Hundreds of thousands took to the streets across France last weekend to protest against the cost of living and public services. One group that joined the cause was the Yellow Vests — a massive movement that stirred similar unrest in 2018. So how does today’s demonstrations and discontent compare?

Fires burned on the streets of Paris on Sunday, 18 October 2026, as protests continued for a second night. In a televised address, President Emmanuel Macron said the country felt “anger and shame” after Saturday’s violence and that those who destroyed property “must pay”. More than 2,000 people have been arrested across France since Saturday, according to the Interior Ministry.

A fire set by masked protesters has caused extensive damage to the town hall in Limoges, France, with the building’s roof collapsing onto the lower floors. The fire broke out during nationwide demonstrations over the cost of living on Saturday. Witnesses said masked protesters broke windows and entered the building after setting a police car on fire outside. Firefighters were deployed to contain the blaze, while several shops in central Limoges were also looted.

Germany's ruling CDU has closed its leadership meeting facing growing pressure after the far-right AfD secured a historic breakthrough in Saxony-Anhalt. The election of AfD politician Tobias Rausch as president of the state parliament has intensified debate over Germany's political "firewall" that has long prevented cooperation with the party. Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed his opposition to working with the AfD, warning that extremism is increasingly challenging Germany's democratic institutions. With another key vote looming in Saxony-Anhalt and the AfD continuing to gain support nationally, the CDU faces mounting questions over how to counter the party's rise while maintaining its long-standing stance against cooperation.

A new direct air link between Brussels and Baku is set to launch in May 2027, with Azerbaijan Airlines operating four flights a week between the two capitals. Tourism officials say the route could attract more European visitors and support Azerbaijan’s push to expand tourism beyond Baku, from winter sports and wine tourism to cultural heritage.

At ADEX in Baku, ANEWZ spoke with Lord Vernon Coaker, Minister of State at the UK Ministry of Defence, for POWER. The conversation focused on defence diplomacy, UK–Azerbaijan cooperation, the role of the South Caucasus in the wider security landscape, and how technology — including AI — is shaping the future of defence partnerships. Full interview coming soon on ANEWZ. #ANEWZ #POWER #ADEX2026

At the Euronews Travel & Tourism Summit 2026 in Brussels, Azerbaijan presented its vision for tourism beyond Baku, highlighting the country's mountain regions, Silk Road heritage and growing winter sports sector. Speaking at the summit, Azerbaijan Tourism Board Chairman Florian Sengstschmid said future efforts will focus on attracting visitors to the regions and showcasing the Greater Caucasus as a destination for hiking, birdwatching, skiing and year-round tourism.

France and Germany are pushing for changes to how the European Union conducts foreign policy, including a stronger coordinating role for its foreign policy chief. But the proposal has yet to win broad support among member states.

Police were deployed in France on 29 September as high-school students took part in a nationwide protest. The students say schools are understaffed, classes are overcrowded and workloads are too heavy, blaming cuts to teaching posts. Some students set bins on fire and threw projectiles, while at least one school closed for the day.