France's Ministry of the Armed Forces has initiated disciplinary proceedings against several soldiers photographed displaying flags associated with Rhodesia, a former white-minority-ruled territory. The images, shared online in groups glorifying Rhodesia, were revealed by investigative outlet Mediapart. The ministry emphasized that it does not tolerate racist or extremist manifestations and stressed the need for exemplary conduct and neutrality among military personnel. The incidents occurred in Nîmes, France, and the United Arab Emirates, and the ministry stated they are separate with no connection between the soldiers involved.

Following a summer of record heatwaves, wildfires, and drought across Europe, analysts and politicians criticize European leaders for failing to address the climate crisis in major policy speeches. The article highlights a perceived silence from mainstream politicians in France, the UK, and Germany, contrasting with warnings from figures like Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Pedro Sánchez. It notes that the debate is shifting towards local adaptation measures like air conditioning, while long-term carbon reduction policies are being sidelined due to electoral risks and populist opposition.

A French court in Bayonne ruled that Sophie Lainault, a former Air France flight attendant, developed breast cancer as an occupational disease, marking a first for the country's aviation industry. The court cited her frequent night work, exposure to ionising radiation, and passive smoking during her career from 1989 to 2019. The ruling, which is final, could set a precedent for similar claims in the aviation sector and highlights the health risks faced by cabin crew.

Benjamin Haddad, France's minister for European affairs, announced his support for Édouard Philippe in the upcoming presidential election. In an interview, he defended the government's budget deficit reduction efforts, criticized Jean-Luc Mélenchon's proposal to cancel part of the debt as irresponsible, and called the National Rally's stance on EU budget contributions a 'disguised Frexit.' He emphasized the need for fiscal credibility amid rising interest rates and geopolitical tensions.

With eight months to the 2027 French presidential election, the center-right is deeply divided, with multiple declared candidates and no agreement on a unified primary. Analyst William Thay notes that Marine Le Pen's National Rally (RN) is at historic poll highs, with the far-right bloc reaching 42-44% support, while the central bloc collapses. The feasibility of a center-right primary is hampered by political, logistical, and strategic obstacles, including reluctance from frontrunner Édouard Philippe and disputes over the inclusion of figures like Sarah Knafo and Gabriel Attal. The left remains stable, but the central bloc's fragmentation risks handing victory to the far right.

France and Germany are at odds over the European Union's approach to protecting its industry. France is pushing for stronger 'Made in Europe' rules, while Germany warns against provoking new trade conflicts. The disagreement highlights Europe's struggle to balance green transition goals, competitiveness, and open markets. The article also covers a wave of shootings in Brussels linked to the drug trade and the potential for new competition for Eurostar through the Channel Tunnel.

The French Green party (Les Ecologistes) proposed on August 26 a reform to increase inheritance taxes on the wealthiest 1% and reduce tax loopholes, aiming to raise 15 billion euros annually for climate adaptation and mitigation. The plan includes a 10% contribution on inheritances over 4 million euros and an additional 10% on those over 13 million euros, plus cuts to the Dutreil pact and property demembrement advantages. Party leader Marine Tondelier, a presidential candidate, framed this as necessary to finance the 'great transmission' of over 9,000 billion euros expected by 2040, with funds earmarked for building renovation and other climate measures.

Italian Guardia di Finanza officers seized four French-made Akeron MP anti-tank missiles during a routine inspection of a French-registered van that arrived on a ferry from Patras, Greece, to Bari. Three missiles were covered with removable blue tape, suggesting they were training munitions, but were actually live explosive rounds. The driver claimed they were for Greek company Altus LSA, but Italian authorities found anomalies in the documentation and lack of required permits, leading to his continued detention.

Argentina is seeking to rebuild its submarine capability after losing its last operational submarine, with a plan to acquire three new vessels. French firm Naval Group, which had a letter of intent for Scorpène Evolved submarines, faces competition from Germany's TKMS offering Type 209NG with state-backed financial guarantees, and South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries proposing the HDS-1500. Financing remains the central issue, with Argentina's difficult financial history complicating the deal. A decision may be announced on September 3.

Background: Catherine Lhéritier, UDI mayor of Valloire-sur-Cisse and vice-president of the Association of Mayors of France, had hired Noa Lerosier, a 23-year-old National Rally member, as director general of municipal services, sparking local political controversy. On August 26, Lhéritier announced that a new recruitment process is underway for the commune's general secretariat, following the revelation of Lerosier's political affiliation. She stated she was unaware of his political affiliation, and an interim staff member has been appointed to handle the secretariat's duties until a permanent replacement is found. The local Socialist Party criticized the hire as evidence of right-wing alliances with the far right, while UDI officials defended Lhéritier but expressed hope that the RN member would not remain in the post.