By Marco Hugo Barsotti MHB 
Welcome to am1575news, the news bulletin of France24 and Radio Centrale Milano for Tuesday, 22 September 2026 in podcasting, on medium wave and on franciaoggi.com. In the newsroom in Nice Marco Hugo Barsotti, from Paris Rachel Costa.
News from France
Fuels: Emmanuel Macron asked Brussels to loosen some regulations to avoid price increases
The President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron, sent last Friday a letter to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, containing a series of proposals aimed at containing the surge in pump prices. In the missive, sent a few days after the announcement of new consumer support measures, Macron notes “growing difficulties” in the delivery of petroleum products in the coming weeks, warns of a potential 4‑5 % drop in global refining capacity and fears a new wave of price hikes.
Macron identifies five urgent actions. The first foresees loosening quality standards for fuels such as kerosene and diesel, a “lever” that should improve refinery efficiency by 5‑20 %. The second consists in increasing the share of biofuels, allowing the shift from B7 to B10, i.e., the introduction of biodiesel up to 10 % of volumes, with a possible 3 % reduction in diesel consumption once vehicles are homologated. The third point asks to postpone by one year the entry into force of the “reporting” mechanism provided by the European methane regulation for hydrocarbon importers, originally scheduled for 1 January 2027, thus reducing the burden of measuring and communicating greenhouse‑gas emissions. The fourth measure aims to strengthen collective gas purchases, while the fifth pushes for a faster electrification at the European level and invites a moderate use of natural gas, especially for domestic heating.
The Élysée confirmed the authenticity of the letter to the newspaper, emphasizing the desire to launch a coordinated push in Brussels to save the competitiveness of the energy sector and protect citizens’ purchasing power.
Le Parisien, 21 September 2026
Fact Check by Gemma4.
What aid is the government considering in the face of rising fuel prices
The government will meet on Monday 21 September to define new measures in response to the surge in oil prices, which has driven pump costs to record levels and put pressure on households and professional categories heavily dependent on fuel. The declared goal is to contain the risk of protests, after recent blockades of two ports and an oil depot by Mediterranean fishermen.
Among the proposals under review, a prominent one is the revision of support destined to the so‑called “large commuters”. The current incentive, introduced in the spring, provides a €100 payment to those who, within certain income limits, travel at least 15 kilometres per trip between home and work or more than 8 000 kilometres per year. Out of three million potential beneficiaries, so far 1.5 million have applied. Although the measure was set to expire on 30 September, the Minister for Purchasing Power Serge Papin announced it will not be discontinued and called a meeting with the Prime Minister to assess a new scheme starting 1 October, with a focus on the most precarious workers. The government has not yet specified the shape of the new aid, but recognised that the current model is one of the “studied tracks”. Some associations are calling for an increase of the amount to €200 and a raise of the income ceiling from €16,880 to €25,000 per family, in order to extend the benefit to two million more people.
Parallelly, the tax breaks for fishermen, farmers and construction firms have already been extended until 31 December, with a contribution for fishermen of about €0.35 per litre, indexed to fuel price movements. Zero‑interest loans are also being considered for firms facing liquidity difficulties.
The government has so far ruled out a general fuel tax reduction, deeming it too costly and insufficiently targeted: the 2022 relief cost €7.6 billion, a burden that the current public deficit, projected at 5.4 % of GDP, cannot bear. Measures active since the start of the energy crisis have so far absorbed about €1.4 billion. Tax revenues linked to fuels have instead fallen by €10 million between March and September, due to reduced consumption volumes.
Opposition parties propose other solutions: the left‑wing fragmentation proposes a price ceiling of €1.70 per litre, while the right‑wing party calls for a reduction of energy taxation.
franceinfo, 21/09/2026
Fact Check by Gemma4.
