PARIS (Reuters) -Efforts to set up a European space project alliance involving Italy's Leonardo, France's Thales and Airbus and aimed at challenging Elon Musk's Starlink are making progress, said France's industry minister on Thursday.

Germany, France and the United Kingdom will hold talks with Iran in Istanbul Friday, just days after the three European nations warned they would reimpose stiff sanctions on Tehran.

Germany has beaten France on penalties to reach the Women’s European Championship semifinals. The team played nearly the entire match with 10 players after Kathrin Hendrich received a red card early in the game.

Germany looks to bounce back after a tough loss at the end of the group stage to advance at the 2025 UEFA Women’s European Championship on Saturday, when they face a tough test in France.

France were knocked out of the tournament following a penalty shootout defeat to Germany in the quarter-final. Despite their opponents being down to 10 players from the 13th minute, France were held to a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes after Sjoeke Nusken cancelled out Grace Geyoro’s early penalty.

France captain Griedge Mbock is set to return for Saturday’s Women’s European Championship quarterfinal against Germany in Basel.

Heartbroken France were left lamenting another European exit at the hands of Germany on Saturday in a stunning 6-5 penalty shootout loss in the Euro 2025 quarter-finals, leaving Les Bleues still searching for their first major tournament title.

Since 2009, France have lost eight times at this stage of the tournament, barring Euro 2022. The quarter-finals have become a sticking point but this France team have shown resilience, coming from 2-1 down to beat the Netherlands 5-2 in their last group stage fixture on Sunday.