The Czech general election on 3 and 4 October 2025 was won by former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš's populist ANO party, which won 34.52% of the vote and 80 seats, strengthening its position compared to the previous election in 2021. The outgoing Spolu coalition, led by Prime Minister Petr Fiala, suffered a setback with 23.36% of the vote and 52 seats. The former Prime Minister plans to govern alone or with ad hoc alliances. Despite his victory, uncertainties remain about his ability to form a stable government, particularly due to his political isolation and a new trial currently underway.

With just a few weeks to go before the early parliamentary elections on 29 October, polls place Geert Wilders' Party for Freedom (PVV) in the lead with 31 seats out of 150 in the Second Chamber, despite its role in the fall of the government. It is followed by the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA) with 25 seats, then by the Green Left–Labour Party (GL-PvdA) coalition with 23 seats. The liberal Democrats 66 (D 66) are expected to win 15 seats and the liberal People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) 14 seats. The New Social Contract (NSC), a former coalition partner, could disappear from parliament. This campaign has been marked by strong voter concern about housing, health and immigration, issues on which Geert Wilders is trying to impose his agenda.

With the appointment of Inga Ruginienė as head of the Lithuanian government, the Foundation provides an overview of the place of women in governments, national parliaments and the European Parliament, with a map and tables. These tools enable comparisons to be made between European countries in terms of female representation and progress to be tracked in terms of gender equality in the political and economic spheres.

On 29 September, the European Commission paid out a total of €3.07 billion to three Member States – Austria, Belgium and Croatia – under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the centrepiece of the NextGenerationEU post-Covid recovery plan. The disbursements are part of the European Commission's efforts to support economic growth and resilience in EU Member States. On 3 October, the European Commission gave a positive assessment of Bulgaria's second payment request. Details of these new disbursements and payment requests are available on the Foundation's website.

Launched in 2023, the Schuman Network brings together 21 organisations from 13 European countries. With more than 180 shared publications, the network strives to promote cooperation between European research centres in order to share reliable, high-quality analysis. Through this work, the Schuman Network asserts its role as an essential platform for strengthening intellectual cooperation and supporting democratic resilience in Europe.

European competitiveness, trade addicts and investment in the space sector are at the heart of debates on the future of the European Union. The 2025 edition of the 'Schuman Report on the State of the Union' revisits all these key themes. It is available for purchase in English from the Foundation's website in digital format. As every year, it brings together leading contributions, original maps and annotated statistical studies. Order your copy now!

On 1 October, European Union heads of state and government met in Copenhagen to discuss how to strengthen Europe's defence and support for Ukraine by 2030. They also held a debate on how to mobilise additional funds for Ukraine. Finally, European Council President António Costa reiterated the need for greater coordination, stressing that defence ministers should play a more important role in Council meetings and follow-up steps.

On 30 September, the European Commission announced two initiatives aimed at promoting savings and investment and bringing tangible benefits to all citizens of the European Union. They focus on improving financial literacy for everyone at all stages of life and introduce a blueprint for savings and investment accounts, a tool that aims to make investing simpler and more accessible for all. Financial literacy levels remain low in the EU: less than a fifth of citizens have a high level of financial literacy, according to the 2023 Eurobarometer.

On 29 and 30 September, ministers responsible for competitiveness adopted a regulation improving the overall quality of statistics on population and housing, the Soil Monitoring Directive, which establishes the first ever EU-wide framework for soil assessment and monitoring; and simplified and strengthened the European Union's carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM). On 30 September, they called for the establishment of a favourable regulatory and financial environment to stimulate innovative businesses, as well as a coordinated governance framework for life sciences at EU level.

On 3 October, the Council decided to extend the individual restrictive measures against those responsible for Russia's destabilising actions abroad by one year, until 9 October 2026. On 8 October 2024, the Council adopted a framework of restrictive measures and a sanctions regime targeting actors and policies of the Government of the Russian Federation that undermine the fundamental values of the European Union and its Member States, their security, stability, independence and integrity.

On 2 October, the 47 members of the European Political Community (EPC) met in Copenhagen. The purpose of this forum is to discuss common security issues, particularly those relating to security and defence, in relation to Russia. At this seventh meeting, EPC members structured their cooperation in the fight against cyberattacks, disinformation and foreign interference. In addition, French President Emmanuel Macron agreed with his partners to strengthen the policy of obstruction against the Russian ghost fleet. Finally, they reasserted their determination to continue supplying Ukraine with defence equipment, mainly drones and long-range missiles.

On October 1, the General Court of the European Union overturned a 2019 decision by the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) that imposed new conditions for calculating electricity exchange capacities between EU member states. Germany, at the heart of the European network and already heavily burdened by electricity flows between its neighbors, challenged these additional requirements, which it deemed both illegal and restrictive for the management of its network. The Court ruled in its favor, confirming that ACER cannot invent criteria not provided for by the European legislator.

