'The speciality of European elites is no longer dreaming of a perfect Europe but lamenting an imperfect one. This mindset, widely held, has a name: pessimism. And it has a price: resignation.' The Old Continent seems gripped by a sense of pessimism and prefers to see the glass as half empty rather than half full. Europe has achieved so much and overcome so many challenges that it should be celebrating its accomplishments rather than lamenting what it has not yet done.

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Jean-Dominique Giuliani, Chairman of the Robert Schuman Foundation, spoke at the debate organised by the European Parliamentary Assembly on 8 July in Strasbourg with Markus Ferber, Fabienne Keller and Iuliu Winkler, Members of the European Parliament, on Robert Schuman's vision and its current influence on the European project.

On 2 July, the European Commission launched a strategy to make Europe a world leader in life sciences by 2030. With more than €10 billion per year, it aims to stimulate innovation, facilitate market access and strengthen confidence in new technologies. The strategy includes increased support for clinical research, biotechnology and sustainable technologies. It also aims to better connect start-ups, investors and industries. This plan responds to the need to catch up with other world powers.

On 2 July, the European Commission proposed an amendment to European climate law that would aim to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040, compared to 1990 levels. This revision of European climate law aims to provide stability and visibility for investors, while strengthening innovation, industry and energy security. It is in line with the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. The approach put forward is intended to be more flexible, taking into account national specificities. This ambitious target confirms the European Union's commitment to addressing the global climate emergency.

On 2 July, the European Commission presented a strategy to make Europe a major global player in quantum technologies. The aim is to build a sovereign quantum ecosystem supporting research, innovation, infrastructure and skills. Measures include the creation of a European quantum internet, the launch of pilot lines for quantum chips and the establishment of a European Quantum Skills Academy.

On 3 July, the European Commission decided to fund 94 transport projects to the tune of €2.8 billion as part of the Connecting Europe Facility. Priority has been given to rail, which will receive 77% of the funds, notably for the construction of Rail Baltica and the installation of unified signalling systems. Ports, waterways and roads will also be modernised, with a focus on safety and reducing emissions. These investments support the ecological transition, territorial cohesion and geopolitical resilience of the continent.

On 4 July, the European Commission adopted new measures to simplify the obligations related to the European Union taxonomy, with the aim of reducing the administrative burden on businesses while maintaining environmental objectives. Companies will be able to focus on their core activities, with lighter requirements for non-significant sectors. Financial companies will also benefit from simplifications, such as the temporary suspension of certain indicators. These measures, which are part of the 'Omnibus I' package, aim to strengthen competitiveness while facilitating the ecological transition.

On 1 July, Denmark took over the Presidency of the Council, which will last until 31 December. Under the slogan 'A strong Europe in a changing world', this eighth Danish Presidency aims to work towards a safe, competitive and green Europe. The Danish government has chosen two main priorities: a safer Europe, with stricter immigration management and continued support for Ukraine, and a competitive and green Europe.

At the ECB's Annual Forum in Sintra from 30 June to 2 July, central bankers and policymakers examined how monetary authorities can navigate increasing structural and geopolitical pressures. The theme, 'Adapting to change: macroeconomic developments and policy responses', framed discussions on labour markets, industrial reorganisation, trade fragmentation and the challenges these changes pose for monetary policy.

On 1 July, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz welcomed Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden to Berlin. The meeting served to strengthen the close ties between the two partners. Discussions focused on Europe's competitiveness, common defence, climate protection and the fight against irregular immigration. The two leaders also emphasised the importance of preserving free movement within the Schengen area.

On 3 July, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa to Aarhus. The aim was to discuss European support for Ukraine, including its path to EU membership. Announcements were made on intensifying military support, industrial cooperation with Ukraine and new sanctions against Russia. The King of Denmark also received Volodymyr Zelensky in audience.

According to the latest IMF report published on 4 July, the Danish economy continued to grow in 2024, driven by pharmaceutical exports, despite moderate domestic demand. The IMF forecasts a slowdown in growth to 3% in 2025 and then to 1.8% in 2026. The financial system remains sound, but rising defence spending and an ageing population require fiscal adjustments to preserve fiscal sustainability. Denmark is encouraged to continue structural reforms, particularly in the labour and digital sectors, and to strengthen its resilience to geopolitical tensions and climate risks.

