Production of French-German fighter jet threatened by rivalries, chief executive says

Charles Shay, the last surviving Native American World War II D-Day veteran, passed away at the age of 101 at his home in France on Wednesday. His service during the war marked a significant chapter in the history of Native American contributions to the military.

Germany's president was hosted at a glittering state banquet in the UK, marking the first day of his state visit. The event showcased the ceremonial hospitality extended by the British royals, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

King Charles welcomed German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, affirming that the UK and Germany are prepared to strengthen Europe against potential Russian aggression while expressing support for Ukraine. This visit highlights the significance of the Kensington treaty, which aims to enhance cooperation between the two nations in various sectors, including defense and migration.

An Algerian appeals court upheld a seven-year prison sentence for French sports journalist Christophe Gleizes, who was convicted on terrorism-related charges. Gleizes, 36, is currently the only journalist from France imprisoned abroad, and his case has emerged amid rising diplomatic tensions between France and Algeria.

Maro Itoje has expressed his ambition for Rugby World Cup success in 2027 after England was drawn in a favorable group, avoiding top teams like South Africa, New Zealand, and France. The draw, held in Sydney, positions England alongside Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, which could enhance their chances of advancing in the tournament.

A cultural initiative titled Season of Ukraine – Journey to Ukraine: culture strikes back is set to take place from December 2025 to March 2026, featuring 50 events across various cities in France. This event aims to highlight the contributions of Ukrainian artists and foster cultural connections between Ukraine and France, as discussed by Ukrainian author Andrei Kurkov in an interview with FRANCE 24.

Germany has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2029 Women’s European Championship, winning 15 out of 17 votes from Uefa’s executive committee. The country aims to set a new record for ticket sales, surpassing previous tournaments. This decision comes after a competitive bidding process, where Germany outperformed bids from Poland and a joint submission from Denmark and Sweden, while Portugal and Italy withdrew from contention.

Airbus has reduced its plane delivery target for the year to approximately 790 aircraft, down from 820, due to a fuselage issue affecting its A320 family. This decision follows a significant recall of around 6,000 jets prompted by a software glitch that raised safety concerns after a mid-air incident involving a JetBlue flight.