France Across Borders

 16 March 2025 A French member of the European Parliament has demanded that the US return the Statue of Liberty because it has “betrayed its values”. This comes after US president Donald Trump made radical policy changes in the US, including ending military aid for Ukraine and making cuts in research funding. The Statue of Liberty was originally given as a gift by France, to celebrate the US’s 100 year anniversary of independence. However, the MP claims that the US no longer represents the values the statue was given for. 

 13 March 2025 The French government has restarted negotiations with one of its territories, New Caledonia, after nine months of deadly protests and rioting. These riots began in May of 2024, when disputes arose over a proposed constitutional amendment. These riots began to turn deadly, and small bursts of violence continue even to now. The defense minister has stated that talks have been resumed and a conclusion will follow eventually.

 9 March 2025 The French defense minister has stated that Paris is preparing an aid package to be sent to Ukraine, worth nearly €200 million. This comes after the US halted military aid to Ukraine, in a major blow to its battle against Russia. The aid package contains many military weapons and is supported by the UK. The French government has stated that Europe must be wary of Russian interference in their governments, and that they must maintain support for Ukraine even as the US begins to withdraw.

 6 March 2025 Emmanuel Macron, president of France, made a televised announcement urging Europe to stand firm against Russia and its war in Ukraine, after American president Donald Trump announced he wanted to make direct negotiations with Moscow. Macron stated that Russia could not be trusted, and that its aggressive behavior, and instead Europe should invest heavily into its defense budget. Macron also stated that France must make some concessions to contribute to this defense budget, in order to preserve the peace in Europe.