That’s why God made the French – the country was too perfect.” As someone who loves the French just as much as I love this country, I only agreed with the first part of his self-deprecating statement: France does have everything.

Despite ongoing political instability and the absence of an approved budget for 2026, meaning some measures are on hold, 1 January rings in its share of changes to life in France nonetheless.

France’s government will push lawmakers to approve emergency legislation to keep the state running into January after they failed to agree on a 2026 budget, a stopgap measure to avert a shutdown as pressure mounts from investors and ratings agencies.

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to build a new aircraft carrier. The vessel will have the capacity for 30 fighter jets and 2,000 sailors.

French lawmakers passed a special law on Tuesday to avoid a shutdown until a budget is adopted. Negotiations will resume in January.

Here is France's World Cup group stage opponents, which stadiums they will play at, and the times for the games.

Cosmetics and clothes made with PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, have officially been banned in France. View on euronews

Didier Deschamps is set to vacate the France hotseat following the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in North America, by when he will have devoted 14 years of loyal service to the national team, and a new tactician will then take over the reins. FIFA has identified five talented youngsters who have a strong chance of receiving their first France cap in 2026.