News
European security – Former French President Charles de Gaulle’s vision of French strategic independence has never seemed more relevant. In the 1960s, De Gaulle had warned that while the US was a friend, its interests would eventually clash with France’s. And today his policy remains central to current debates on European security. France and the UK are the only European countries with nuclear weapons, but France’s arsenal is entirely sovereign, unlike the UK's, which relies on US technology. France currently holds nearly 300 warheads, while the UK has about 250.
French President Emmanuel Macron recently suggested that France’s nuclear force could be extended to protect other European nations. This has sparked controversy, with critics accusing France of considering "sharing" its nuclear arsenal. However, government officials clarified that the French deterrent would remain fully under France’s control, and the discussion centres on extending its protection to other countries, not sharing the weapons themselves.
Meanwhile, a recent survey has found that large majorities in five Western European countries view Donald Trump as a threat to peace in Europe, following his criticism of Zelenskyy and suspension of military aid to Ukraine. The poll, conducted in late February and early March, also revealed concerns about the US pulling support from Ukraine.
Most Europeans oppose excluding Ukraine from peace talks, and many fear Russia will attack Ukraine again even after a deal. Trump’s popularity was low, with unfavourable views ranging from 63% in Italy to 80% in the UK. The survey showed that few believed that other Western allies could support Ukraine without US aid. While many want Ukraine to win, only a minority support increasing aid. Support for boosting defence spending has risen, especially in the UK (46%) and France (39%).
Most Europeans oppose a peace deal excluding Ukraine, and many think Russia will attack other European countries in the next decade. Proposals for peacekeepers in Ukraine received mixed support, with the UK and Spain backing it more than Germany and Italy.
National plan to combat spread of Asian hornets – In other news, the French Parliament has approved a national plan to combat the spread of the Asian hornets, which have been damaging honeybee populations for over 20 years. The bill aims to coordinate efforts on a national and regional level, providing a more effective response than current initiatives. France’s Agriculture Minister Annie Genevard warned that without action, up to a third of France’s beekeeping industry could be destroyed, leading to losses of €12 million annually.
The plan includes a compensation system for farmers affected by the hornet and gives prefects the power to implement local actions based on national guidelines. However, opposition members criticized the bill for lacking clarity on funding and nest destruction methods, with some calling for stronger measures, such as mandatory nest declarations and assurances that nest destruction is environmentally safe. Despite these concerns, the bill was passed in its current form, aiming for faster implementation.
Skipper fined for anchoring in protected area - In local news, a 21-year-old skipper has been fined for anchoring her sailboat in a protected area containing Posidonia meadows, located between France, Monaco, and Italy. The professional sailor was sentenced by the Aix-en-Provence Court of Appeal. The vital marine plant essential to the Mediterranean, is protected by law for its role in supporting biodiversity, preventing beach erosion, and improving water quality. France regulates anchoring in areas with these meadows to protect the ecosystem.
Man barricades himself in villa - After a three-hour operation on Thursday March 6th, carried out by the elite unit of the French National police the RAID, a man who had barricaded himself in a villa in Cap d’Antibes has been arrested. The standoff began when a woman reported being assaulted by the man and alerted the local police. Officers found him hiding in the garden with a pouch that appeared to contain a firearm, behaving erratically. Despite failed negotiations, the police forced entry and the man was arrested and placed in custody, and police are now searching the villa as part of the ongoing investigation.
Father fined after young son urinates in park - A father in Nice has been fined after his 2-year-old son urinated in a park. The 68 euros fine was issued by two public road surveillance officers for violating health regulations. The father’s cousin, who was with them, explained that the child was hidden behind a tree in an empty park when the officers arrived and imposed the fine. The head of the municipal police has since apologized to the family, stating that the fine would be cancelled and disciplinary action would be taken against the officers. He clarified that the law applies to adults, not young children, and assured the family that it was unjustified.
Train traffic disrupted – Train traffic at Nice's SNCF station has been severely disrupted due to two incidents on Thursday. The first due to a train breaking down at Mandelieu-la-Napoule around 3:30 p.m., causing delays of up to an hour for routes toward Cannes and Menton. While the issue was resolved by 4:35 p.m., the disruptions continued as traffic gradually resumed.
The second incident was due to a fire which broke out near the tracks in Cassis around 3 p.m. affecting train services between Toulon and Marseille, impacting lines as far as Nice. The fire was brought under control by 4:30pm.
