France 24 - Thursday, December 18, 2025

Diplomats say EU-Mercosur treaty signing postponed to January

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen told EU leaders at a summit in Brussels that the signing of a free trade deal with South American bloc Mercosur would be postponed to January, according to officials. The European Commission wanted to have the pact to create the world's biggest free-trade area sealed this week, but the plan was thrown into disarray after Italy joined fellow heavyweight France in demanding a delay seeking further protection for the farming sector. FRANCE 24's Armen Georgian reports.

Signing of EU-Mercosur trade pact postponed, Von der Leyen tells EU leaders

Decision time in Brussels: Will EU ignore threats and seize frozen Russian assets?

Some brand it 'the most crucial EU summit' since the financial crisis of 2008. A last chance to stave off bankruptcy for a Ukraine government that might run out of money by the end of spring.

Nigerians call for government action against worsening insecurity

Hundreds of members of Nigeria's main labour union take to the streets, demanding urgent government action against worsening insecurity, including kidnappings and killings that they say affects their safety and livelihoods. Also, Sierra Leone declares its Mpox epidemic over, signalling the end of a health emergency that saw over 5,000 cases and 60 fatalities in the country. Survivors, though, say they remain discriminated against. Plus the final preparations are underway in Morocco, which is gea

Mercosur trade deal signing postponed, Von der Leyen tells EU leaders

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen told EU leaders at a summit in Brussels that the signing of a free trade deal with South American bloc Mercosur would be postponed to January, diplomatic sources said, amid French-led opposition to the mammoth transatlantic pact that sparked angry protests by farmers in Brussels on Thursday.

A decade on, Greek island of Lesbos remains symbol of Europe's migration crisis

For more than a decade, the Greek island of Lesbos has been a symbol of Europe's migration crisis. Located close to Turkey, the island was a major entry point to the European Union back in 2015. But since then, arrivals have sharply decreased as Europe has tightened its border controls and outsourced part of its migration policy. Mortaza Behboudi reports from Lesbos, where refugees have often suffered a traumatic journey.

Christmas ornaments: Did the French invent them?

🎄 Once upon a time, people would use apples and other fruits to decorate their #Christmas trees. So how did we end up with glass balls? Turns out a French glassblower might have had something to do with it…

Fake French coup videos go viral, traced to Burkinabé student

Earlier this week, several AI-generated videos claiming a coup d’état in France were posted on Facebook. The fake clips quickly went viral, prompting outrage from the Élysée Palace. An investigation by Le Monde revealed that a young Burkinabé student, eager to make a name for himself, was behind the videos. The incident highlights how platforms like Meta still lack robust safeguards against the spread of fake content, as FRANCE 24's Emerald Maxwell explains.

Oscars to stream on YouTube from 2029

From 2029, the Oscars will no longer air on US network television but will stream worldwide on YouTube, ending ABC’s decades-long broadcast. The Academy says the move reflects its global audience, as falling TV ratings and the rise of streaming continue to reshape Hollywood and the wider entertainment industry.

India: Officials dismiss Delhi’s air crisis

Recent remarks about pollution from two Indian officials have increased frustration among residents who say policymakers are unwilling to acknowledge the severity of India's air quality crisis.