French Basque Region Advances Euthanasia Law as Protesters Demand Independence

The French National Assembly approved a law allowing assisted dying, with 291 votes in favour and 241 against. The legislation sets strict criteria – patients must be adults, suffer from a terminal illness, be French citizens, and voluntarily request the procedure after psychological evaluation and a minimum two‑day reflection period. The law will apply throughout the Basque Country, but it now faces review by France’s Constitutional Council.

On July 14, more than 350 members of the U14 collective gathered in Ezpeleta, a town in the French Basque Country, to denounce what they called the "colonial" nature of the French state. The protesters called for an independent, socialist Basque nation, highlighting issues such as language suppression, tourism pressure, housing shortages, and increased precarity. Their demonstration featured chants, banners, and a march through the town’s streets, drawing a strong police presence.