable energy, climate resilience, education, and sustainable development. Strategic Partner status will provide a platform for closer engagement with PIF member states, opening new opportunities for trade, investment, and business partnerships, while expanding knowledge exchange in areas such as the energy transition, digital transformation, connectivity, and climate resilience. Reflecting on this milestone, Al Kaabi said: "This recognition builds on years of close cooperation with the nations of the Pacific, grounded in mutual respect and a shared commitment to sustainable development. This new chapter in our partnership holds particular significance for the UAE and reflects the strength of the relationships we have developed across the region. We look forward to deepening our partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum and its members in the years ahead, advancing our shared priorities for sustainable development and prosperity across the Pacific.” Omar Shehadeh, Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Caribbean and Pacific States, added: "Our engagement with the Pacific has always been guided by the vision and directives of our wise leadership. Strategic Partner status creates new avenues for collaboration with Pacific nations, strengthening connectivity and working towards our shared goals for a more resilient and prosperous future.”
French President Emmanuel Macron is calling the G7 back to the table to discuss another release of emergency oil stocks as Europe loses Saudi crude deliveries and diesel prices push deeper into record territory. Macron said Friday that he will convene G7 countries in the coming weeks to coordinate stock levels, exports and production capacity and consider tapping strategic reserves. France is also working to secure diesel, jet fuel and natural gas supplies for the coming months. Europe has a useful card left to play. Unlike the U.S. Strategic Petroleum…
He said France would continue to support Ukraine despite Russian threats, following Moscow’s full-scale invasion of the pro-Western country in February 2022.
Zidane's decision to keep Mbapp as captain signals continuity and stability, potentially strengthening France's cohesion and future success.
CryptoBriefing•Editorial Team18 Sept
Over the last year or so, Spain has burst onto the world stage, scoring five Cannes main competition berths — more than any other country in the world outside France — with joint best director winner “La Bola Negra” now prominent in awards season conversations. Spain’s San Sebastián Film Festival looks set to capture this […]
Variety•John Hopewell18 Sept