High-level talks in the Uzbek ancient city of Bukhara aimed to double trade to $10 billion. Presidents of the two countries focused on transport, energy, digitalisation and environmental initiatives, while joint projects and regional cooperation continue to expand.
Emmanuel Macron's defense legacy, marked by a pivot to Europe and increased NATO commitment, faces challenges from budget constraints and the potential rise of far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who advocates for reduced NATO involvement.
Marine Le Pen's campaign strategy for the 2027 presidential election heavily features her young protégé, Jordan Bardella. This pairing aims to leverage Bardella's youth appeal and communication skills to broaden the National Rally's voter base, compensating for Le Pen's past electoral failures and current legal troubles.
France and Morocco face off in the World Cup quarterfinals in Boston amid a period of unusually warm relations. However, security concerns are high due to France's large Moroccan community and past post-match violence, with authorities implementing precautions.
Andy Burnham's foreign policy approach is expected to be cooler than Keir Starmer's, focusing on domestic issues first. He may prioritize closer ties with Europe over immediate engagement with the US, while seeking continuity in security matters and exploring new trade relationships.
A major review prompted by the Peter Mandelson scandal has called for sweeping redesigns of UK lobbying rules. The Ethics and Integrity Commission (EIC) recommends new laws to fix inadequacies in Westminster's transparency systems, with potential implementation before the next general election.
The EU is working to resolve airport delays caused by a new biometric system requiring photos and fingerprints. While intended to combat criminals and visa overstayers, the system has led to significant queues and passenger frustration.
