Bashar al-Assad: France's highest court upholds personal immunity for sitting heads of state
This decision effectively prevents French courts from prosecuting sitting heads of state, who, like prime ministers and foreign affairs ministers, enjoy personal immunity. The court did not uphold Prosecutor General Rémy Heitz's suggestion that the arrest warrant for al-Assad be maintained by setting aside his personal immunity, since France had not recognized him as the "legitimate sitting head of state" since 2012, given the "mass crimes committed by the Syrian regime."
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Fashion Network
35 minutes ago
- Fashion Network
France lashes out as EU agrees to tariff pact with Washington
France has denounced the new trade agreement between the European Union and the United States as a 'submission,' even as most EU members acknowledged the deal was unequal but necessary to avoid an economically damaging trade war with Washington. The framework agreement, announced Sunday between two economies representing nearly a third of global trade, allows the U.S. to impose a 15% import tariff on most EU goods starting next month. The deal offers limited protection for key sectors, including the automotive and pharmaceutical industries. While the 15% rate is half of what Washington initially threatened, it still exceeds European expectations significantly. U.S. President Donald Trump, who has sought to reshape global trade using tariff leverage since returning to the White House earlier this year, praised the accord during a visit to Scotland, calling it 'the biggest deal ever made.' But France, the EU's second-largest economy, was outspoken in its disapproval. 'It is a dark day when an alliance of free peoples, brought together to affirm their common values and to defend their common interests, resigns itself to submission,' French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou wrote on X (formerly Twitter). French President Emmanuel Macron has made no public statement on the matter. While the mood across Europe was subdued, most governments agreed that failing to reach an agreement would have triggered a far worse scenario. 'This agreement has succeeded in averting a trade conflict that would have hit the export-oriented German economy hard,' said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose country leads the EU bloc's economic rankings. EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said during a press conference that allowing 30% tariffs to be imposed would have been 'much, much worse.' 'This is clearly the best deal we could get under very difficult circumstances,' he added. Some member states acknowledged the deal provides stability following months of trade tensions with the U.S. Sweden described it as the 'least bad alternative,' while Spain supported it 'without enthusiasm.' A final deal will likely require ratification from EU capitals. Still work to do Because trade policy falls under the European Commission's authority, French objections are unlikely to derail the framework agreement. However, the deal has not yet been finalised. Many of the agreement's specifics remain unknown. EU officials said they expect clarification in a joint statement to be released by August 1. Additional negotiations will follow to turn the agreement into a full-fledged deal. Germany also called for further negotiations, particularly regarding the steel sector. President Trump said the deal—alongside an investment package that exceeds the Japan agreement signed last week—would strengthen trans-Atlantic relations after years of what he described as unfair treatment of U.S. exporters. Japan's package will include up to $550 billion in equity, loans and guarantees from state-run agencies, to be invested at Trump's discretion, according to Tokyo. In contrast, EU officials stated that the EU's $600 billion investment figure is based on non-binding intentions from the private sector. The agreement is expected to bring regulatory clarity to European industries, including those in the automotive, aerospace, and chemical sectors. However, EU negotiators had originally pushed for a zero-for-zero tariff deal. A 15% tariff remains significantly higher than the U.S.'s average import tariff rate of 2.5% before Trump's return. More clarity, but a challenge European stocks opened higher on Monday, with the STOXX 600 reaching a four-month high. Tech and healthcare sectors led the gains. 'The 15% rate is better than the market was fearing,' said Jefferies economist Mohit Kumar. Still, many European businesses remain conflicted about the outcome. 'Those who expect a hurricane are grateful for a storm,' said Wolfgang Große Entrup, head of the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI). 'Further escalation has been avoided. Nevertheless, the price is high for both sides. European exports are losing competitiveness. U.S. customers are paying the tariffs.' A major concern remains how the EU's promise to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in the U.S. and sharply increase energy imports can be realized. It remains unclear whether specific investment pledges have been made, or if the details are still being finalized. While the EU has committed to $750 billion in strategic purchases over the next three years—including oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and nuclear fuel—the U.S. may struggle to meet the demand. Though U.S. LNG production capacity is expected to nearly double over the next four years, analysts say it still won't be enough to meet Europe's needs. Oil production forecasts have also been revised downward. Despite the uncertainties, analysts say the deal has reduced market instability. Oil prices edged up on Monday.
