This week's European news

Letter n°1077 of Tuesday 23^rd July 2024

The entire Foundation team wishes you a wonderful summer and looks forward to seeing you on 9 September.

Review of the 9th Legislature of the European Parliament

Elise Bernard, Peggy Corlin - 23 Jul 2024

As the tenth legislative term of the European Parliament begins following the European elections from June 6 to 9, 2024, the Foundation offers a review of the previous legislature. It also offers some analysis of the events that have punctuated European news in recent weeks, in terms of the composition, legislative activity and influence of the European Parliament both within and outside the European Union.

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■ Front page! :

European Union: Stability and Innovation

Despite the considerable political stability in the Union following the European elections, "it seems that lessons will be learned from the previous mandate", notes Jean-Dominique Giuliani. He notes that "the emphasis is on the economy, its competitiveness, the completion of the single capital market, (...) a new and necessary mobilisation to close the gap with the major global competitors". Read more

■ Foundation :

Everything you need to know about the new European Parliament

In the European elections held from 6 to 9 June, Europeans elected 720 Members of the European Parliament for the next five years, who took up their duties on 16 July. The Foundation has set up a website to find out who was elected and how the Parliament is constituted, and to gain a better understanding of the Parliament's role and powers. Read more

Women's Europe

Of the MEPs who took office on 16 July, 38.6% are women. These are the figures compiled by the Foundation in its summary tables ranking the Member States of the European Union according to female representation in political bodies. The three tables examine parity within governments, national parliaments and the European Parliament. Read more

The Schuman Network, ideas for Europe

The Schuman Network is a Foundation initiative which is working to promote the sharing of ideas on a European scale. With 21 members from 13 European countries, the Schuman Network is a forum for pooling research on topical European issues. Since its launch, over 115 studies have been published. Read more

European recovery plans: figures and priorities

In response to the economic and social consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, the European Union has set up a €672.5 billion recovery fund. On 15 July, the Commission approved a positive preliminary assessment of the first payment request of €1.3 billion to the Netherlands. On 19 July, the Commission paid the fifth payment claim of €822 million to Croatia. The Foundation offers you an interactive map of the plans country by country, to check out the amounts and timeframes. Read more

Publication of the "Schuman Report on Europe, the State of the Union 2024".

The Foundation has published the "Schuman Report on Europe, the State of the Union 2024". Eminent representatives from the world of politics, including the recently re-elected Presidents of the European Parliament and the European Commission, paint a portrait of a Union that is tracing the contours of environmental and digital sovereignty and projecting itself into a new geopolitical era, full of new challenges, particularly for its industry and defence. The book is available in French and English, in paper and digital versions. Order your copy now! Read more - Other link

■ Commission :

7 billion € for sustainable transport infrastructure

On July 17, the European Commission announced that it had selected 134 transport projects to benefit from over €7 billion in subsidies under the European Interconnection Mechanism (EIM), an instrument for strategic investment in infrastructure. Read more

Ursula von der Leyen re-elected

On 18 July, in a secret ballot, MEPs re-elected Ursula von der Leyen for a second term as President of the European Commission, with 401 votes in favour. The President-elect of the Commission will now send official letters to the Heads of State and Government of the Member States inviting them to nominate their candidates for the post of Commissioners. The Parliament will then proceed to hearings of the candidates in the relevant committees in the autumn. The full college will then have to be approved by the Parliament. Read more

■ Parliament :

Appointment of the members of the 20 committees and 4 sub-committees

On July 17, MEPs approved the proposal for the number of members of the Parliament's 20 committees and 4 sub-committees. On July 19, the allocation of MEPs by political group to each committee was announced. Committee members will meet on July 23 to elect their chairmen and vice-chairmen. Read more - Other link

Roberta Metsola re-elected as President and election of the Bureau

On 16 July, MEPs re-elected Roberta Metsola as President of the European Parliament (EP) for a 2.5-year term, obtaining an absolute majority of 562 votes. MEPs also elected the 14 EP vice-presidents, including 3 from the European People's Party (EPP), 5 from the Socialists and Democrats (S&D), 2 from Renew, 2 from the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), and one each from the Greens and the Left. On 17 July, the 5 quaestors were elected, including 2 from the EPP, one from S&D, one from Renew and one from ECR. Read more - Other link

■ Council :

Meeting of economics and finance ministers and draft budget 2025

The Economics and Finance Ministers meeting on 16 July were presented with the Commission's proposals for Council Decisions on the opening of an excessive deficit procedure for seven Member States: Belgium, France, Italy, Hungary, Malta, Poland and Slovakia. They noted that none of the Member States benefiting from a dispensation fulfilled the criteria for membership of the euro zone. On 17 July, the Council adopted its position on the draft 2025 budget. Read more - Other link

