EDF – Fontana's Internal PR Push Nine months into his tenure, EDF CEO Bernard Fontana is working to improve his internal image after unpopular cost-cutting measures (€1bn general expenses reduction, alcohol ban). The communications team arranged a flattering profile in Challenges and an internal corporate film. HR chief Élisabeth Terrail organized a seminar with unions on February 3. Notably, Fontana and executive Cédric Lewandowski reconciled over a disputed nuclear fleet modulation report — Lewandowski acknowledged Fontana was right to delay publication — and an expanded version was released on February 16 alongside the PPE3 energy plan.
European Parliament – EPP vs. Urban Wastewater Directive EPP MEPs Tomislav Sokol and Peter Liese are pushing back on the urban wastewater treatment directive (UWWTD), which would cost pharma and cosmetics industries €1.8bn/year for 20 years under the polluter-pays principle. They plan a resolution to pause implementation, but face opposition from the S&D group and Greens. The CJEU ruled the industry lobbies' legal challenge inadmissible on February 18. The EPP also sees the environmental omnibus initiative as leverage to reshape green regulations.
Paris Municipal Elections – Dati's Blackout Rachida Dati is maintaining total opacity on her Paris mayoral candidate list, causing anxiety among LR allies. Two former Szpiner associates joined rival Pierre-Yves Bournazel's Renaissance-backed list. The PLM law reform gives Dati full control over the central list, sidelining LR's influence. Her polling has softened to 24-28% from a previous 32-38%.
Defense – Celeste Spy Satellite France's electromagnetic intelligence satellite project Celeste (successor to the three Ceres satellites deployed since 2021) is back on track. The DGA has engaged Airbus Group, Thales, and startup Unseenlabs, with a target launch by end of 2026 after years of delays and restarts.
Media – CNews/AIMV Controversy News agency AIMV (previously subcontracting for BFM TV) will supply coverage to Bolloré's CNews for municipal elections. Sud Ouest journalists are alarmed at a potential lasting partnership. The SNJ journalists' union has filed complaints with prosecutors and media regulator Arcom, alleging illegal labor practices.