Local France
2 hours ago
- Local France
New law: What's changing and what's staying the same for French citizenship?
In mid-July, the French government published a decree highlighting several upcoming changes to acquiring French nationality. While some of these changes were expected as part of the of the 2024 immigration law - such as the stricter language requirements - others were not part of this legislation. This article relates to people applying to become French citizens - the immigration law also brings in tougher requirements for French residency, you can find the latest on that here . What has changed about requesting French nationality? Stricter language requirements - As outlined in France's 2024 immigration law, the minimum language level for French citizenship (both for applications by marriage and residency) will increase from B1 (lower intermediate) to B2 (upper intermediate) on the CERL scale. Advertisement This change will take effect from January 1st, 2026. READ MORE: How long does it take for your French to reach A2, B1 or B2 level? Applicants will still be able to prove their language level via a language test - either the diplôme (diploma) or an attestation de réussite (test score), and there are no proposed changes to existing exemptions for people with disabilities (more on this below). The decree also clarified that those who earned higher education degrees in France will still be able to use this as proof of language level, but foreign higher education degrees taught in French will no longer suffice as proof of language level. READ MORE: Revealed: Start date for new French language requirements Civics test - The decree also announced that all applicants (starting on January 1st, 2026) will need to pass a written history and civics test before reaching the interview step. The French government clarified in the July decree that it will begin to use the written exam to assess applicants' "required level of knowledge of French history, culture, and society." The government explained that the goal of adding the civics exam is to "improve the efficiency of examining applications for French nationality" and to "restrict the scope of the assimilation interview to only those applications that meet the conditions of admissibility." So the test is in addition to, not instead of, the in-person interview at the préfecture. It is not clear at this stage exactly what form the exam will take and whether there will be any exemptions. The decree states only that further details will follow in a ministerial document. READ MORE: France confirms new written test for citizenship applications The appeals process - The decree also referenced a small change in the appeals process. When applying for nationality, there are four possible results for your application: accepted, 'unreceivable', rejected, or adjourned. Advertisement It is possible to appeal a rejection or adjournment within two months of notification. The slight change listed in the decree is that previously all appeals would be sent to the 'minister responsible for naturalisation', but applications done via the online service ANEF will first need to lodge an appeal using this online service. The only exceptions to this will be related to technical difficulties. What will stay the same? The bulk of the application process will stay the same. For applications by residency, officials will still seek to determine your level of integration into French society. READ MORE: Are you 'integrated' enough to get French citizenship? They will continue to require a minimum number of years of consecutive residency, as well as proof that you have completed your yearly tax declaration. As for applications by marriage, you must still be able to show you have been married (and cohabiting) with a French person for at least four years (three of which were spent in France). If you cannot prove that, then you can instead apply after five years of marriage. Advertisement Required documents - In addition to needing to show you passed the civics test and you have achieved the B2 level in French (starting in January), you will still need to provide all of the previously required documents. While these can vary depending on your situation (e.g. if you are applying as a self-employed person vs. as a full-time employee), the basic documents such as your ID (passport), birth certificate (along with its certified translation), a criminal record check, any proof of civil status (e.g. marriage/divorce certificates), and your proof of address will all still be required. You can still use the French government's online simulator to create a Pdf document listing all of the documents you need to submit. Proof of stable income - For those applying by residency, one of the requirements is to demonstrate stable and regular income, reaching at least the French minimum wage (SMIC), and this is not changing. While this requirement has long existed, the recent circulaire sent out by the interior minister, Bruno Retailleau, in April 2025 specified that the majority of this income should not come from foreign sources. Advertisement It also emphasised the importance of 'professional integration', giving the examples of demonstrating at least one year of a CDI (permanent contract) or two years of CDDs (fixed-term contracts) for those