In‑depth
And before moving to Rachel’s editorial, an in‑depth look. We read the Le Parisien article on Macron’s letter to Ursula von der Leyen and went to check the underlying EU legislation and Commission documents. The important point is that Macron is not simply asking von der Leyen to “turn off” European fuel rules. His letter covers several distinct regulatory mechanisms, and they do not all depend solely on the Commission.
What exactly Macron asks to be loosened
The Le Parisien article identifies three concrete regulatory changes related to fuels and imports, plus two broader energy measures:
1. Loosen technical quality specifications of fuel — the EU requirements on diesel and kerosene, in force since Directive 98/70/EEC of 1998 and amended several times since. Macron asks to temporarily allow less restrictive technical specifications, to increase refinery yields.
2. Increase the biofuel content in diesel, from B7 to B10 (from 7 % to 10 % of FAME, conventional biodiesel). The 10 % ceiling is already provided by Directive (EU) 2023/2413 (RED III, October 2023): Macron is not asking for a new norm, but for a broader and immediate use of something that European legislation already permits.
3. Postpone by one year the methane obligations for fossil‑fuel importers, set out by Regulation (EU) 2024/1787, in force since 4 August 2024. This is where Macron’s request is most circumscribed and significant.
The methane regulation: what kicks in from 1 January 2027
Article 28 of Regulation 2024/1787 is the key provision: from 1 January 2027, importers must demonstrate that oil, gas or coal contracts concluded or renewed after 4 August 2024 comply with methane‑emission monitoring standards equivalent to those required in the EU (in practice, level 5 of the OGMP 2.0 standard, with independent verification). This is exactly the obligation that Macron, according to Le Parisien, asks to postpone by one year. Some lighter reporting obligations for importers already took effect in 2025: the 2027 date concerns the heavier part, the verification of equivalence.
Kerosene and diesel: which parameters, exactly?
Here it is advisable to be cautious. Le Parisien does not specify which precise technical parameters Macron wishes to modify: it speaks generically of “paramètres du kérosène et du gazole” and cites an estimate by Eliseo of a 5‑20 % improvement in refinery yield. Other sources mention density and desulfurisation, but without a public text of the 18 September letter it is not possible to give exact figures. For diesel there is nevertheless a concrete regulatory framework (Directive 98/70/EEC, tightened several times); for kerosene/jet fuel the situation is more complex, because aviation fuel also meets European and international aeronautical safety standards, not only the diesel‑directive annex.
Why write specifically to von der Leyen?
This is the interesting institutional point: von der Leyen does not decide European fuel prices alone. She is President of the European Commission, the body that holds the right of legislative initiative in most EU matters — but the rules are then adopted by the European Parliament and the Council, and implemented by the Member States. The methane regulation, for example, is formally an act of the European Parliament and Council, not of the Commission.
Therefore Macron’s letter is not a request to an authority with unilateral power to change the law, but an appeal to the institution that can launch, coordinate or facilitate a EU action — knowing that a substantial amendment of the regulation would still require the ordinary legislative process, with Parliament and Council involved. Some margins of manoeuvre exist: the methane regulation gives the Commission powers over specific implementation aspects (in July 2026 it already published recommendations on clause‑type and sanctions), but the 1 January 2027 obligation is written directly into the text adopted by Parliament and Council, and changing it is not a decision the Commission can take alone.
The word to Rachel
Rachel’s Editorial – The fuel economy on a sprint track towards the absurd
I now read to you my editorial of the day.
The government meets on Monday to “plan” a response to the flame‑up of fuel prices, but it seems more worried about preventing the next protest than about finding a concrete solution. As if a new round‑table could erase the increase in the price of a litre of gasoline, without touching citizens’ wallets. But really, let’s do the math: 1.5 million “big commuters” have already requested the €100 aid, and the measure expires at the end of the month. It is a perfect storm of short‑term promises, all while the deficit is approaching 5.4 % of GDP.
