France wants targeted aid to "act quickly and fairly"

Amid an energy crisis linked to the conflict in the Middle East, France’s Economy Minister Roland Lescure said the situation would impose costs on the nation, with authorities prioritizing targeted support over broad measures.

The government is directing aid to vulnerable households, including the distribution of nearly four million energy vouchers averaging 150 euros to those facing energy poverty, along with increased in-work benefits to ease rising living costs.

The crisis and its economic, financial and energy impacts are set to be discussed at a meeting of Group of Seven finance and energy ministers, as France coordinates responses with international partners while continuing efforts to manage the situation and support affected households.