The Newsletter n°1131 — 10 nov. 2025
La Lettre
Patrice Cardot
—
10 November 2025
The European Union is facing internal divisions, powerful financial interest groups and a certain technological shortfall. With its digital euro project, Europe finds itself at a historic crossroads as China and the United States move forward with their own monetary strategies. Between China's speed, the hegemony of the dollar and the agility of private stablecoins, the European Union must now move from principles to action. North-South rivalries and external pressures risk marginalising Europe if it does not accelerate. To succeed, the European Union must strengthen its resilience (AEUM, cybersecurity), ensure transparency and regulate private actors in order to make the digital euro a lever of its geopolitical power.
Front page!
Europe, guardian of Human Rights
10 November 2025
The European Convention on Human Rights is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Adopted in 1950 in the aftermath of the Second World War, it guarantees individual rights against states, and any individual can invoke it. International justice remains truly the only weapon available to the civilised world against the worst crimes. There has been much criticism of the Convention's rulings on national security and immigration. But no state has dared to question its existence, as it symbolises the rule of law and fundamental freedoms. The Convention remains an essential pillar of democracy and a treasure that Europeans can be proud of and must preserve at all costs.
Foundation
Get your copy of the Schuman Report 2025!
7 November 2025
As every year, the Schuman Report on Europe, the State of the Union features leading contributions, original maps and statistical studies with commentary on the main issues facing the European Union: transatlantic relations, European competitiveness and the need for investment in the space sector. Order your copy now!
New publication on the Schuman Network
7 November 2025
A new publication from Cercle Polaire is available on the Schuman Network. With 21 organisations from 13 European countries and more than 190 publications shared since its launch, the Schuman Network has confirmed its role as an essential platform for strengthening intellectual cooperation and supporting democratic resilience in Europe. Its objective is to promote cooperation between European research centres in order to share reliable, high-quality analysis with as wide an audience as possible.
Commission
Launch of the RAISE initiative
7 November 2025
On 3 November, at the AI Summit in Copenhagen, the European Commission launched the RAISE pilot project - Resource for Artificial Intelligence Science in Europe. This new virtual institute will bring together the resources essential for the development of AI and its application, to achieve scientific advances that will improve cancer treatments, solve environmental problems, refine earthquake impact forecasts, and more. The RAISE pilot project will receive €107 million in funding under the Horizon Europe programme.
Enlargement Reports
7 November 2025
On 4 November, the European Commission adopted a comprehensive assessment of the achievements of the ten candidate countries in the areas of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights over the past twelve months. Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, Moldova, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo have made progress. However, Turkey has seen a deterioration in its democratic standards, Serbia has been criticised for slowing down its reform process, and Georgia's accession process has remained stalled due to a serious democratic setback.
New plans for transport
7 November 2025
On 5 November, the European Commission unveiled a comprehensive plan to accelerate the development of high-speed rail across the European Union, offering passengers significantly reduced journey times. By promoting fast, comfortable, safe and reliable rail services, the plan supports the EU's dual objectives of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 and strengthening Europe's global competitiveness. The second initiative concerns the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP). It sets out a common approach to stimulate investment in renewable and low-carbon fuels, with a focus on aviation and waterborne transport.
Stimulating deep tech innovation
7 November 2025
On 6 November, the European Commission adopted the European Innovation Council (EIC) work programme for 2026, which mobilises €1.4 billion to support the most promising European entrepreneurs and researchers in the field of deep tech. This programme introduces several major improvements, including a simplified and accelerated application procedure for the EIC accelerator.
Council
Meeting of Environment Ministers
7 November 2025
On 5 November, Environment Ministers set a binding target for the European Union to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040, compared to 1990 levels. The day before, they approved a nationally determined contribution to be submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), covering the period up to 2035. In this way, the European Union aimed to send a strong signal, ahead of COP30, that it will maintain the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement.
Simplifying rules on chemicals
7 November 2025
On 5 November, the Council adopted its position on the proposal to simplify rules in the field of chemicals, while maintaining a high level of protection for consumers and the environment. The draft simplifies certain provisions relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of chemicals, cosmetics and fertilisers.
Informal meeting of culture ministers
7 November 2025
On 3 and 4 November, culture ministers met with their Ukrainian counterpart, Tetyana Berezhna, in Copenhagen. The Danish government allocated 10 million Danish kroner to the creation of a new Ukrainian heritage fund in the hope that other countries would join in this effort. Finally, they adopted a declaration establishing culture and reliable media as pillars of European democratic defence.
Trilogue
Strengthening Europe's defence industrial base
7 November 2025
On 5 November, negotiators from the Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement to encourage defence-related investment, with a view to implementing the ReArm Europe plan. The agreement includes a historic decision to associate Ukraine with the European Defence Fund (EDF).
Transport emissions: agreement on a single calculation method
7 November 2025
On 5 November, a provisional agreement was reached between Council and European Parliament negotiators on the European Commission's proposal, known as CountEmissionsEU, which aims to ensure better comparability of data on greenhouse gas emissions from passenger and freight transport by defining a single method for calculating these emissions.
