World News Hub

EU leaders discuss Ukraine membership and next multi-billion euro budget

It is day two of the EU leaders' summit, where the bloc's next seven-year budget is being discussed. According to the European Commission's proposal, the 2028-2034 budget should ⁠be €2 trillion. But leaders are set to clash after both net contributors and beneficiaries criticised that initial proposal. They also agreed to extend sanctions on Russia. FRANCE 24's Armen Georgian tells us what to know...

What to know about Keir Starmer's successful rival, newly-elected Andy Burnham

Lawmaker Andy Burnham said Britain needed ​fundamental change, from its economy to its immigration system, to education and industry, after he won a parliamentary seat ​in the Makerfield by-election. The election was under intense scrutiny as it was triggered to give Burnham the possibility of challenging PM Keir Starmer for party leadership, for which he would be the favourite. FRANCE 24's Philip...

Kenya faces growing consequences of climate change-driven coastal erosion

Kenya just held a major conference on ocean protection, bringing together thousands of scientists, policymakers, and philanthropists. The goal is to find solutions to preserve marine resources and prevent environmental degradation. Over the past decade, the East African coast has been particularly affected by declining fish stocks, pollution, and erosion linked to rising sea levels. Bastien Renoui...

South African president impeachment inquiry comes back to haunt him

South African president Cyril Ramaphosa has failed to stop the work of a committee investigating allegations of misconduct against him. If they are confirmed, he risks possible impeachment over scandals sparked by claims that he didn't declare millions of dollars he stashed into a sofa at his Phala Phala gamer farm before they were stolen. FRANCE 24's Eunice Masson tells us more from Cape Town.

Ghana brings reparations for transatlantic slave trade a step further

Ghana is taking the growing call for reparations over the transatlantic slave trade a significant step further towards concrete action. Weeks after the UN called it the 'gravest crime against humanity", leaders from around the continent and the Caribbean were in Accra for a conference on reparatory justice. Now, Ghana has adopted a 10-point plan to enforce the UN resolution. FRANCE 24's Justice Ba...

'New generation of moms' say weed helps them 'survive full-time parenting'

PRESS REVIEW – Friday, June 19: Papers discuss the worsening fuel crisis in Russia. Also: the Major Oak tree from the Robin Hood legend is dead. Finally, articles discuss mums who use cannabis and ask how much is actually too much.

'The prince of prints': Mzukisi Mbane on building a modern African brand rooted in heritage

Our guest in this edition represents creativity, identity and entrepreneurship. Mzukisi Mbane is the brains behind Imprint South Africa. He founded the brand after originally studying accounting and has now built a globally recognised label rooted in African heritage and futurism. He spoke to us in Entre Nous. 

Labour hopes for 'smooth transition' as Starmer rival wins critical election

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has congratulated Labour's Andi Burnham's win in the by-election that took place in the constituency of Makerfield on June 17, while saying he would fight any leadership challenge he is presented with. Burnham is Starmer's main rival, with many in Labour hoping that the new MP will now challenge the PM. FRANCE 24's Benedicte Paviot tells us more.

Israel steps up attacks in Lebanon amid fallout with US over Iran deal

Israel’s military said on June 19 its forces struck targets throughout southern Lebanon overnight as Hezbollah reported intense fighting in the area, threatening the nascent agreement between Iran and the United States to end their war. Israel and Hezbollah are not parties to the agreement, but Iran insists Israel must withdraw from south Lebanon. FRANCE 24's Noga Tarnopolsky tells us more from Je...

'No Scotland, no party': Tartan army take over Boston for first world cup since 1998

Scotland fans have taken over Boston as they play their first World Cup since 1998, and are set to play Morocco in their second game of the tournament on June 19. The Tartan army has conquered the hearts of Bostonians, who will be sad to see them go: after their game against Morocco, the Scottish team will be flying to Miami to face Brazil. FRANCE 24's Selina Sykes meets the Tartan army ahead of t...

