ITV News' James Mates examines the future for Syrians both within the country and abroad, plus the possibility of peace and stability in the war-torn region.

Is this the end of Syria’s long nightmare? 

The morning after the historic defenestration of Michel Barnier, the smoke has cleared but visibility has barely improved, Europe Editor James Mates writes.

Could a Macron resignation be on the cards?

File photo of campaigners in support of voluntary euthanasia protest outside Parliament in Westminster.

Last year in Belgium more than 3,400 people chose to medically end their life, more than any country in Europe except the Netherlands.

Belgium's 'slippery slope' for assisted dying laws could provide example for UK

An organisation called Get Lost, based in Tbilisi Georgia, which helps and encourages deserters, has seen a ten-fold increase.

The Russian deserters trying to flee the war

Split image. Left image: Jordan Bardella. Right image: Gabriel Attal.

France President Emmanuel Macron's Renaissance Party could be lucky to hold onto third place at the election, writes ITV News Europe Editor James Mates.

France: A far right election win threatens political vacuum in Europe

After suffering an expectedly heavy defeat to the far-right in the EU elections, President Macron shocked France when he dissolved parliament in response.

Everyone expected Macron to lose, no one expected a snap election

After several years of ever more brutal authoritarianism, he has his opponents where he wants them, but is his plan working?

Putin has his opponents where he wants them, but is his plan working?

After weeks of constitutional ping-pong it will be illegal in Georgia for media and non-commercial organisations to get financial support from abroad.

Georgia's richest man behind 'Russia law' that will scupper entry into the EU

Farmers' demands vary from country to country but do have a common theme: rules issued by Brussels.  

Italian farmers 'invade Rome' in the latest of EU-wide protests

Protests were triggered by speculation about a potential far-right policy of so-called 're-migration', which would force asylum seekers out of the country.

German cities brought to standstill by mass protests against far-right AfD party

ITV News Europe Editor James Mates looks at how Putin and Zelenskyy's moods have evolved in the past year.

Putin is smiling as Zelenskyy pleads for aid ahead of a long winter for Ukraine

File photo. Lord Peter Mandelson pictured in July 2023.

ITV News Political Editor Robert Peston explains how Lord Peter Mandelson might yet not be packing his bags for Washington DC.

Why Washington could reject Mandelson as Britain's next US ambassador

ITV News Political Editor Robert Peston breaks down potentially the most important diplomatic decision Starmer will ever make. 

Was PM blindsided by Mandelson reaction or did he hope to weather the storm?

Ruth Jones and James Corden attend a BBC launch event for Gavin and Stacey: The Finale, at Ham Yard Hotel in London. Picture date: Wednesday December 18, 2024. 

After the show's 2019 Christmas special ended on a cliffhanger, with a marriage proposal, viewers will hopefully get an answer on Christmas Day.

James Corden and Ruth Jones to give Gavin & Stacey ‘lovely’ send off

ITV News' Robert Peston looks at why the prime minister has given Lord Mandelson the UK's top diplomatic job to the US and what risks are involved

Why Starmer picked Mandelson for Washington

File photo dated 02/02/24 of Lord Peter Mandelson at St Mary the Virgin church in Primrose Hill, north west London. The UK needs to transform itself into a high investment economy to shift out of its low growth "doom loop", Lord Peter Mandelson claims, adding that he will will hit out at "persistent underinvestment". Issue date: Thursday October 10, 2024.

The Labour peer and former 'spin doctor' to Tony Blair would replace Karen Pierce, who has served as ambassador to the US since 2020. 

Peter Mandelson expected to be made Britain's new ambassador to US

The Queen's longtime hairdresser has spoken to ITV News about her decades-lasting friendship with Her Majesty.

Royal warrant for the long-serving hairdresser to the Queen

ITV News' Chloe Keedy reports from Avignon, France, after attending the sentencing of Gisèle Pelicot's ex-husband and 50 other men in the mass rape trial.

Gisele Pelicot calmly faced the unimaginable in court for the final time

ITV News' Steve Scott speaks to Lord Seb Coe, one of seven candidates vying to become IOC president, about how the Olympic games could shape up. 

James Mates

Europe Editor