Beaches closed - Several beaches along Nice's Promenade des Anglais have been closed as construction trucks unloaded large piles of pebbles. The annual operation, which started on Thursday occurs before spring and involves "fattening" the beaches to prevent erosion and protect the city from rising waters. The pebbles, sourced from regional quarries, are spread across the beaches to maintain the coastline. The process is expected to continue until April 30th. The operation is vital for coastal protection and is authorized by municipal regulations.
Business
President Donald Trump has signed orders expanding the list of goods exempt from new tariffs on Canada and Mexico. This marks the second time in two days he has rolled back import taxes, which has caused uncertainty for businesses and worried financial markets. On Wednesday, Trump temporarily exempted carmakers from the 25% import levies, just one day after they took effect. The Mexican President thanked him for the move, while Canada's finance minister said they would delay their planned retaliatory tariffs on US products.
A SpaceX rocket has exploded shortly after launching from Texas on Thursday, grounding flights and raising concerns about falling debris. The massive Starship, the largest rocket ever created, spun out of control soon after launch. While no injuries or damage have been reported, fiery debris was seen raining down. This was the eighth test flight for the rocket, and its second consecutive failure. The company assured the public that debris had fallen within a pre-planned area and that no toxic materials were involved.
The US owner of Boots, Walgreens Boots Alliance, has announced it will be taken private in a $10bn (£7.8bn) deal, ending nearly a century of trading on public markets. The company has struggled with growing debt as more cost-conscious customers turn to online shopping and cheaper products. Recently, around 300 Boots stores were closed across the UK as part of a business shake-up.
And - King Charles III is launching a personal playlist of music that lifts his spirits and evokes meaningful memories, featuring artists like Bob Marley, Kylie Minogue, and Grace Jones. The project, called The King's Music Room, celebrates music from Commonwealth countries and is in partnership with Apple Music. In a video trailer, the King shares his love for music, describing how it brings joy, comfort, and happy memories. He emphasizes its power to unite and lift spirits, especially when celebrated together. The playlist will be released on Monday, Commonwealth Day, and includes tracks from Marley, Minogue, Nigerian American singer Davido, and British singer Raye. He hopes the project offers a fresh take on Commonwealth Day, which traditionally involves a service at Westminster Abbey. King Charles also has a deep connection with Marley, having visited the late singer's Jamaican home, now a museum.
Sport
Rugby Union – Ahead of Ireland playing France in the Six Nations tomorrow Saturday 8th March, in Dublin it’s been announced that Ireland captain Caelan Doris has been passed as fit to play, but Mack Hansen is ruled out due to injury. Should be a cracking contest between the two teams. The weather is expected to remain dry in Dublin with sunny intervals and highs of 13 degrees. Kick off for the match is at 3.15pm French time. The later match will see Scotland face Wales with a 5.45pm kick off French time. Wales are on a 15-match losing run but displayed a courageous game in their 27-18 defeat to Ireland in round three meanwhile, Scotland is looking to salvage something from the campaign after back-to-back defeats by Ireland and England ended their title hopes. On Sunday England will face Italy kick off is at 4pm French time.
Cricket – The director of men’s cricket Rob Key has said that England would be "stupid" not to consider Ben Stokes as a white-ball captain. England are looking for new leaders of the one-day and T20 sides after Jos Buttler resigned following their early exit at the Champions Trophy. Stokes, 33, has been Test captain since 2022 but has not played white-ball cricket for England since the 2023 50-over World Cup.
Football – In the Premier League this weekend there is plenty of action. Tomorrow in the lunchtime fixture Nottingham Forest are at home to Manchester City. With a 4pm kick off French time Brighton play Fulham, Crystal Place face Ipswich, Liverpool are at home to Southampton. The later matche at 6.30pm French time will see Brentford face Aston Villa and Wolves are at home to Everton with a 9pm kick off. On Sunday Chelsea play Leicester City, Tottenham face Bournemouth and Manchester United are at home to Arsenal.
Weather
Sunny intervals with moderate to strong winds. Highs of 15 degrees in Monaco, Vence and Saint-Tropez, 17 degrees in Nice, 16 degrees in Antibes and Toulon. Light cloud in the Var region. This evening going down to 9 degrees.
The outlook for Saturday, sunny with a moderate breeze and highs of 17 degrees in the Alpes Maritimes. Strong winds and heavy rain forecast in Saint-Tropez on Sunday and light rain expected in Nice.
Sunrise 06.56am
Sunset 06.26pm
Weather elsewhere
Cardiff 12° drizzle London 16° sunny
Dublin 13° light rain New York 10° sunny
Toulouse 18° sunny
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