Starmer's main rival wins key Makerfield election, looks to premiership

Labour's Andy Burnham has won a by-election in northern England, fuelling speculation that he could mount a challenge to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Starmer’s popularity has cratered since he led the center-left Labour Party to a landslide election victory in July 2024. Labour is losing liberal voters to the growing Green Party, and facing a rising Reform UK, which consistently leads in nationwid...

US-Iran peace negotiations abruptly called off amid growing criticism

Talks ⁠that had ​been planned for ​June 19 between the United States and Iran ⁠in Switzerland were abruptly called off, as the Trump administration faces mounting criticism from both Democrats and Republicans. This comes after Iran delayed sending its delegation to Switzerland over Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Lebanon. FRANCE 24's Douglas Herbert.

Iran says Trump agreed to deal terms 'out of desperation' as US Democrats blast agreement

US Vice President JD Vance says he doesn’t know if he’ll be headed to Geneva on June 19 where he was due to attend a signing ceremony for an initial deal to end the war in Iran. But an agreement has already been signed by Donald Trump and Iranian officials, so Vance said that further negotiations could happen in Switzerland on the weekend. Meanwhile, Iran’s supreme leader has issued his first stat...

World Cup 2026: Switzerland close in on qualification for round of 16

Switzerland cruised to a 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina to bounce back after their opening draw against Qatar. The Nati are now close to securing a place in the round of 16.

Moroccan footballer Achraf Hakimi to be tried in France for rape, appeals court says

Moroccan footballer Hakimi to be tried in France for rape, appeals court says

A French court confirmed Friday that Moroccan footballer Achraf Hakimi will stand trial for rape. The 27-year-old footballer, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), denies the allegations and said he was "eagerly awaiting" his trial.

Iran to lodge complaint with FIFA over World Cup travel restrictions

The Iranian World Cup team will lodge a complaint with world football association FIFA over the unfair travel restrictions imposed on them during the North American tournament, Iran's football federation said Thursday.

🔴Middle East live: US-Iran talks postponed as Israel carries out deadly strikes in southern Lebanon

World Cup 2026: Switzerland close in on qualification

Switzerland cruised to a 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina to bounce back after their opening draw against Qatar. The Nati are now close to securing a place in round 16. The sports recap of the day with France 24 journalists and a summary of world sports news, both on and off the field.

US launches Germany pharma pricing probe, raising threat of new tariffs

Germany came under fresh US trade scrutiny on Thursday as the United States launched an investigation into the country's pharmaceutical pricing policies, a move that could pave the way for new tariffs. Washington said it would examine whether Germany's pricing practices unfairly underpay for innovative medicines and burden US commerce under Section 301 trade authorities.

World Cup 2026: Mexico becomes first country to reach knockout stage after beating South Korea

Co-hosts Mexico became the first team to secure a place in the World Cup knockout stage after a 1-0 victory over South Korea at a jubilant Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday. Luis Romo scored shortly after half-time, capitalising on a goalkeeping error, to seal Mexico's second straight win and confirm them as Group A winners with one match remaining.

World Cup 2026: Mexico reach World Cup knockout stage first after beating South Korea

Co-hosts Mexico became the first team to secure a place in the World Cup knockout stage after a 1-0 victory over South Korea at a jubilant Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday. Luis Romo scored shortly after halftime, capitalising on a goalkeeping error, to seal Mexico's second straight win and confirm them as Group A winners with one match remaining.

World Cup? Not today: New York is celebrating the Knicks

The FIFA World Cup may be under way in the United States, but in New York on Thursday, all eyes were on basketball. Tens of thousands of fans packed the streets of Manhattan to celebrate the NBA champion Knicks as the team paraded through the city under tight security. FRANCE 24’s Juliette Montilly was there. 

Mexico become first team to reach World Cup knockout phase

Starmer rival Burnham wins Makerfield as Labour leadership speculation grows

Labour's Andy Burnham won the Makerfield parliamentary by-election on Friday, defeating Reform UK candidate Rob Kenyon and returning to Westminster after years as Greater Manchester mayor. The victory strengthens Burnham's position as a potential successor to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as speculation grows over Labour's future leadership.