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Mélenchon attacks Franco-German nuclear cooperation, threatens to break ties

French left-wing populist Jean-Luc Mélenchon has attacked the emerging nuclear cooperation between France and Germany, accusing President Macron of planning to share command of French nuclear weapons with Berlin. Mélenchon's rhetoric taps into French anxieties about declining influence and is seen as a campaign tactic ahead of elections, risking geopolitical tensions.

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French left-wing populist Jean-Luc Mélenchon has attacked the emerging nuclear cooperation between France and Germany, accusing President Macron of planning to share command of French nuclear weapons with Berlin. Mélenchon's rhetoric taps into French anxieties about declining influence and is seen as a campaign tactic ahead of elections, risking geopolitical tensions.

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France announces PEGASE 26 deployment from Greenland to Middle East

The French Air and Space Force announced PEGASE 26, a 38-day deployment starting September 2026, involving four Rafale F4 fighters, two A400M transports, and three A330 MRTT tankers. The mission will cover a strategic arc from Greenland to the Middle East, including stops in Alaska, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, India, Réunion, Qatar, and Egypt. It aims to demonstrate rapid power projection, validate new Arctic routes, and strengthen partnerships in the Indo-Pacific and Middle East.

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The French Air and Space Force announced PEGASE 26, a 38-day deployment starting September 2026, involving four Rafale F4 fighters, two A400M transports, and three A330 MRTT tankers. The mission will cover a strategic arc from Greenland to the Middle East, including stops in Alaska, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, India, Réunion, Qatar, and Egypt. It aims to demonstrate rapid power projection, validate new Arctic routes, and strengthen partnerships in the Indo-Pacific and Middle East.

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French court reopens investigation into journalist Ariane Lavrilleux over Egypt Papers

The Paris Court of Appeal has ordered the reopening of an investigation into journalist Ariane Lavrilleux, co-author of the 2021 'Egypt Papers' investigation by Disclose, which revealed that French intelligence data was used by Egypt for arbitrary killings. Lavrilleux had been cleared in 2025, but the court revived the case after a request from the Paris prosecutor's office. Press freedom groups warn the decision threatens the protection of confidential sources and could criminalize investigative journalism in France.

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The Paris Court of Appeal has ordered the reopening of an investigation into journalist Ariane Lavrilleux, co-author of the 2021 'Egypt Papers' investigation by Disclose, which revealed that French intelligence data was used by Egypt for arbitrary killings. Lavrilleux had been cleared in 2025, but the court revived the case after a request from the Paris prosecutor's office. Press freedom groups warn the decision threatens the protection of confidential sources and could criminalize investigative journalism in France.

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French ecology minister says environmental budget will be second highest after defense

French Minister for Ecological Transition Monique Barbut stated that the ecology budget will see the largest increase after the defense budget in the upcoming 2026 budget. The Green Fund, frozen during recent heatwaves, is set to rise to one billion euros. Barbut also expressed opposition to the reintroduction of the banned pesticide acetamiprid in the agricultural emergency bill.

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French Minister for Ecological Transition Monique Barbut stated that the ecology budget will see the largest increase after the defense budget in the upcoming 2026 budget. The Green Fund, frozen during recent heatwaves, is set to rise to one billion euros. Barbut also expressed opposition to the reintroduction of the banned pesticide acetamiprid in the agricultural emergency bill.

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French Company TR Equipement Unveils Motorcycle Armed with Evolys Light Machine Gun

French firm TR Equipement, in partnership with FN Herstal, DZP Group, and Nobel Security Defense, has unveiled a motorcycle equipped with an Evolys light machine gun, available in 5.56×45mm or 7.62×51mm calibers, mounted at the rear for use by a passenger. The development draws on lessons from the Ukraine war, where motorcycles are increasingly used for reconnaissance, logistics, and raids by both sides. The concept has attracted interest from Belgian and French armies, with a study underway in Belgium and the French market already open.

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French firm TR Equipement, in partnership with FN Herstal, DZP Group, and Nobel Security Defense, has unveiled a motorcycle equipped with an Evolys light machine gun, available in 5.56×45mm or 7.62×51mm calibers, mounted at the rear for use by a passenger. The development draws on lessons from the Ukraine war, where motorcycles are increasingly used for reconnaissance, logistics, and raids by both sides. The concept has attracted interest from Belgian and French armies, with a study underway in Belgium and the French market already open.