At the International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville, held from 30 June to 3 July, the European Commission and the EIB announced a €5 billion flexible guarantee, which could mobilise up to €10 billion for clean energy, green infrastructure and SME support projects outside the European Union. This initiative is part of the Global Gateway agenda. At the same time, the Seville Commitment adopted at the Conference renews the global framework for development finance, calling for massive investment to achieve the SDGs, fight poverty and promote sustainable and equitable financial systems.

On 30 June, the Italian government adopted a new three-year decree authorising the entry of nearly 500,000 non-EU workers between 2026 and 2028 in response to labour shortages. This is in addition to the 450,000 permits issued between 2023 and 2025, bringing the total number of entries under this legislature to nearly one million. Supported by employers, the measure provides for quotas by sector, but it remains criticised for its complexity and limited effectiveness. While the opening up of the market is welcomed by businesses, the system remains hampered by slow procedures and a tendency towards irregularities.

On 1 July, Poland's Supreme Court upheld Karol Nawrocki's election as president, rejecting more than 50,000 complaints contesting the vote. These appeals, filed by citizens, organisations and opposition representatives, alleged numerous irregularities during the electoral process. The candidate, supported by the Law and Justice Party (PiS), won 50.89% of the vote against Rafal Trzaskowski. The opposition has denounced irregularities and a lack of judicial independence. This decision removes the risk of a postponement of the inauguration scheduled for August.

On 1 July, the Polish government decided to temporarily reinstate border controls with Germany and Lithuania, effective 7 July. This measure is intended to respond to Germany's extended controls and to strengthen security in the face of migratory pressure.

To mark the 25th anniversary of the Øresund Bridge linking Denmark and Sweden on 1 July, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and her Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson signed a joint declaration aimed at strengthening the cross-border region. The agreement aims to make everyday life easier for the 22,000 cross-border passengers, improve safety, competitiveness and resilience, combat organised crime and promote mobility, research and the green transition in the Øresund region.

On 4 July, the Bosnian-Herzegovinian judiciary cancelled the arrest warrant for Milorad Dodik, president of the Republika Srpska, the Serbian entity in Bosnia, a few hours after he voluntarily presented himself to the Sarajevo prosecutor's office to be questioned as a suspect in an 'attack on the constitutional order'. Initially wanted since 18 March for advocating the banning of central institutions in his territory, Milorad Dodik was released under judicial supervision, with an obligation to report regularly to the authorities. This decision came after he challenged the authority of state institutions in court, triggering a major political crisis.

The leaders of the six Western Balkan countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia) met in Skopje on 2 July to review the implementation of the European Union's Growth Plan for the region. Discussions focused on strengthening regional integration, gradual access to the European single market and, above all, accelerating the reforms essential for enlargement. The leaders unanimously reaffirmed their commitment to advancing structural reforms and putting their economies on a path towards convergence with the European Union. Several investments in clean energy, totalling nearly €487 million, were announced.

On 4 July, Chisinau hosted the first European Union-Moldova summit, bringing together Moldovan President Maia Sandu, European Council President António Costa and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The summit marks a key step towards Moldova's European integration and strengthens bilateral cooperation. The leaders reiterated their support for Moldova's sovereignty in the face of Russian threats and welcomed the democratic reforms underway. The European Union also announced €1.9 billion in financial support for 2025-2027. e.

Clashes broke out on 28 June in Belgrade between Serbian police and an estimated crowd of 140,000 demonstrators demanding early elections after 12 years in power for President Aleksandar Vučić. Five people suspected of plotting against the government were arrested. The protesters, mainly students, denounce corruption and control of institutions and are calling for 'freedom to be taken back' since the deadly collapse of the roof of the Novi Sad railway station, a tragedy attributed by the opposition to corruption.

On 2 July, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni paid an official visit to the Vatican, where she was granted an audience with Pope Leo XIV. Discussions focused on peace, religious freedom and cooperation in Africa through the Mattei Plan. On 3 July, Polish President Andrzej Duda was welcomed by the Supreme Pontiff for a visit that was both formal and symbolic, marking the end of his term of office and the beginning of the pontificate of Leo XIV. Discussions focused in particular on the war in Ukraine and the prospects for negotiations.

