France and Germany said on Monday they had agreed to abandon a joint fighter jet programme due to disagreements between the companies involved, in a blow to European efforts to boost defence cooperation. Speaking with FRANCE 24's Mark Owen, Jeanette Süß, Research Fellow, Study Committee on Franco-German Relations, explains that "France and Germany are characterised by totally different strategic cultures, totally different military cultures and also in their weapons systems".

Pope Leo on June 9 arrived in Barcelona where he will celebrate mass in the Sagrada Familia Basilica and bless the new tower that has made it the world's tallest church. It was completed after 144 years spent under construction. The Pope's visit coincides with the 100th year of its architect's death, architect Antoni Gaudi. FRANCE 24's Eve Jackson went to Barcelona to learn more about one of the world's most famous architects.

The Nigerian army said on June 7 it freed 360 people abducted by Boko Haram in the northeastern part of the country. The operation, according to the army’s statement, was conducted in the Mandara mountains which form a part of the militant group’s stronghold. It resulted in the release of several people, including children, who had been abducted across different communities in Borno.

France and Germany have agreed to scrap a landmark project to build a next generation fighter jet. The move is a setback for European defense cooperation at a time when leaders are pushing for greater military unity, amid increasing tension with the United States.

The EU has invited Taliban representatives to Brussels for technical talks on deportations, which could take place before the summer. This despite worries that such talks could normalise the Taliban, on top of legal and human rights concerns about sending people back to the country. Critics say that by diplomatically engaging the Taliban, the EU is trading its soul for a migration deal.

Human rights groups are raising the alarm after the European Commission invited Taliban officials to Brussels to discuss migrant deportations. More than 80 groups are asking the European Commission to reverse course, saying that the move risks normalizing a regime that has banned girls from school, and barred women from much of public life. FRANCE 24's Monte Francis speaks with Fawzia Koofi, former Vice President of Afghanistan's National Assembly. She says that inviting the Taliban 'sends the wrong signal to anyone that is using power as a means of suppression'.