Diplomacy
Summit with the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC)
10 November 2025
On 9 November, the 4th summit between the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) was held in Santa Marta, Colombia. Leaders and representatives from both sides reiterated the strategic importance of their mutual relationship, based on shared values and interests. During the summit, leaders discussed, among other things, the defence of multilateralism and the green and digital transitions, and adopted a joint declaration setting out the future roadmap for strengthening their ties.
European Agencies
Launch of the Sentinel-1D satellite into orbit by Ariane 6
7 November 2025
On 4 November, Arianespace launched the Sentinel 1-D satellite for the Copernicus programme from the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, using the Ariane 6 launcher, as part of a contract signed with the European Space Agency (ESA). Mission VA265 is the third commercial flight for the European heavy launcher. This satellite will provide images of the Earth's surface, day and night.
Fight against cryptocurrency money laundering and bank card fraud
7 November 2025
On 4 November, Eurojust announced that nine people suspected of laundering €600 million in cryptocurrency had been arrested in a coordinated operation in Cyprus, Spain and Germany. On 5 November, Eurojust coordinated a major operation against global credit card fraud involving €300 million, resulting in 18 arrests.
Bulgaria
Speech by the President of the ECB
7 November 2025
On 4 November, Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, gave a speech on Bulgaria's entry into the euro area on 1 January 2026. She stressed the advantages that membership would bring to Bulgaria, emphasising that adopting the euro offers two key benefits: prosperity and security. She also stated that Bulgaria would no longer be content to follow other countries passively, but would participate actively in decision-making within the world's third-largest economy.
Czech Republic
Agreement on a new coalition government and resignation of the Fiala government
10 November 2025
On 3 November, Andrej Babiš, whose ANO party won the parliamentary elections, signed a coalition agreement with the Motorists' Party and the SPD (Freedom and Direct Democracy), whose leader Tomio Okamura was elected Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies on 5 November. In this agreement, the partners call for 'a different Europe', while ruling out the possibility of a referendum on EU membership. On 6 November, Prime Minister Petr Fiala submitted his government's resignation to the President of the Republic, Petr Pavel.
Romania
Visit by the NATO Secretary General
7 November 2025
On 5 and 6 November, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Bucharest. He met with Romanian President Nicușor Dan and Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, and reiterated NATO's support for Romania and Article 5 on collective defence. At a press conference, the Secretary General thanked Romania for its contribution to the Alliance's defence and security, and in particular for its leading role in Black Sea security activities.
Moldova
Swearing-in of the new government
7 November 2025
On 1 November, the Moldovan government led by Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu was sworn in before President Maia Sandu and Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu. Maia Sandu congratulated the ministers and reminded them that their mission is to meet citizens' expectations, pursue reforms and advance Moldova on the European path, now prioritising governance focused on the country's development and modernisation. The government comprises 17 members, four of whom are women.
Norway
New Memorandum of Understanding for the Joint Expeditionary Force
7 November 2025
On 5 November, the defence ministers of the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) states, led by the United Kingdom and comprising Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, met in Bodø, Norway. On this occasion, they signed a memorandum of understanding representing the evolution of the expeditionary force following the recent integration of Finland and Sweden into NATO. They are committed to contributing to credible deterrence in peacetime and to responding quickly and flexibly in close coordination with NATO in the event of a crisis, particularly in situations that are of concern to the security of members before or after the invocation of Article 5.
Ukraine
Fifth payment from the European Union under the Ukraine Facility
7 November 2025
Ukraine is set to receive more than €1.8 billion in funding from the EU following the Council's decision on 4 November to make a fifth disbursement under the Ukraine Facility. This funding aims to strengthen Ukraine's macro-financial stability and support the functioning of its administration. The Ukraine Facility, which entered into force on 1 March 2024, provides up to €50 billion in stable financing, in the form of grants and loans, to support Ukraine's recovery, reconstruction and modernisation for the period 2024-2027.
Council of Europe
75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights
7 November 2025
On 4 November, the European Convention on Human Rights celebrated its 75th anniversary. Signed in Rome in 1950 by 12 member states of the Council of Europe, the Convention has contributed to the establishment of a common legal and political culture of human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Europe. On this occasion, Secretary General Alain Berset emphasised the continuing importance of the Convention as a democratic compass for the continent, and the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Theodoros Rousopoulos, hailed the Convention as 'the most powerful act of imagination in the history of our continent'.
UN
Summit of Heads of State and Government ahead of COP30
10 November 2025
On 6 and 7 November, the Summit of Heads of State and Government was held in Belém, Brazil, to open COP 30. The European Union is committed to mobilising more resources for climate funds and to protecting forests and oceans. On this occasion, it welcomed Brazil's launch of the Tropical Forest Fund. Other initiatives were launched: the Belém Declaration on Hunger, Poverty and Climate Action, the Belém Call for Climate Action and the Declaration on the Open Coalition on Carbon Markets. The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 30) is being held until 21 November.
