The NFL is set to make history in 2026 by hosting its first-ever regular-season game in France, with the New Orleans Saints playing at the iconic Stade de France in Paris. This marks a significant step in the league's global expansion efforts, targeting a growing fanbase in the country.
Public transportation across Paris and the Île-de-France region is experiencing significant disruptions from February 2 to 8, 2026. Metro, RER, Transilien, and tramway networks operated by RATP and SNCF are affected by ongoing modernization work, leading to cancellations and delays. Commuters are advised to check schedules for impacted lines, including Metro Line 1, Line 14, RER C, RER B, and Tram T1 and T2.
France has finalized a €1.1 billion agreement for a European-built long-range air defense radar system, the Thales GM400α, capable of detecting threats up to 550 km away. This acquisition marks a significant step towards enhancing European strategic autonomy and reducing reliance on US defense technology.
Starting February 2026, France introduces several new measures: the Livret A savings rate decreases to 1.5%, motorway tolls see an average increase of 0.87%, and the process for claiming airline ticket refunds becomes more complex, requiring mediation before legal action.
French residents are experiencing several financial adjustments as of February 1, 2026. These include a slight reduction in electricity bills, a decrease in the Livret A savings rate, and increases in the prices of cigarettes and motorway tolls, impacting daily expenses and savings across the country.
France has significantly reduced the acceptable limit for cereulide toxin in infant formula to 0.014 µg/kg, down from 0.03 µg/kg. This decision follows widespread product recalls in over 60 countries involving major manufacturers like Nestlé, Danone, and Lactalis, and an ongoing investigation into infant deaths potentially linked to contaminated formula.
France's Air Force recently concluded 'Topaze' training exercises, involving 20 Rafale fighter jets and 145 personnel. The drills simulated a high-intensity conflict, including evading an enemy air attack and launching a retaliatory strike with SCALP cruise missiles, widely interpreted as a scenario against Russia. The exercise focused on rapid deployment and decision-making.
French quantum computing firm Quobly has opened a new subsidiary in Sherbrooke, Quebec, to bolster its North American research, technology integration, and industrial partnerships. The strategic move, announced on January 30, 2026, leverages Quebec's robust quantum ecosystem, focusing on silicon-based quantum computing and aiming to recruit ten engineers and researchers.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the dispute with the United States over Greenland is a 'strategic wake-up call for all of Europe' during recent talks with Danish and Greenlandic leaders in Paris. The declaration emphasizes European sovereignty and Arctic security amidst renewed U.S. interest in the territory.
A recent CSA poll indicates that 67% of French voters back a temporary 2-3 year pause on most categories of legal immigration. The survey, conducted for CNEWS, Europe 1, and Journal du Dimanche, highlights broad public support for Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin's proposal, despite concerns from business and academic sectors.
Astroscale France and Exotrail have announced a strategic partnership to develop deorbiting capabilities for satellites in Low Earth Orbit. This collaboration aims to address space debris and enhance the sustainability of space operations, with a first demonstration mission targeted before 2030. The initiative leverages both companies' expertise and aligns with French and European space priorities.
Britain, France, Canada, and eight other allied nations have strongly condemned Israel's demolition of the UN Palestinian refugee agency's (UNRWA) East Jerusalem compound on January 20, 2026. The group issued a joint statement calling the act 'unprecedented' and urging Israel to halt all demolitions and respect international obligations regarding UN premises.
France announced on January 27, 2026, its plan to replace American video conferencing services like Zoom and Microsoft Teams within government agencies with a proprietary tool named Visio. This move aims to enhance security, protect confidentiality, and reduce dependence on non-European technology, aligning with France's digital sovereignty strategy.
The European Investment Bank is evaluating a project to provide €500 million in financing for the acquisition and renewal of rolling stock for regional rail services in France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The initiative aims to modernize the fleet, including electric and dual-mode units, and construct a new maintenance workshop.
TotalEnergies has signed a 10-year contract to supply 800 GWh of renewable electricity to SWM's three paper plants in France, starting in January 2026. This 'Clean Firm Power' agreement will cover half of SWM's French electricity needs, supporting its decarbonization goals.
Thousands have protested in Paris following the death of 35-year-old Mauritian migrant worker El Hacen Diarra in police custody on January 14. Videos show a violent arrest, prompting calls for justice and an investigation into alleged police brutality.
Former French Senator Joël Guerriau is currently on trial in Paris, accused of administering MDMA to centrist Member of Parliament Sandrine Josso in November 2023 with the intent to commit sexual assault or rape. Guerriau admits serving a spiked drink but claims it was an accident. Josso's testimony details her sudden illness and the discovery of MDMA in her system.
French authorities have detained the 58-year-old Indian captain of the oil tanker 'Grinch' in Marseille. The vessel, suspected of being part of Russia's 'shadow fleet' and operating under a false flag, was intercepted in the Mediterranean. A preliminary investigation is underway into charges of failure to fly a valid flag.
A 45-year-old man has been charged with murder in Nice, France, following the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Lizabete. The victim was shot multiple times in her car while her seven-month-old baby was present. The suspect, reportedly the victim's stepfather, was previously under a restraining order.
French authorities in the Nord and Pas-de-Calais region have implemented a broad ban on British far-right activists, preventing their gathering in Calais to avert public disorder. This follows an earlier ban on 10 individuals linked to anti-migrant actions, including alleged destruction of small boats and harassment of asylum seekers.
