The French government is planning a tabletop exercise simulating a sudden nationwide power outage in the second half of 2027, involving grid operators Enedis and RTE, multiple ministries, and the military administration. The drill aims to test France's response to a paralyzing electricity outage or a major cyberattack on the power grid, assessing restoration time and continuity of essential services. The exercise was confirmed during an interministerial committee on national resilience on July 8, with a detailed announcement expected before year-end. It follows record heatwaves, wildfires, and political pressure on crisis preparedness.

French anti-terror prosecutors have opened a preliminary investigation into the Corsican separatist group FLNC-UC after armed, masked members held a clandestine press conference rejecting Corsica's proposed autonomy deal and threatening people moving to the island from mainland France. The investigation covers suspected conspiracy to commit terrorist acts and weapons offenses. The group warned against what it called 'settlement colonisation,' claiming nearly 5,000 newcomers arrive annually, and told them to 'stay home' or face insecurity. The move escalates tensions over the island's political future and follows a series of attacks claimed by the group in recent years.

Background: Elon Musk endorsed far-right candidate Marine Le Pen, sparking accusations of foreign interference in the French election. Today: Green candidate Marine Tondelier publicly challenged Musk after he called for her to be silenced for 'treason against France' for proposing to ban X during elections if foreign interference is detected. Tondelier accused Musk of trying to influence European politics and defended democratic integrity, stating that France does not need lessons in patriotism from a foreign billionaire and that democracy is not for sale. This exchange occurs amid ongoing investigations into Russian interference in the French presidential election.

France's Constitutional Council approved the entire military programming law, including a new 'national security alert state' allowing exceptional government powers for defense infrastructure. The law sets a €436 billion military budget through 2030. The Council rejected challenges from left-wing deputies, citing constitutional requirements for national security, while also validating provisions on anti-drone measures and intelligence surveillance algorithms.

Background: In March 2026, Macron announced a 'forward deterrence' doctrine to disperse nuclear-capable Rafale fighters across allied European bases, later deepening it by increasing the warhead stockpile and launching an 'advanced deterrence' framework. New development: A new report titled 'Project Force' reveals France is developing a new nuclear strategy to build more weapons and expand potential strike locations, further enhancing its nuclear posture. This strategy marks a further evolution of the 'forward deterrence' doctrine, emphasizing broader dispersal and enhanced operational flexibility. This move underscores France's commitment to a more robust and flexible nuclear deterrent, with significant implications for European defense and global non-proliferation dynamics.

In a phone call on August 7, 2026, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed regional developments, security, and freedom of maritime navigation. The talks come amid ongoing tensions following Israel-US attacks on Iran and stalled negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz. Both leaders emphasized deepening bilateral cooperation and addressed regional and international issues of mutual concern.

New Caledonia's 19th government formally took office after its 11 members agreed on portfolio allocations. The immediate priority is securing €109 million by the end of August to prevent a complete shutdown of the local administration, which is in a state of cessation of payments following the May 2024 riots that killed 14 people and caused over €2 billion in damage. The French state, the territory's only financier, has budgeted €432 million for 2026 under a 'refoundation pact', but release is conditional on credible reforms to reduce the deficit and achieve financial autonomy by 2030.

Italian police detained eight individuals suspected of belonging to a transnational criminal network facilitating irregular migration from Algeria to Italy and France. The operation, involving over 100 officers in Cagliari, uncovered a ring led by an Algerian asylum seeker that organized clandestine sea crossings to Sardinia, forged asylum documents, and planned drug smuggling. Migrants paid around €2,500 per journey, and at least five crossings were documented. The network linked El Kala in Algeria, Cagliari in Italy, and Marseille in France, highlighting the ongoing challenge of migrant smuggling in the Mediterranean.