#franc
#franc

French report criticising UK efforts to curb Channel crossings 'out of date'

The UK's Home Office dismisses criticism of its work with France to curb Channel crossings based on 'out-of-date' information.

France is struggling to develop operational cooperation arrangements with the UK in curbing illegal migration, according to the French Court of Accounts. [ more ]

BBC News

Europe news

French report criticises UK effort on small boats

The UK is not sharing enough information about small boats crossing the Channel, according to a French report.

The Court of Accounts in France has called for more details about the boats and engines used by criminal gangs. [ more ]

moreuk

secur

www.independent.co.uk

Olympic host country France sees less New Year's Eve disorder as it celebrates 2024's arrival

France saw a decrease in car burnings and arrests during New Year's Eve celebrations compared to previous years.

Authorities had tightened security measures to ensure a safe celebration and to showcase their ability to handle security challenges ahead of the Olympics. [ more ]

www.france24.com

France to deploy 90,000 police officers to patrol New Year's Eve festivities

90,000 law enforcement officers will be deployed across France on New Year's Eve, with 6,000 in Paris.

Drones will be used for the first time as part of security work during New Year's Eve celebrations in Paris. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

France heightens security for New Year's Eve, with 90,000 police officers to be mobilized

There will be tight security in France on New Year's Eve, with 90,000 law enforcement officers deployed.

Paris is expecting over 1.5 million people for New Year's Eve celebrations on the Champs-Elysees. [ more ]

moresecur

www.thelocal.fr

Macron reshuffle: Is France about to get a new prime minister?

The prime minister in France is appointed by the president and can be removed without a vote.

The current prime minister, Elisabeth Borne, has faced challenges due to a controversial immigration bill and growing opposition from the far-right party. [ more ]

www.france24.com

Macron moves to name new prime minister in govt reshuffle

French President Emmanuel Macron is considering choosing a new prime minister in an effort to revamp his criticized government.

The position of current Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has been weakened since an immigration bill proposed by Macron was rejected by parliament last month. [ more ]

www.france24.com

France in focus - A cake fit for a king: Exploring France's 'galette des rois' tradition

The galette des rois, or king cake, is a popular pastry in France during the month of January.

The tradition of the galette des rois does not actually date back to the Three Kings, but to the Saturnalia feasts in ancient Rome. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

UK does not cooperate sufficiently over small boat crossings, says French body

The UK is not coordinating effectively with France in reducing the number of people crossing the Channel in small boats.

France is struggling to develop operational cooperation arrangements with the UK, particularly in terms of sharing detailed information on illegal migration. [ more ]

www.nytimes.com

Major French Retailer Drops PepsiCo Products Over High Prices

Carrefour, France's biggest food retailer, has announced that it will no longer sell PepsiCo products due to high prices for consumers.

This move is part of a broader campaign by the French government to pressure manufacturers to lower food costs and combat persistently high food price inflation. [ more ]

www.thelocal.fr

France expels nearly 5,000 foreign criminals in one year

French authorities expelled 4,686 foreign criminals in 2023, a 30 percent increase from the previous year.

Deportation of foreigners convicted of crimes is a controversial issue in France, particularly due to high-profile incidents involving these individuals. [ more ]

South Side Sox

Chicago White Sox

2024 South Side Sox Top Prospect No. 84: Mathias LaCombe

Mathias LaCombe, a right-handed pitcher from France, was selected by the White Sox in the 2023 MLB draft.

LaCombe had an impressive season at Cochise College, with a 1.74 ERA and 97 strikeouts in 67 1/3 innings.

LaCombe is determined to make it to the majors and has the support of his manager and the White Sox scout. [ more ]

BBC Sport

London

McCall understands if Farrell wants 'new experience'

Owen Farrell may be considering a move to France, but Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall understands his desire for a new experience.