The left’s murmur calling for taxing the richest can be heard, but how many rich are there really? Perhaps one is enough to end the crisis, or at least to fill the budget gaps? Moreover, history teaches us that confiscations work only in regimes that have turned everyone, except their leaders, into poverty. Ironic, isn’t it? And then, why is “lowering fiscal burdens for everyone” considered “ineffective” when that very tax generated €7.6 billion in 2022? A paradox so neatly drawn that it’s almost pleasant to watch from afar, with cynicism.
Sector proposals: aid for fishermen, farmers, construction, but nothing for ordinary people who use a car to get to work. “More precarious” are mentioned but not specified; perhaps the alleys of Paris where life slides away in crowded trains? And what about the idea of a “fuel bonus” of €100‑200 for rural families, which would raise the resource ceiling from €16,880 to €25,000 per taxpayer? A simple increase in the amount of benefits without touching the root of the problem: energy dependence and global oil prices.
In summary, the government’s response is a mosaic of pinpointed aids against a blot of energy inflation. The red lines of a general tax cut are avoided, but at what cost to the average taxpayer? If every policy is an episode of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” where the right answers are worth more than a million euros, then we, the citizens, remain merely spectators watching numbers change without understanding anything. But the real question is: who really foots the bill for this “crisis”?
Koan of the day
Monk: If the price of gasoline continues to rise, is it wiser to increase taxes or limit citizens’ consumption?
Master: The fire that burns the oil is sweeter for those who no longer have the cart, because hunger eases with the silence of idle wheels.
Monk: But if the wheels stay still, the lives of fishermen and farmers never stop. How to find the balance?
Master: When the sea recedes, the fisherman discovers sand beneath his feet; when the field stays arid, the farmer learns to plant the wind. The only truth is that the answer is always farther than their eyes believe.
But let’s return to the news.
It is the most important crisis of our history: the war with Iran upends Qatar Airways, forced to suspend the least profitable routes
The conflict that began seven months ago between Iran and the US‑led coalition is causing deep disruptions in one of the world’s most strategic aviation markets, directly hitting the Gulf carrier Qatar Airways. CEO Hamad Al‑Khater called the situation “the most important crisis in our history,” adding that geopolitics is a daily reality for air transport.
In February the company had to temporarily suspend some flights due to the soaring costs, with kerosene price having risen about 100 % in a year. Facing these pressures, Qatar Airways is reviewing its network to identify the least profitable lines and either discontinue them or reduce frequency, while confirming that demand remains “fairly sustained”. The director observed that customers tend to book later than before the war.
Despite difficulties, the airline restored a number of connections equal to the pre‑conflict level and expects to serve the winter season with 90‑95 % of the passenger numbers compared to the previous year. Moreover, by year‑end Qatar Airways will receive new long‑range aircraft with a refreshed cabin configuration, allowing it to open routes to secondary airports previously deemed unprofitable.
Financially, for the 2025/2026 fiscal year closed on 31 March the company recorded revenue of $23 billion, transporting 41.8 million passengers, down from the previous year. Net profit fell to $1.94 billion, a decrease of 7‑10 % year‑on‑year. Nevertheless, financial solidity remains intact: cash generated almost $4.9 billion, financial debt decreased by about 20 % to $10 billion, and the firm retains about $9 billion in cash and short‑term deposits. Qatar Airways is wholly owned by the State of Qatar, which provides ample capital reserves to face the current shock.
BFM Business, 21 September 2026
Fact Check by Gemma4.
Welcome to the international bulletin from FranceToday and Radio Centrale Milano for Tuesday, 22 September 2026 on FranceToday.com in podcasting and on Medium Wave at 1575 kHz.
From Paris, this is Rachel Costa.
Poland launches preventive air operations in response to the war in Ukraine
The Polish armed forces activated, on Monday night, a series of preventive air missions to strengthen defence of the national airspace, in response to the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. The notice posted on X specifies that anti‑radar units and air‑defence systems are ready to intervene in case of threats from the war theatre.
