French lawmakers have approved a bill banning children under 15 from using social media. The move makes France the first country in the European Union to pass a blanket ban on platforms as concerns grow worldwide over the harmful effects of digital content on kids. Both chambers of the Parliament voted Tuesday in favor of the measure, a flagship initiative of French President Emmanuel Macron's second term. The bill also bans the use of mobile phones in high schools.
Explosions have rocked Syria's capital as France's president is visiting, and the Interior Ministry says at least 18 people were wounded. This marks the second attack in Damascus in a week, challenging new President Ahmad al-Sharaa. French President Emmanuel Macron was in the presidential palace during the blasts but was unharmed. No group has claimed responsibility. Macron, who played a major role in getting sanctions on Syria lifted, later said he and al-Sharaa have agreed to reappoint ambassadors after over a decade. The explosions highlight the challenges as Syria's new rulers work to assert control and rebuild.
President Donald Trump has started his visit to the G7 summit by hailing an agreement aimed at ending the U.S. conflict with Iran. Trump met Monday with French President Emmanuel Macron and called the deal a potential breakthrough for global security. The Republican U.S. president says the deal could lead to positive changes in the Middle East. The agreement has yet to be fully detailed but might alter the dynamics of the summit, where Trump has faced criticism from European leaders for his decision to start the war without consulting them. Macron is among the leaders who've criticized Trump over the war but congratulates him for finding an agreement with Iran.
Diplomats are working through back channels to arrange a new round of talks between the United States and Iran. As Washington enacted its blockade of Iranian ports, Tehran threatened to retaliate by striking targets across the war-weary region. Though last week's ceasefire appeared to hold, the showdown over the Strait of Hormuz risked reigniting hostilities. Meanwhile in Washington, direct talks between Israel and Lebanon concluded on an upbeat note. That's according to Israel's ambassador to the U.S. They are the first such negotiations in decades. Talks aimed at permanently ending the conflict in Iran failed to produce an agreement last weekend. Pakistan has proposed hosting a second round in the coming days.
President Emmanuel Macron is updating France's nuclear deterrence doctrine as Europe worries about Russia and doubts U.S. protection under Donald Trump. On Monday, Macron will speak at a French submarine base and signal how France thinks about using nuclear weapons. The war in Ukraine and Russia's nuclear threats have shaken Europe's security assumptions. Analysts say some Europeans are looking to France for a backup nuclear guarantee. France is the only nuclear power in the European Union. Macron last laid down policy in 2020 and said France has fewer than 300 warheads. Experts are listening for any stronger promise to protect allies.
President Donald Trump's tariff threats over Greenland have strained relations with America's key NATO allies. European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, criticized Trump's approach on Tuesday, warning of potential retaliation. The European Union's top official calls the tariffs a "mistake," questioning Trump's reliability. Trump argues the U.S. needs Greenland to counter threats from China and Russia. Greenland's leader insists on respect for international law. European leaders consider countermeasures, including tariffs and economic sanctions. As tensions rise, Trump plans to address the issue at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Denmark and Greenland's envoys to Washington have begun a vigorous effort to urge U.S. lawmakers as well as key Trump administration officials to step back from President Donald Trump's call for a "takeover" of the strategic Arctic island. Denmark's ambassador and Greenland's chief representative to Washington met on Thursday with White House National Security Council officials to discuss a renewed push by Trump to acquire Greenland, perhaps by military force. That word comes from Danish government officials who weren't authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.
France's new prime minister has resigned just a day after naming his government and following less than a month in office. Sébastien Lecornu was France's fourth prime minister in barely a year. The French presidency said Monday that President Emmanuel Macron accepted his resignation. Lecornu's choice of ministers had faced criticism across the political spectrum. His decision to bring back former Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire to serve at the defense ministry was particularly contentious. It's now up to Macron either to name a new head of government or to dissolve the National Assembly and call an early legislative election.
French President Emmanuel Macron praised his country's ties with Britain on the first day of a state visit. The trip that began on Tuesday mixes royal pageantry with thorny political talks about stopping migrants from crossing the English Channel in small boats. Macron and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer will also try to advance plans for a post-ceasefire security force for Ukraine. Macron addressed Britain's Parliament and said that even though Britain has left the EU, it "cannot stay on the sidelines." Macron's three-day stay is at the invitation of King Charles III. It is a symbol of the U.K. government's desire to reset relations with the bloc after Brexit.
Ukraine is moving forward with plans for joint weapons production with allies, while the U.S. halts some arms shipments it had promised to help Kyiv fight off Russia's invasion. Ukraine on Wednesday warned of potential consequences of the U.S. decision. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine will seek joint weapons production with European and other countries. Ukrainian officials said draft legislation to support the effort will be voted on later this month. The U.S. has cited concerns over its own stockpiles for the halt in shipments. The decision has increased pressure on European nations to support Ukraine militarily.
