Le Monde

• Canada and EU strengthen ties despite divisions among member states over 'associate member' status

  Gathered for a summit in Montreal on Thursday and Friday, Ursula von der Leyen and Mark Carney maintained the idea of Ottawa becoming an 'associate member' of the EU, despite Germany's clear reservations about the term.

• Russia's last independent newspaper 'Novaya Gazeta' closes as press freedom faces its swan song

  For more than 30 years, the newspaper founded by Dmitry Muratov, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, investigated corruption, state violence and human rights violations. But a 'coordinated operation' by the FSB led to the 'assassination' of the emblematic free press in Moscow.

• 'They killed us': Farewell letter by Russia's independent newspaper 'Novaya Gazeta,' forced by authorities to close

  Founded in 1993, this opposition triweekly will publish its final issue on November 9, the newsroom announced Friday in a letter to its readers, published here by 'Le Monde.'

• Israel's ceremonial president Isaac Herzog becomes arbiter of a Knesset without a majority

  Lacking a majority, Israel's president – known for his cautious approach and reluctance to make firm decisions – could push for a unity government, much like his father, Chaim Herzog, did 42 years ago.

• 11 EU countries vow to release 42.6 million barrels of oil after G7 pledge

  EU member states, including France, Germany and Italy, said in a statement on Thursday that they would release the oil from their strategic reserves by the end of January 2027, including 20.5 million barrels of diesel.