Authorities have also boosted radar monitoring systems to ensure broader coverage along the country’s eastern borders. This decision fits into the broader NATO effort to support Ukraine while maintaining the security of Polish territory.
California declares a state of emergency for the arrival of El Niño
California Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency ahead of the expected arrival of El Niño, a climatic phenomenon that will bring intense storms and sea‑level rises along the U.S. West Coast. Authorities have activated evacuation plans for the most vulnerable coastal areas and mobilised resources for flood management.
The Department of Transportation warned of possible disruptions in road and rail networks, while insurers anticipate a rise in claims for damage related to extreme weather conditions.
Thousands of Yemeni refugees cross the Red Sea towards Djibouti
A large number of civilians fleeing the conflict in Yemen crossed the Red Sea aboard makeshift boats, reaching the port of Djibouti on Tuesday night. Testimonies collected by humanitarian groups describe scenes of desperation: entire families, often with small children, sailed for hours on overloaded small boats, hoping to find refuge beyond the violence.
Djibouti authorities have started reception procedures, but facilities are overwhelmed and the international community has been urged to provide immediate assistance for food, water and medical care. The United Nations warned that the humanitarian crisis could worsen further if a continuous flow of aid is not guaranteed.
UK flight disruptions due to a communications failure
Major British airports, including Heathrow and Gatwick, suffered severe delays and cancellations on Monday following a sudden interruption of the air‑traffic communications system, caused by a fault in a fiber‑optic line. Air traffic controllers had to drastically reduce the number of take‑offs and landings to ensure flight safety.
Airlines notified passengers of longer wait times, while emergency services officials pledged to restore the connection within a few hours. The incident is the second of its kind in two weeks, reigniting debate over the resilience of network infrastructure in the aviation sector.
Iran records a GDP drop of over 10 % due to the halt of oil exports
Data released by the Iranian Ministry of Economy show that, between April and June, the country did not export a single barrel of oil, causing a contraction of gross domestic product of more than ten percent compared to the previous year. International sanctions, together with operational interruptions caused by technical problems, have pushed Iran into a deep economic recession.
Authorities announced emergency measures, including increased natural‑gas production and accelerated renewable‑energy projects, to try to mitigate the effect of lost oil‑revenue. International analysts warn that the crisis could spread to regional markets, influencing energy prices.
China builds the largest hydroelectric plant with 27 solar mirrors
In Sichuan, China has completed the construction of a massive hydroelectric plant, the largest ever built, equipped with twenty‑seven solar mirrors that concentrate sunlight to raise the water temperature in the dam. This technology allows more efficient electricity generation, especially during harsh winters when temperatures drop to –20 °C.
The project, promoted by the Ministry of Infrastructure, is part of a broader strategy to reduce the country’s dependence on coal and improve the resilience of the national power grid. Experts project the plant will provide a capacity of about 12 GW, significantly contributing to China’s carbon‑neutrality goals by 2060.
OpenAI proposes global standards for AI alignment
OpenAI published a document urging international bodies to define shared standards for evaluating and guaranteeing the safety of advanced artificial intelligences. The paper lists a series of technical, transparency and governance requirements, stating that without a global regulatory framework the risks of uncontrolled deviations could increase.
The company emphasized the importance of collaborating with governments, research institutes and other industry players to create an independent oversight body. The initiative has received initial backing from several European countries, which see the proposal as a step toward more coherent worldwide regulation.
OpenAI and Anthropic close to an agreement to mutually test each other’s AIs
Two of the leading players in the artificial‑intelligence sector, OpenAI and Anthropic, are negotiating an agreement aimed at conducting a series of cross‑tests on their platforms, with the goal of assessing the robustness and alignment of each system. The project envisions creating controlled environments where AIs can interact and confront complex scenarios, allowing identification of weaknesses and potential biases.
According to internal sources, the pact would also include sharing training data and safety methodologies, thereby strengthening cooperation between the two firms in an increasingly competitive market. Industry observers believe such collaboration could set a new benchmark for evaluating the safety of advanced AI systems.