Farrell has been with Saracens since he was 16 and has shown loyalty to the club through tough times. [ more ]

The Good Life France

Happy galette des rois weekend - The Good Life France

The newsletter delivers France straight to your inbox

It provides fun, fabulous, and authentic content [ more ]

www.nytimes.com

Major French Retailer Drops PepsiCo Products Over High Prices

French retailer Carrefour has announced that it will no longer sell PepsiCo products due to high prices for consumers.

This is part of a larger effort by French retailers and the government to push manufacturers to lower food costs. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

The UK is not cooperating enough to curb migrant crossings of the Channel, a French report says

France criticizes the UK for lack of coordination in addressing migrant crossings in the English Channel.

The report highlights the imbalance in information and intelligence exchange between France and the UK. [ more ]

The Good Life France

Jobs for English speaking expats in France - The Good Life France

Opportunities for English speaking expats in France

Freelance property agent job with training, commissions, and support [ more ]

www.france24.com

Riots, protests and climate uprisings: 2023 was a tumultuous year in France

France experienced significant social unrest, protests, and riots in 2023.

The year was also marked by droughts, heatwaves, and preparations for major sporting events. [ more ]

www.france24.com

France expels two Azerbaijan diplomats in a move of 'reciprocity'

France declares two employees of Azerbaijan's embassy persona non grata in a reciprocal move

Azerbaijan also declares two employees of France's embassy persona non grata [ more ]

euronews

Europe news

France and Germany seek EU assistance while battling against flooding

France and neighboring countries are offering assistance to Germany and France in response to severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall.

The EU Civil Protection Mechanism is providing swift and decisive assistance to the flood-stricken regions of Germany and France, demonstrating unity and solidarity. [ more ]

www.thelocal.fr

Europe news

UK lifts Brexit obstacles for French school trips

UK scraps visa requirements for French and EU nationals traveling on language-learning holidays.

The changes have been welcomed by educational travel associations and organizations offering school trips. [ more ]

www.france24.com

French closes Niger embassy until further notice

The French embassy in Niamey, Niger's capital, is now closed due to obstacles that hindered its diplomatic mission. This closure comes after deteriorating relations between the two countries following a military coup in Niger in July 2023.

The closure of the embassy coincided with the withdrawal of French soldiers deployed in Niger. This closure is an extremely rare measure. [ more ]

www.aljazeera.com

Au revoir, Sahel: Did 2023 crush France's influence in Africa?

France's hold on its African allies significantly shrunk in 2023.

Relations between France and its former African colonies deteriorated to a new low. [ more ]

www.theguardian.com

Row in France as government reluctant to back dry January

Professors of addiction studies in France are urging the state to promote a month of abstinence from alcohol like the UK's Dry January.

The French government has not supported the initiative and politicians are reluctant to get onboard due to the country's strong wine industry and cultural ties to alcohol. [ more ]

www.mercurynews.com

Wine

The year's50 best wines under $50, from anexpert who tasted 3,243

2023 was a great year for finding good value wines despite inflation

Italy and France are top countries for value wines, with Languedoc and Touraine regions in France and smaller Bordeaux chateaux being recommended [ more ]

www.dw.com

Israel-Hamas war: Macron reiterates call for Gaza cease-fire DW 12/28/2023

French President Macron called for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza during a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.

France will work with Jordan to carry out humanitarian operations in Gaza. [ more ]

www.independent.co.uk

Plane held in France for four days over human trafficking is redirected to India

A plane carrying hundreds of Indian nationals has landed in Mumbai, four days after it was detained in France over suspected human trafficking.

www.france24.com

How the French celebrate Christmas, from holiday markets to Pere Fouttard

Holiday traditions Although France shares many Christmas traditions with its European neighbours, some customs are quintessentially French like oysters on ice, the buche de Noel (Christmas log cake) and a decided emphasis on Champagne.

www.france24.com

Indian passenger plane held in France over human trafficking concerns takes off

A plane with close to 300 Indian passengers detained near Paris over suspicions of human trafficking took off Monday after being cleared for departure by French police, an AFP reporter said.

www.aljazeera.com