Meeting of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers

On 15 July, the agriculture and fisheries ministers discussed the viability of rural areas, in particular through support for young farmers and local development measures such as the LEADER programme. They also discussed recent developments in agri-food trade, stressing the importance of supporting Ukraine and guaranteeing fair competition for sensitive sectors in the Union. Read more

Meeting of Ministers for Employment and Social Policy

On 16 July, the employment and social affairs ministers discussed labour and skills shortages in the European Union in the context of the European Semester, and the challenges of improving the employment of young people and older workers. They discussed measures for the social inclusion of people with disabilities in the labour market. Read more

■ Diplomacy :

Strategic Dialogue regarding raw materials with Serbia

On 19 July, the European Union and Serbia signed a memorandum of understanding for a partnership to exploit lithium, an essential material for the green transition, reducing Europe's dependence on Chinese producers. Serbia's lithium deposits have the potential to supply 17% of Europe's production of electric vehicles. Read more

Foreign ministers' meeting

On 22 July, the foreign ministers renewed economic sanctions against Russia for its war of aggression against Ukraine for a six-month period until 31 January 2025. They decided to support the Armenian armed forces with €10 million under the European Peace Facility. Read more

■ Court of Justice :

The Commission condemned regarding access to contracts for the purchase of vaccines

On 17 July, the Court of Justice of the European Union announced that the Commission had not given the public sufficiently wide access to the contracts for the purchase of vaccines against the Covid-19 pandemic. It stated that this infringement concerned in particular the stipulations of these contracts relating to compensation and the declarations of absence of conflict of interest by the members of the negotiating team for the purchase of the vaccines. Read more - Other link

■ ECB :

Unchanged rates and economic outlook

On July 18, the Governing Council of the European Central Bank decided to leave the ECB's three key interest rates unchanged at 4.25%, 4.50% and 3.75% respectively. It leaves the door "wide open" for September, but everything will depend on the evolution of economic data. Read more

■ Court of Auditors :

Strategy for Renewable Hydrogen

On 17 July, in its report on European industrial policy for renewable hydrogen, the Court of Auditors stated that the Commission had partly succeeded in creating the right conditions for the emergence of the hydrogen market and the corresponding value chain. The Court recommends that the Commission take strategic decisions based on realistic verification, draw up an EU-wide roadmap, and monitor funding and permit procedures. Read more

■ European Agencies :

Go ahead for the Defence Mission Ramses

On 16 July, the European Space Agency (ESA) gave the go-ahead for the preparation of the Ramses planetary defence mission to escort the Apophis asteroid, which is due to skim the Earth in April 2029. This is an opportunity for scientists to study near-Earth asteroids - those whose orbit crosses that of the Earth - in view of establishing a defence plan should they become potentially dangerous. Read more

■ Germany :

Draft Budget 2025

On 17 July, the German government adopted the draft budget for 2025 and an economic growth initiative. According to this draft, the federal government plans to spend €481 billion, of which €44 billion will be financed by borrowing, enabling it to comply with the debt brake. The investments will focus on four areas: internal and external security, social cohesion, climate protection and stimulating economic growth. This draft will be put to the vote in the Bundestag this autumn. Read more

■ Estonia :

Resignation of Kaja Kallas

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas tendered her resignation to Estonian President Alar Karis on July 15, to prepare for her new role as High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Having already received the agreement of the Heads of State and Government of the Member States, this appointment still has to be approved by a vote in the European Parliament. The President appointed Climate Minister Kristen Michel as the new Prime Minister, and tasked him with forming a government. Read more - Other link

■ France :

Resignation of the government

French President Emmanuel Macron accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and his government on July 16, after initially refusing it the day after the parliamentary elections. The government is carrying on with current affairs until a new government is appointed. Read more - Other link

Yaël Braun-Pivet re-elected President of the National Assembly

Yaël Braun-Pivet, MP for Yvelines, from the "Ensemble pour la République" party, was re-elected President of the National Assembly on 18 July by a relative majority following the third ballot. On 19 July, the members of the Bureau (6 vice-presidents, 3 quaestors and 12 secretaries) were elected. On 20 July, the chairmen of the 8 parliamentary committees were appointed. Read more - Other link

■ UK :

4th Summit of the European Political Community

On July 18, the fourth summit of the European Political Community was held in the UK, bringing together 46 European leaders. The host, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, stressed the need for European support for Ukraine and the fight against Russian interference to protect the values of freedom and democracy. He stressed the importance of European cooperation in tackling the challenges of security and illegal migration. In this respect, he announced a stronger British presence at Europol and an £84 million investment in projects in Africa and the Middle East to tackle the root causes of migration. Read more

Agreement with France

On July 18, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron met at Blenheim Palace to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation to ensure regional stability, promote economic growth, guarantee energy security, and combat climate change, illegal migration and organized crime. They also renewed their support for Ukraine and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Read more

