FR RFI ECONOMIC ISSUES

1. Why US drinkers are thirsty for Chartreuse, the liqueur made by French monks

   Demand from the United States for the plant-based liqueur Chartreuse has never been greater. But the French monastic community that makes it has refused to up production, preferring to save time for contemplation and preserving the planet.

2. Top US general awarded France's highest military honours

   French President Emmanuel Macron has awarded France's highest medal of honour to the US Joint Chiefs chairman, Gen. Mark Milley, for his role in coordinating support for Ukraine and for his more than 40-year military career spent in defence of democracy.

3. France avoid S&P credit downgrade but concerns persist

   France managed to avoid a fresh credit downgrade from a leading rating agency on Friday, despite mounting concern over the country's surging national debt.

4. French debt in spotlight as ratings agencies sound alarm

   France's surging national debt is causing increasing alarm with the country risking a fresh warning on Friday over its credit rating after a downgrade.

5. Environmental groups sue French state over use of pesticides

   A coalition of French environmental organisations on Thursday accused the French state of negligence in regulating the use of pesticides. A final ruling will be handed down by the Paris administrative court on 15 June.