France

Walt Disney and OpenAI agreed a three-year licensing deal on Thursday allowing users to generate short videos featuring Disney characters with artificial intelligence. It is the first time a major studio has permitted such broad generative-AI use of its protected characters, from Mickey Mouse to Marvel heroes and Star Wars icons. France24 correspondent Wassim Cornet reports the latest from Los Angeles.

Thailand appeared headed for a snap election as early as February after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul secured royal approval to dissolve parliament, avoiding a possible no-confidence vote amid an intensifying border conflict with Cambodia. The vote, expected within 45 to 60 days, risks adding to Thailand’s persistent political instability, where coups and court interventions have repeatedly toppled elected governments over the past two decades in a protracted struggle between elite and progressive factions. France24 correspondent Matt Hunt reports the latest from Bangkok.

Iran "violently" arrested Nobel Peace Prize 2023 laureate Narges Mohammadi at a memorial ceremony on Friday, her supporters said. Mohammadi, who was granted temporary leave from prison in December 2024, was detained along with several other activists.

In the United Arab Emirates, the government has imposed quotas for hiring Emirati citizens across the private sector, with the aim of having them make up 10 percent of the workforce by 2026. So how are companies complying with these new rules and how can they change the habits of a population long accustomed to generous subsidies and low-stress government jobs? FRANCE 24’s Sophie Guignon and Amélie Zaccour report.

Protesters tried to block the killing of more than 200 cows in southern France, as the country tightens restrictions to fight a lumpy skin disease outbreak.

In a special edition, we focus on childbirth and how much control women really do have over the process. In France, doulas have become increasingly popular in recent years. They provide emotional and practical support during pregnancy and birth, but not medical assistance. So where do doulas fit into the childbirth experience; and how can we better empower women giving birth? Annette Young puts these questions to Professor Soo Downe, a midwifery specialist from the University of Lancashire, and to Charlotte Brielle, founder and executive director of Wombs of the World, an NGO promoting the use of doulas.

Lyon lived up to their billing as group leaders on Thursday, defeating Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles 2-1 on Matchday 6 of the Europa League. The win moves OL closer to sealing direct qualification for the round of 16.

Nobel Peace laureate Maria Corina Machado publicly confirmed that the US helped her get to Norway from hiding in Venezuela, expressing support for US military action against her country and vowing to return home. Machado emerged on a hotel balcony in Oslo to cheering supporters. For in-depth analysis and a deep perspective, François Picard welcomes our Int'l Affairs Editor Philip Turle & Daniel Lansberg-Rodriguez, Founding Partner at Aurora Macro Strategies and Adjunct Lecturer at Northwestern.

PRESS REVIEW – Friday, December 12: A US defence news website reports on leaks from the National Security Strategy, which reveal how the Trump administration is trying to pull four EU nations away from the bloc. Also: World Darts champion Luke Littler begins his campaign to defend his title. Plus: French video game "Clair Obscur: Expedition 33" wins big at the Games Awards and becomes a symbol of French success.

French indie sensation "Clair Obscur: Expedition 33" on Thursday stole the spotlight at the Game Awards in Los Angeles, taking home a record nine prizes including Game of the Year. Created by Montpellier-based studio Sandfall Interactive, the post-apocalyptic RPG triumphed over industry heavyweights and has sold 5 million copies since its launch in April. Elitsa Gadeva reports.