The EFTA States (Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) and Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) concluded negotiations on a free trade agreement on 2 July. In addition to removing customs barriers, the agreement provides for the elimination of technical barriers to trade, the protection of intellectual property, improved market access for service providers and investors, the creation of new opportunities in the area of public procurement and a general strengthening of economic relations. Both parties will benefit from improved market access for more than 97% of their exports.

According to a Eurobarometer survey published on 30 June, 85% of Europeans consider climate change to be a serious problem and overwhelmingly support the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. They are in favour of renewable energy (88%) and energy efficiency. While 92% of respondents are taking individual action for the climate, they believe that governments and the European Union have a central role to play. Finally, despite widespread awareness, many point to a lack of clarity in the media on climate issues.

The 56th Arles Photography Festival is taking place until 5 October, celebrating photography as an act of resistance and social transformation. Entitled 'Images Indociles' (Unruly Images), it brings together 160 artists across 46 exhibitions. Australia and Brazil are in the spotlight, with a focus on indigenous, Afro-descendant and queer struggles. The festival celebrates diversity of perspectives through photography.

Canadian artist Eve Tagny is presenting her first exhibition in Europe at the Westfälischer Kunstverein in Münster until 5 October. Through installations, videos and performances, she explores gardens as spaces of mourning, healing and resilience. Her work questions the legacies of colonialism, European botany and the commodification of life.

The Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival runs until 20 July, offering an eclectic line-up ranging from bebop to blues rock, funk, soul and swing. Over 100 concerts are scheduled throughout the city. Special events include the return of The Famous Spiegeltent to St Andrew Square, the Edinburgh Festival Carnival on 13 July, workshops, masterclasses and concerts.

The 76th Dubrovnik Summer Festival is taking place until 25 August, transforming the city into a cultural hotspot with more than 70 events spread over 47 days. On the music front, several internationally renowned artists are expected to perform, and there will also be an opera gala. The theatre programme features major plays including Chekhov's The Seagull.

Until 14 September, at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Fiona Tan explores the birth of psychiatry through the exhibition 'Monomania', combining historical art and contemporary installation. Drawing on works by Géricault, Goya and Munch, she questions representations of madness and normality. The exhibition culminates with Janine's Room, an immersive video about identity and memory. More than 250 objects, drawings, masks and clothes weave a sensitive narrative about mental alienation.

The Arp Bahnhof Rolandseck Museum is hosting the exhibition "Network Paris. Abstraction-Creation 1931–1937." This event, the first of its kind since the 1970s, looks back at the network of artists based in Paris who opposed the rise of fascism, including figures such as Jean Arp, Sophie Taeuber-Arp, Max Bill and Piet Mondrian. The exhibition presents a wide range of works, from rigid compositions to organic forms, while highlighting its relevance today through the work of seven contemporary artists.

Until 11 January 2026, London's Tate Modern is hosting a retrospective dedicated to Emily Kam Kngwarray, a major figure in Australian Aboriginal art and one of the most influential painters of the 20th century. From batiks to monumental canvases, her art is distinguished by layered organic patterns that reflect the ecosystems of the Australian desert. The exhibition combines textiles, paintings, films and sound archives, offering an immersive journey into the artist's symbolic universe.

The Francofolies de La Rochelle festival runs until 14 July with a rich and varied programme. For 40 years, the festival has brought together renowned French-speaking artists and emerging talents. Several iconic venues in the city will host concerts and special events. Tributes and unique collaborations will enrich the programme and the experience.

Until 2 November the Cycladic Art Museum in Athens is hosting a solo exhibition dedicated to Marlene Dumas, a major figure in contemporary art, . Known for her poignant paintings exploring the deepest human states, she brings together more than forty works on canvas and paper, powerfully questioning universal themes such as life, love, motherhood and death.

The Grimaldi Forum in Monaco is hosting the exhibition 'Colours!' until 31 August. Over 100 works from the Centre Pompidou, all based on the theme of colour, are on display. Seven monochrome spaces offer a unique sensory immersion, combining art, sounds and scents. Works by leading artists interact with design.

The Museum of Contemporary Realism in Almería is presenting the exhibition 'Rosario de Velasco. Entre papeles y lienzos' until 12 October. Produced by the Fundación de Arte Ibáñez Cosentino in collaboration with the Diputación de Almería, the exhibition offers a unique journey through the works of Rosario de Velasco, with the aim of restoring visibility to this artist who was marginalised due to the civil war, her status as a woman and her association with figurative realism at a time when abstract art was flourishing.