On 3 October, French President Emmanuel Macron travelled to Saarbrücken to celebrate 35 years of German reunification. Not only was he the only head of state invited to the event, symbolising the rapprochement between France and Germany, but it was also the first time in 25 years that a French head of state had been invited to the state of Saarland. Emmanuel Macron spoke to restate Franco-German support for Ukraine and called for the re-creation of a 'Europe of peace' and the rule of law.

On 1 October, the Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian and Swedish energy ministers met in Helsinki for the Nordic Council of Ministers. On this occasion, they emphasised the importance of reducing European dependence on Russian gas and strengthening the European Union's energy resilience. Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Energy Roman Andarak was also present to share his experience of maintaining energy systems in extreme conditions. The Nordic countries expressed their willingness to invest in energy and strengthen their regional partnership to lead by example for the rest of the European Union.

On 6 October, less than 24 hours after announcing the composition of his government, French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced his resignation, which French President Emmanuel Macron accepted. Pending the formation of a new government, the ministers appointed on 5 October will continue to handle day-to-day affairs.

On 2 October, for the first time since the Covid pandemic, Italy achieved the European Union's target of reducing its public deficit to 3% of GDP. This fiscal discipline should help the country exit the European excessive deficit procedure. Italy has better control over its public finances and a steady decline in its public deficit, which fell from 7.2% in 2023 to 3.4% in 2024, well below the initial target of 3.8%.

On 3 October, Luxembourg celebrated the accession of a new sovereign: Grand Duke Guillaume. He is now at the head of this monarchy, following the abdication of his father, Henri, after a 25-year reign. A gala dinner was held in the evening, attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier, among others. Festivities took place throughout the country until 5 October to mark the 'Trounwiessel' ('change of throne' in Luxembourgish).

After calling for a boycott of the snap elections, the president of Republika Srpska in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Milorad Dodik, complied on 1 October with the decision of the Sarajevo Court of Appeal announced on 1 August to ban him from governing for six years. For the snap elections on 23 November, the coalition is supporting Sinisa Karan, one of its closest allies.

The European Union has strongly criticised the local elections held on 4 October 2025 in Georgia, denouncing a climate of repression marked by arbitrary arrests, laws against civil society and pressure on independent media. The opposition boycott and low turnout challenged the legitimacy of the vote. The refusal to allow international observation, particularly by the OSCE, compromised the transparency of the electoral process. The Union calls for the release of political prisoners, respect for fundamental freedoms, and open political dialogue. It also condemns the disinformation campaigns targeting its role and the attacks against its ambassador in Georgia.

On 3 October, Sarah Mullally became the first woman to be appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, the highest religious authority in the Church of England and spiritual leader of Anglicans. She was appointed following the resignation of Justin Wellby in November 2024, due to his handling of a physical and sexual assault scandal. She was appointed by a college of electors comprising members and non-members of the Anglican clergy, and approved by King Charles III, Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

On 30 September, Ukraine took an important step towards joining the European Union by completing the screening process with the European Commission. This process allows the Commission to assess Ukraine's readiness for membership and provides an essential technical basis for further accession negotiations. In this context, Ukraine has presented clear plans to align itself with European rules.

On 1 October, the European Investment Bank (EIB) supported Ukraine's energy security with a €300 million loan to Naftogaz, a Ukrainian company wholly owned by the Ukrainian government. This funding is an urgent measure to support the resilience of the energy sector and help replenish the country's long-term gas reserves ahead of winter. The operation is part of the EIB's energy rescue plan for Ukraine, implemented in October 2024.

In a joint letter dated 30 September, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson called on the European Commission and Member States to guarantee long-term financing for Ukraine. Ukraine's needs are estimated at €130 billion between 2026 and 2027, with a shortfall from mid-2026 onwards. In particular, they recommend using the frozen assets of the Russian central bank to guarantee a loan that will only have to be repaid once Moscow has paid reparations.

On 29 September, the 13th Václav Havel Human Rights Prize, which recognises outstanding actions by civil society, was awarded to Ukrainian journalist Maksym Butkevych. Despite his long-standing pacifism, Maksym Butkevych volunteered to join the Ukrainian armed forces at the start of the Russian invasion in 2022 and became a platoon commander. Captured and sentenced to 13 years in prison by Russian forces, he endured more than two years of imprisonment in harsh conditions before being released in a prisoner exchange in October 2024.

The autumn session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe was held in Strasbourg from 29 September to 3 October. The debates focused on major issues such as the protection of journalists in Gaza and Ukraine, the creation of an international commission for complaints related to the war in Ukraine, and the human rights situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, Kosovo and Turkey. Other important topics were also discussed, including democracy and the fulfilment of member states' commitments, particularly with regard to the situation in Hungary.

