Mistral's Home Base France Is Lagging in AI Adoption
Riding the artificial intelligence wave has become a geopolitical and economic imperative for France, an ageing society in dire need of productivity gains.
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Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Migrants cast shadow on Starmer-Macron summit
Britain and France are friends again following the rancour of Brexit, but the record number of irregular migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats remains a major point of friction. The issue will feature during a state visit to Britain by French President Emmanuel Macron starting Tuesday and new measures to curb the dangerous journeys are expected to be announced on Thursday following talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. More than 21,000 migrants have crossed from northern France to southeast England in rudimentary vessels this year, providing a massive headache for Starmer as the far-right soars in popularity. Images of overloaded vessels leaving French beaches with law enforcement officers appearing to just watch on exasperate UK politicians and the unforgiving tabloid press. "We pay for French cops' buggy, 4x4s and drones, but migrants still sailing," complained The Sun newspaper on Wednesday, in a reference to the so-called Sandhurst Treaty. The 2018 agreement, that runs until 2027, sees Britain finance actions taken in France to stop the migrants. Starmer, who led his Labour party to a sweeping victory in an election last year following 14 years of Conservative rule, has vowed to "take back control" of Britain's borders. - One in, one out - But in the first six months of 2025, there was a 48 percent increase in the number of people arriving on small boats compared to last year, with the government blaming extended dry weather. The annual record of 45,774 reached in 2022 could be broken this year, which would deal a massive blow to Starmer as Eurosceptic Nigel Farage's Reform UK party leads national polls. A new border control law going through Britain's parliament would give law enforcement counter-terror style powers to combat people-smuggling gangs. The UK has also signed agreements with countries on migrant transit routes, including Iraq, Serbia, and Germany. But Starmer needs strengthened cooperation with France, and key announcements were expected following their talks. Under pressure from London, Paris is considering tweaking its laws to allow police to intercept migrant boats up to 300 metres from France's shoreline. Currently, French law enforcement only intervene at sea to rescue passengers at risk of drowning. The two governments are also working on a migrant exchange programme. A pilot project would see Britain capable of returning to France someone who has crossed the Channel by boat, according to several media sources. France in exchange could deport an equivalent number of people to Britian, provided they have the right to live there, such as through family reunification. Paris wants to expand the agreement to the European Union so that readmissions can be shared among several countries. According to Britain's interior ministry, migrants who crossed the Channel between March 2024 and March 2025 were mainly Afghans, Syrians, Eritreans, Iranians, and Sudanese. French officials have claimed that Britain attracts migrants because the lack of a national identity card makes it easier to work illegally. Starmer's government has cracked down on illegal work -- arrests increased by 51 percent from July 2024 to the end of May, compared to the previous year, it says. - Seeking 'safety' - But Peter Walsh, a researcher at Oxford University's Migration Observatory, doubts that it is easier to work illegally in Britain than in France. "You have to demonstrate that you have the right to work. If an employer doesn't carry out those checks, then they can face serious sanctions, fines and imprisonment. That's the same in France and the UK," he told AFP. Walsh believes the English language and presence of family members in Britain are key attractions, as well as Britain's departure from the European Union. "If you've claimed asylum in the EU and been refused, you can actually come to the UK and have another shot because we will not know that you've actually been refused in the EU," he said. Rishan Tsegay, 26, originally from Eritrea, arrived in England in 2015 hidden in the back of a lorry. She fled from Sudan through Libya, Italy and France. Last year, she became a British citizen and now works as a nurse. Tsegay says there is a "hostile environment" towards irregular migrants in Britain, saying they were often presented as "criminals" rather than people "contributing to society". She wants Starmer and Macron to focus on improving safe routes for migrants fleeing war-torn countries as a way to stop them risking the Channel crossings. "These people come here to seek safety," Tsegay insisted. ctx-pdh/har/tw/tc
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Two Unexpected Senior Royals Will Join Kate Middleton and Prince William for Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron's State Visit to Windsor
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Kate Middleton and Prince William have a busy week ahead. On July 8, French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, will travel to Windsor for a State Visit. The Prince and Princess of Wales will be assisted by two unexpected senior members of the Royal Family, who have been given a more prominent role while hosting the French visitors. The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester "will accompany the French couple to a Guildhall banquet hosted by the Lord Mayor and City of London Corporation on the evening of Wednesday, July 9," GB News reported. The Duke of Gloucester is Queen Elizabeth II's cousin, making him perfectly placed to carry out official engagements on behalf of the Royal Family. According to the Royal Family's official website, "The Duchess of Gloucester is a full-time working member of the Royal Family" who "takes great pride in the work which she undertakes for her many charities and organizations." Her husband, the Duke of Gloucester, "attends national and international events in support of The King and his duties as Head of State, as well as undertaking extensive public duties and engagements." Per a press release, the Macrons will stay at Windsor Castle during their State Visit. While the Gloucesters will handle certain duties on behalf of the Royal Family, Princess Kate and Prince William are also set to take on important roles for King Charles. In fact, Kate and William "are scheduled to take part in a carriage ride featuring Macron and his wife Brigitte through the streets of Windsor" on July 8, People reported. King Charles and Queen Camilla will lead the procession, with the Prince and Princess of Wales following behind with the Macrons.
Wall Street Journal
2 hours ago
- Wall Street Journal
The Volkswagen Robotaxi That Wants to Rival Waymo and Tesla
HAMBURG—The self-driving taxi carefully steered around the delivery vehicle that blocked its path—and straight into oncoming traffic. 'Not the best driving decision,' sighed Christian Senger, head of autonomous vehicles at Volkswagen VOW3 -1.19%decrease; red down pointing triangle, which built the robotaxi.