King's Speech

On 17 July, King Charles delivered the "King's Speech" before the British Parliament to announce the government's programme. The programme aims to ensure economic stability and growth, improve infrastructure, promote sustainable development and improve healthcare. With regard to relations with the European Union, the government wishes to restore relations with European partners, improve trade and investment with the Union, and seek a new security pact to meet common challenges. Read more - Other link

■ Ukraine :

Support reiterated by the European Parliament

On 17 July, MEPs reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine as it continues to face Russia's war of aggression. They called on the European Union to continue to support Kyiv for as long as necessary, until victory is achieved. MEPs condemned Russia's attack on the children's hospital in Kyiv, as well as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's recent visit to Russia. Read more

Security agreements with Slovenia and the Czech Republic

On July 18, Ukraine signed bilateral security agreements with the Czech Republic and Slovenia. Over a 10-year period, these countries have pledged to support Ukraine's accession to NATO and the European Union, to strengthen their cooperation, to pursue their policy of sanctions against Russia, to assist in the implementation of the Ukrainian peace plan, to maintain the freeze on Russian assets until Russia has paid Ukraine war reparations, to bring to justice those responsible for war crimes committed in Ukraine, and to support the country's reconstruction. Read more - Other link - Other link - Other link

■ IMF :

World Economic Outlook updated

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) published an updated World Economic Outlook on 16 July. Inflation in services prices is holding back disinflation and complicating a return to normal monetary policy. The IMF also warns against the risks of accelerating inflation in a context of trade tensions, and recommends a phased combination of measures to stabilise prices and rebuild reserves. Read more

■ Culture :

The Haapsalu Festival

The Haapsalu Early Music Festival takes place from 25 to 28 July in the Estonian seaside resort. Music lovers can attend a wide range of eclectic concerts, including recitals and oratorical works. Held in front of two medieval churches, the festival has a particularly intimate atmosphere. Read more

Baroque Music Festival in Innsbruck

The 48th edition of the Innsbruck Early Music Weeks will run until August 30. Since 1976, this event has been one of the most prestigious baroque music festivals in Europe. The festival features 56 events, including operas and open-air events. Read more

"Carnations and Velvet" in Lisbon

The exhibition "Carnations and Velvet", art and revolution in Portugal and the Czech Republic (1968 - 1974 - 1989) is on at the National Museum of Contemporary Art (MNAC) in Lisbon until October 27. It highlights the Prague Spring, the Marcelist Spring, the Carnation Revolution and the Velvet Revolution. Read more

Maria Pinińska-Bereś in Wrocław

The National Museum in Wrocław is opening its doors to the first monographic exhibition devoted to Maria Pinińska-Bereś (1931-1999) until 13 October. Considered one of the most singular figures of twentieth-century Polish art, Maria Pinińska-Bereś explores the sphere of femininity and female eroticism, their socio-political implications, as well as relationships with nature. Read more

Peter Kennard in London

The exhibition "Peter Kennard: Archive of Dissent" will run until 19 January 2025 at the Whitechapel Gallery in London. It presents a comprehensive overview of the artist's career spanning five decades, including his photomontages that challenge social norms and political injustices. His work critically addresses issues such as war, environmental degradation and social inequality. Read more

Sziget Festival

The 30th edition of the Sziget Festival will be held from 7 to 12 August on Óbuda Island in the centre of Budapest . The festival brings together all of the biggest names in music, from a wide range of genres. There will be 60 stages, giving the 500,000 expected festival-goers the chance to enjoy artists from all over the world. Read more

The Lucerne Festival

The Lucerne Summer Festival, from August 13 to September 15, features 131 events including 24 symphony and chamber orchestras, as well as international ensembles and choirs. With curiosity as its theme, this year's festival welcomes renowned ensembles and artists such as the Berlin and Vienna Philharmonics. Read more

The Chaise-Dieu Festival

The Chaise Dieu festival runs from 21 to 31 August. All musical genres and styles, from jazz and opera to choral music, are covered throughout the 33 concerts in this 58th edition. Read more

The Tsinandali Festival

The Tsinandali festival will be back for its 6th edition, from 31 August to 8 September. The festival will feature a range of concerts, from solo performances to orchestral pieces, in the amphitheatre of the historic royal residence of Tsinandali in Georgia. Read more

Lars-Gunnar Nordström in Helsinki

The Ateneum Museum in Helsinki is exhibiting works by Lars-Gunnar Nordström (1924-2014) from August 27 to November 24 to mark the 100th anniversary of the artist''s birth. The exhibition features paintings, sculptures and prints from the 1940s and 1950s by an influential figure of post-war Finnish modernism. Read more

■ Sports :

Opening of the Olympic Games

Paris is hosting the Olympic Games for the 3rd time, opening on 26 July. Until 11 August, 10,500 athletes from all over the world are expected to take part. Some events start on 24 July, with competitions taking place at other venues in France. 45 disciplines are represented and 329 events will be contested. The Paralympic Games are held from 28 August to 8 September. Read more - Other link