European Union divided over Mercosur trade deal: France and Italy demand tougher safeguards

The French government successfully survived two no-confidence votes aimed at protesting the European Union's trade agreement with the MERCOSUR bloc, which has sparked significant controversy and unrest among various stakeholders.

France and Germany have announced the deployment of troops to Greenland as part of a European security mission, responding to renewed threats from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the Arctic territory. This decision follows high-level discussions in Washington involving U.S., Danish, and Greenlandic officials, highlighting the geopolitical tensions surrounding Greenland's status.

Marine Le Pen's appeal trial continues today, following her conviction last spring for embezzling EU funds, which currently bars her from running for the presidency in 2027. The outcome of this trial is crucial for her political ambitions and the future of her party, the National Rally.

Ten British far-right activists have been banned from entering France due to their alleged involvement in reconnaissance and destruction activities targeting small boats used for migrant crossings in the English Channel. This action was taken by French authorities to prevent potential public disorder linked to their activities.

France's interior ministry has imposed a ban on 10 British anti-migrant activists linked to the Raise the Colours movement, following reports of their involvement in anti-migrant activities within the country. This action reflects growing concerns over the activities of far-right groups in France, particularly in relation to migrant crossings in the English Channel.

French authorities have banned ten British far-right activists associated with the group Raise the Colours due to their involvement in anti-migrant activities, which officials believe could incite public disorder. This decision reflects ongoing tensions surrounding migration issues in France, particularly in areas like Calais, where activists have been accused of harassing migrants.

Hungary's president has announced that the next parliamentary election will take place on April 12th, marking a significant moment as the political landscape is already becoming highly competitive, particularly between Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his main opponent. The official campaign is set to begin in a month, but early polling indicates a close race.

For the first time since the end of World War II, France has reported more deaths than births, with 651,000 deaths compared to 645,000 births in 2025, indicating a significant demographic shift. This trend suggests that France's historical demographic advantage within the EU is diminishing as the nation grapples with an ageing population and declining birth rates.