France
20 years after France’s hijab ban, the issue remains divisive
Two decades ago, France introduced a law banning the hijab and other religious symbols in public schools. Today, with French athletes prohibited from wearing any religious items while competing at the summer’s Olympic Games in Paris, the issue is more divisive than ever.
Planet Hip Hop: How French rappers continue to raise their voices for justice and identity
The World’s “Planet Hip Hop” series takes us to France, where hip-hop is second only to the US in terms of popularity and influence. Samuel Lamontagne, co-leader of the UCLA Hip Hop Initiative, explains the power of hip-hop and its evolution in France.
How the Bologna Process expanded opportunities for students across Europe
Exchange programs allow students to move freely between universities across the European Union, while paying local tuition fees — which, in some cases, can be free. The Bologna Process has united university degrees across the continent under a common set of quality assurance controls and recognition standards.
Starting over in France: How some Ukrainian families are trying to embrace their new lives
For many Ukrainians and Russians who’ve fled their homes since the war started, returning is not an option. So, they’re beginning again in new places and confronting new challenges. As part of our ongoing series on starting over, we visit Cazilhac, a tiny village in southwest France, where a humanitarian bus brought dozens of Ukrainian families to safety around a year ago. Today, just three of them remain.
Energy workers in France threaten power cuts over retirement age
France’s energy union has threatened mass power cuts over Emmanuel Macron’s plans to raise the retirement age after months of violent street protests. The powerful CGT union has already cut power to an airport and school that the president was visiting this month.
In France, students prove an unlikely ally in protests against pension reform
Millions of people in France took to the streets this week for the 10th protest this year against the government’s raising of the retirement age. College students support the strikes, even though shoring up the national pension fund would likely benefit them later in life.