Weather Paris, Monaco Monte Carlo and Milan for Tuesday, 22 September 2026
Paris – Sunny with heat spikes
In the morning Paris is clear, with temperatures around 13 °C and light south‑west winds at about 15 km/h, with no rain. The sun intensifies in the afternoon, pushing the temperature up to 25 °C and gusts dropping to 10 km/h, still without precipitation. In the evening the sky remains clear, temperature settles around 21 °C with a 10 km/h breeze that slightly cools the atmosphere. The night stays calm, the thermometer falls to 16 °C and winds stay moderate around 10 km/h, with no rain risk. Humidity is low and the sun stays dominant until dawn. These forecasts were discussed by expert Régis Crêpet, who confirms a high probability of stable conditions throughout the day.
Monaco Monte Carlo – Warm and partly cloudy day
At sunrise in Monaco the sky is almost clear, temperature around 21 °C and wind from east‑northeast at 15 km/h, with the sky still cloud‑free. In the afternoon temperature rises to 27 °C, with direct sunshine and occasional light clouds that do not compromise the bright day, while the wind eases to 10 km/h. In the evening we find a pearl‑blue sky, temperature drops to 24 °C and gusts stay gentle around 15 km/h, with no rain forecast. Night is cool at 22 °C, but wind picks up again to 20 km/h, while the sky stays predominantly clear. Humidity remains moderate and the feeling of warmth persists late into the night, without significant changes. No precipitation warning was issued for the whole day in the Monaco area.
Milan – Stable weather, slight increase in clouds
Morning in Milan is characterised by a mostly cloud‑free sky, temperatures around 20 °C and wind from north‑north‑east at 10 km/h, with no rain in sight. During the afternoon temperature peaks at 26 °C, the sky becomes a bit more variable but remains mainly clear, and winds stay light, about 6 km/h from east‑south‑east. In the evening the day fades slowly, temperature drops to 24 °C, wind stays gentle at 8 km/h and the sky remains largely clear. Night is fresh at 21 °C, wind holds at 8 km/h and no precipitation is expected. Humidity is low, as is the risk of rain, confirming a mild and pleasant climate. All this information was provided by expert Daniele Berlusconi of 3BMeteo, who notes the stability of the anticyclone in the area.
Rachel’s Weather Editorial – Climate is to blame for everything, obviously
Today in Paris the maximum temperature is 25 °C and journalists are already rushing to claim that climate change is the cause of every extra degree, as if the sun needed permission. But does the sun really need an invitation from some scientists to shine, or is it simply the summer routine of a well‑calibrated weather device? The same lightness can be applied to Monaco, where the thermometer hit 27 °C, prompting some to talk about “global growth” as a headline story. Truly, a bit of wind and a few clouds can’t erase the idea that climate changes every time the temperature passes a round figure. The public is left wondering: “What is the real enemy, change itself or our appetite for meteorological drama?”
The red of yesterday in Milan, 26 °C at the peak, already generated lofty headlines attributing the heat to apocalyptic scenarios, without recalling that high‑pressure episodes are part of the seasonal cycle. It’s almost comic how every slight temperature variation becomes an emergency signal, as if meteorology were the last frontier of sensational news. Yet perhaps it is our anxiety to find a culprit in nature that fuels these constant alarmisms. In the end, the wind blows, the sun shines and we keep looking for the next climatic plot twist.
Koan of the day
A monk asked: “What is the true face of time today?”
Zhaozhou replied: “The sky is clear in Paris, the sun burns in Monaco, and Milan is wrapped in light clouds.”
The monk replied: “So time is a painter using different colours for each city?”
Zhaozhou concluded: “Time paints nothing more than what men perceive, without haste nor judgement.”
And that’s today’s weather.
Sign-off.
Online, on X and Mastodon, on all smart speakers and on medium wave, this is FranciaOggi with Centrale Milano 1575 kilohertz.