who are working. The interview - The addition of the new civics test will not end the requirement to sit an 'assimilation' interview when applying for French nationality, but the content of the interview may shift to focus less on assessing historical and cultural knowledge, as that will be covered in the civics test. While it is not clear what 'score' French government officials will require on the civics test, it appears that failure could lead to your application being closed or adjourned. In this case, it is possible that you might not advance to the interview step. READ MORE: What does it mean to have your French citizenship application 'adjourned'? Exemptions for language level - There are no proposals to change the exemptions to language-level requirements. Currently, only people with disabilities (who can provide a doctor's note) are exempt from proving their language level via a test. While there is an exception to the language requirement for refugees, aged over 70 who have lived in France for 15 years or more, there is no broad age-related exemption for people aged 65 and over. It is unclear whether there will be similar exemptions for the written civics test. Methods of applying - Applicants applying based on residency will continue to use the ANEF website. Applications by marriage will follow the steps laid out by your local préfecture or consulate. In many cases, applications by marriage will continue to be mailed in by the post. READ MORE: Timeline: How to track your French citizenship application What if I've already applied and am still waiting for a response? French citizenship applications take time to be processed - years, in fact, depending on the préfecture; Which means that thousands have people have already submitted applications but have not yet received a decision. The Interior Ministry confirmed to The Local that the changes apply only to citizenship applications made after January 1st 2026 - anyone who has already applied and is waiting for their application to be dealt with is treated according to the current rules. A spokesman confirmed: "The decree enters into effect on January 1st 2026, only applications submitted after that date will be subject to the following requirements; B2 level French and the written history and civics test. "Applications submitted between now and December 31st will be treated according to the current law."
Local France
2 hours ago
- Local France
France confirms new written test for citizenship applications
The French government announced that from January 1st, 2026, people applying for citizenship will also need to pass a written history and civics exam, in addition to the standard 'assimilation' interview required to demonstrate integration. The announcement was part of a decree , published on July 15th, that primarily focused on the start date for new, stricter language requirements, which was part of the 2024 immigration law. READ MORE: Revealed: Start date for new French language requirements While some portions of the 2024 immigration law have already come into effect, others (such as changes to language requirements for residency cards) are due to be implemented sometime before January 2026. Advertisement You can read more about the other requirements for applying for French nationality in our separate guide article. What will the new civics exam entail? Plans to add a written civics exam were initially referenced in a recent memo ( circulaire ) sent out by Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. READ MORE: Explained: What exactly is the 'new history test' proposed for foreigners in France? The French government clarified in the July decree that it will begin to use the written exam to assess applicants' "required level of knowledge of French history, culture, and society." The government explained that the goal of adding the civics exam is to "improve the efficiency of examining applications for French nationality" and to "restrict the scope of the assimilation interview to only those applications that meet the conditions of admissibility." As such, it appears that under the new rules, applicants who successfully pass the civics examination will then move forward to the assimilation interview. It is not clear at this stage exactly what form the exam will take and whether there will be any exemptions. The decree states only that further details will follow in a ministerial document. In terms of the knowledge being tested, this seems likely to be largely based on the Livret du citoyen , and therefore is essentially the same knowledge that people are already required to have for the citizenship interview. The written test will be in addition to, not instead of, the in-person interview at the préfecture. The Interior Ministry confirmed to The Local that the changes apply only to citizenship applications made after January 1st 2026 - anyone who has already applied and is waiting for their application to be dealt with is treated according to the current rules. A spokesman confirmed: "The decree enters into effect on January 1st 2026, only applications submitted after that date will be subject to the following requirements; B2 level French and the written history and civics test. "Applications submitted between now and December 31st will be treated according to the current law."