In its report published on 29 September, the European Environment Agency (EEA) provides an analysis of the state of the environment in Europe, based on data from 38 countries. According to the Agency, 30% of European territory and 34% of the population are affected by water stress. In addition, climate change is affecting Europe at twice the global average rate. By 2023, they had already fallen by 37%, and the actions taken should enable this target to be met. The Agency predicts that, in line with the targets set under the Green Deal, CO₂ emissions will have fallen by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.

On 30 September, Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service, the European Union's Earth observation service, published its 9th report on the state of the oceans. The findings show that ocean warming is accelerating, marine biodiversity hotspots are increasingly under threat, and acidification is progressing rapidly. Plastic pollution now affects all ocean basins, while endangered species and coral reefs face critical threats.

Until 22 February 2026, the National Gallery of Ireland, in collaboration with the Musée national Picasso-Paris, is presenting the exhibition 'Picasso: From the Studio', a monographic exhibition devoted to the work of Pablo Picasso (1881-1973). Through paintings, sculptures, ceramics, works on paper, photographs and audiovisual documents, the exhibition offers a unique insight into the richness and diversity of his creative output.

From 8 to 15 October, Berlin's main buildings are to be illuminated with images and projections as part of the annual light festival. Most of the illuminations can be seen every day from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The 2025 edition is taking place under the motto 'Let's shine together', which highlights themes such as cohesion, community and solidarity.

Until 11 January 2026, the National Art Museum of Catalonia in Barcelona is hosting the exhibition 'Ink against Hitler'. This exhibition presents the work of Mario Armengol, described as the only Catalan who worked for British and Allied propaganda during the Second World War. From 1941 to 1945, he drew nearly 2,000 cartoons and caricatures for the British Ministry of Information against the Third Reich and the Axis powers. Original works that have remained in his family's possession are on display to demonstrate that 'ink' can become a powerful tool of resistance against Nazism.

Until 25 January 2026, the Fondation Beyeler is hosting a retrospective of the work of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, one of the leading figures in contemporary art. This exhibition, the first in Switzerland, highlights seven decades of her extraordinary career. In addition to her iconic works, the exhibition presents older works never before seen in Europe, as well as her most recent creations. For this occasion, the artist will create a new Infinity Mirror Room.

Until 26 January 2026, the exhibition 'Berthe Weill. Avant-garde Gallery Owner' is being held at the Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris. A visionary art dealer who was forgotten after her death, Berthe Weill helped launch the careers of some of the most influential artists of the 20th century. The exhibition features several masterpieces by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Amedeo Modigliani, Otto Freundlich and Diego Riviera.

Until 8 March 2026, the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium (MRBAB) are hosting the exhibition 'Georges Meurant-Bonolo Kavula'. A new series of presentations dedicated to contemporary and modern art establishes a dialogue between works from the collections and pieces from external collections. Georges Meurant is best known for his dynamic use of colour, while the young artist Bonolo Kavula is renowned for her weavings and engravings.

Until 11 January 2026, the Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich is hosting the exhibition 'Thomas Scheibitz, a tribute to Hermann Glöckner'. Thomas Scheibitz, painter and sculptor, is one of the leading figures of his generation. His iconography oscillates between the two major themes of abstraction and figuration. He combines architectural references and facets of landscape perspectives with elements from the contemporary press, advertising and, above all, everyday culture.

From 9 to 12 October, IFEMA Madrid will host the Estampa exhibition: 'The Contemporary Art Fair'. The aim of this event is to create, promote and disseminate the art market in Spain by showcasing Spanish and Portuguese collections to collectors and professionals in the field.

Until 11 January 2026, La Piscine, André Diligent Museum of Art and Industry in Roubaix, is hosting the exhibition "Odette Pauvert. Painting as ambition in the Art Deco era." To mark the centenary of the first Grand Prix de Rome awarded to a woman, La Piscine pays tribute to Odette Pauvert, who had a resolutely classical and decorative ambition throughout her career. This exhibition aims to study her work by questioning the place of women in the academic curriculum of the Beaux-Arts at that time. At the same time, La Piscine is hosting the exhibition: 'Folles années. Un vestiaire années 20' (Roaring Twenties. A 1920s wardrobe) to showcase a selection of 'gems' from its Textile and Fashion collections, until 15 February 2026.

The Kiasma Museum in Helsinki is presenting an exhibition on Sarah Lucas, from until 3 March 2026. Known for her provocative use of satire in her sculptural practice, the British artist offers a comprehensive overview of her career to date, through a selection of sculptures, photographs and installations created over the last four decades.