Oct 24, 2026, 03:30 PM UTC

French authorities have implemented evening curfews across Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Nice following widespread unrest during recent nationwide cost-of-living protests. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu defended the executive's response during parliamentary questioning, confirming that local curfews will remain available where necessary.

Security arrangements are being tightened ahead of upcoming demonstrations on Saturday. Law enforcement plans to deploy 70,000 officers using revised tactics focused on rapid mobility to counter violent groups. President Emmanuel Macron announced following a security council meeting that only official, union-organized marches will receive authorization. Meanwhile, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez remains in office despite offering his resignation earlier in the week during internal political discussions over the government's handling of the crisis.

Sources: La Tribune, Le Figaro, Le Monde, Libération, RTBF Info.

French firefighters have brought a wildfire near Montséret in the Aude department under control after it burned 100 hectares of vegetation. Emergency services mobilized 240 firefighters, 60 vehicles, and ten aircraft to contain the blaze, which forced nearby residents in Saint-André-de-Roquelongue to shelter indoors.

Meanwhile, a separate 225-hectare fire in Puilaurens remains active but stabilized as rugged terrain hampers access to persistent hotspots. Elsewhere, officials confirmed fires in the Var department have been extinguished, though severe wildfire risks led authorities to close seven forest massifs to the public.

Government data indicates wildfires have destroyed more than 115,000 hectares across France this year. Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu is scheduled to visit Gironde on August 17 to outline regional reconstruction efforts.

Sources: Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Soir, Libération, RTBF Info.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced plans to secure two major foreign investors for the city of Kraljevo over the next year. Speaking during a regional visit, Vučić stated that the anticipated projects are expected to generate approximately 1,000 new jobs, providing a crucial boost to the local economy and employment market.

Meanwhile, in Belgrade, the Serbian National Assembly wrapped up its daily legislative proceedings on Monday evening after addressing several scheduled agenda items. Lawmakers are scheduled to reconvene on Tuesday at 10:00 AM to continue deliberations on the remaining items on the parliamentary agenda.

Sources: Tanjug

European Union member states have resolved a diplomatic dispute to extend sanctions against approximately 3,000 Russian individuals and entities linked to the war in Ukraine.

The agreement followed negotiations after France, Slovakia, and Luxembourg raised procedural objections, requesting the removal of specific figures from the blacklist. To preserve the unanimity required for renewal, member states approved a compromise removing steel magnate Alisher Usmanov and financier Mikhail Fridman while extending restrictions for all other listed targets.

Separately, EU foreign ministers meeting in Luxembourg formally adopted the bloc's largest sanctions package to date. The new measures target Russia's military-industrial complex, financial networks, and energy sector.

Sources: Correctiv, Der Standard, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau

Tensions remain elevated in Portadown after a controversial Orange Order parade was prevented from passing along Garvaghy Road. An unprecedented late-night Belfast High Court ruling had upheld a Parades Commission decision to allow a restricted, silent march of 35 members past the predominantly nationalist district, marking the first permitted procession along the route in nearly three decades.

However, the designated morning timeframe elapsed without the parade advancing as thousands of counter-protesters assembled along the route. Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill joined the demonstration alongside community representatives. Citing safety concerns, police intervened to halt the marchers near Drumcree Church while officials held discussions to resolve the standoff. Both groups maintained their positions into Sunday afternoon.

Sources: BBC Northern Ireland, France24, STV News, Sweden Herald, The Guardian