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Archaeologists digging 4 meters deep at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris have uncovered Roman relics, including a coin bearing Emperor Constantine's face, and medieval ruins. The excavation, part of plans for a greener square by 2028, has yielded hundreds of objects, with hopes to dig deeper for traces of the Gauls.
This commentary argues that France's renewed diplomatic engagement in Lebanon is driven by a desire to reassert its waning influence in the Middle East. It contends that Paris is wary of US overreach and seeks to preserve its strategic foothold, rooted in colonial ties and ongoing involvement with UNIFIL.
France banned Israel from official participation in the EUROSATORY defense exhibition in Paris, including government representatives and an Israeli national pavilion. Israeli companies may attend with smaller private desks for defensive weapons. The Israeli Defense Ministry condemned the decision as discriminatory.
France and its allies detained the sanctioned Russian shadow fleet tanker Tagor in the Atlantic on Sunday, President Macron announced on Monday. The vessel was intercepted more than 400 nautical miles west of Brittany with help from the UK and other partners. Nearly 600 suspected shadow fleet vessels are currently under EU sanctions following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Salesforce announced a $2 billion investment in France through 2030, including a new AI Innovation Hub in Paris. The company will also expand AI education and workforce training initiatives.
InPost SA, Poland's largest parcel locker operator, will invest an extra €500 million in France by 2030 to support organic growth. The company has already invested €900 million in France since acquiring Mondial Relay in 2021.
Russia condemned France's seizure of the Russian-linked tanker Tagor as illegal and 'bordering on international terrorism.' Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia is taking measures to ensure maritime cargo safety. France detained the vessel in the Atlantic, suspecting it was part of Russia's shadow fleet evading Ukraine war sanctions.
USA Rare Earth will invest over €175 million ($204.1 million) in France through 2030 to expand rare earth metals, alloy, and magnet manufacturing operations. The investment builds on previously announced initiatives, including a Less Common Metals rare earth project, aiming to reduce reliance on China.
France's Manufacturing PMI dropped to 49.70 in May from 52.80 in April, signaling contraction. The reading was above the flash estimate of 48.9. This follows a 0.1% GDP contraction in Q1, deepening economic concerns.
Bank of France Governor Villeroy de Galhau announced the central bank will lower its 2026 growth forecasts later this month due to a disappointing first quarter and Middle East tensions. The bank will publish multiple scenarios due to high uncertainty, though most scenarios remain positive.