Studies/Reports
OECD International Migration Outlook
7 November 2025
On 3 November, the OECD published the 49th edition of its International Migration Outlook, which provides an analysis of trends in migration and the integration of immigrants into the labour market in OECD countries. This edition includes two special chapters: the first focuses on the role of businesses in the integration of immigrants, while the second looks at international migration of health professionals to OECD countries. The outlook also includes country notes and a detailed statistical annex.
Fifth Annual Report on the Union's Trade Policy
7 November 2025
On 3 November, the European Commission published the fifth annual report on the implementation and application of European trade policy. The report concludes that the European Union's trade agreements strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of EU economic operators. In 2024, exports of goods to the European Union's 76 preferential trading partners increased twice as much as exports to countries not covered by a free trade agreement. In addition, total EU agri-food exports reached a new record in 2024, standing at €235 billion (an increase of 2.8% compared to 2023).
IAEA Annual Report
7 November 2025
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Annual Report presents its activities in the fields of nuclear science and technology, safety, security, safeguards and technical cooperation. In 2024, the IAEA supported several countries in the areas of health, food safety and environmental protection, promoting the peaceful and safe use of nuclear energy. It also maintains its presence in Ukraine to ensure nuclear safety and security.
Tax Administration Summit
7 November 2025
On 4 and 5 November, the European Union Tax Administration Summit was held in Copenhagen. In light of changing geopolitical dynamics and technological transformation, participants emphasised the need for unity among EU tax administrations. It was agreed to refocus on modernising EU tax governance through digital resilience, cooperation between Member States and the gradual integration of candidate countries.
Report on the State of the Energy Union
7 November 2025
On 6 November, the European Commission published its report on the State of the Energy Union and the accompanying progress report on climate action. These documents confirm that the European Union is on track to meet its 2030 climate target, with a 2.5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2024 compared to 2023. In addition, the Union is making progress in the transition to clean energy, with a growing share of renewable energies.
Eurobarometer
Challenges and priorities for the European Union
10 November 2025
According to the latest Eurobarometer results on 'challenges and priorities for the European Union', published on 7 November, respect for democracy, human rights and the rule of law (36%), as well as the economic, industrial and commercial power of the European Union (31%), remain the main strengths of the European Union, followed by the quality of relations and solidarity between its Member States (28%). Furthermore, the war in Ukraine remains the main challenge currently facing the EU, cited by 47% of Europeans.
Culture
Pekka Halonen in Paris
7 November 2025
For the first time in France, the Petit Palais in Paris is paying tribute to Pekka Halonen (1865–1933), one of the leading figures of the golden age of Finnish painting. The exhibition brings together more than a hundred works from Finland's largest public and private collections and will run until 22 February 2026.
David Hockney in London
7 November 2025
To mark its reopening, the Annely Juda Fine Art gallery in London is hosting an exhibition of works by David Hockney until 28 February 2026. This exhibition presents previously unseen works created in his London studio, demonstrating Hockney's unwavering commitment and vigour for painting.
70 years of design by women
7 November 2025
The exhibition 'Nordic Table Design 1900-1970' is being held in Rome at the Hendrik Christian Andersen Museum until 18 January 2026. It offers visitors an in-depth look at how women in 20th-century Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden transformed the design of everyday objects created for the table. Through glassware, ceramics, cutlery and table decorations, these women redefined the domestic space as a place of freedom and self-expression. In doing so, they helped shape new models of modern living and paved the way for broader battles for women's rights and recognition in the design industries.
Magritte in Antwerp
7 November 2025
Until 22 February 2026, the exhibition "Magritte. The Lifeline" will be on display in Antwerp. Among other things, visitors will discover a selection of works that featured in his 1938 lecture, in which he discussed the origins and development of his art, as well as the history of the Surrealist movement in Belgium. The exhibition also highlights Magritte's role as a mediator between the Surrealist movements in Brussels and Antwerp.
Munch Triennial in Oslo
7 November 2025
Until 22 February 2026, the Munch Museum in Oslo is presenting its second triennial exhibition: 'Almost Unreal'. This edition explores the spaces between the real and the virtual, old and new technologies, and dystopian and hopeful visions of the future. More than twenty artists open portals to other realities: parallel universes, mystical realms, alternative perspectives. They appropriate and repurpose existing technologies such as music boxes, holograms and looms. They create new worlds using advanced game engines and generative machine learning tools.
A collector's perspective in Aix-en-Provence
7 November 2025
Until 22 March 2026, the Caumont Art Centre in Aix-en-Provence is hosting an exhibition featuring works from Oscar Ghez's collection. Through a chronological and thematic journey, the evolution of French painting at the turn of the 20th century is retraced with 60 masterpieces by 38 artists.
Art and rain in Nantes
7 November 2025
Until 1 March 2026, the Nantes Museum of Art is hosting the exhibition: 'In the rain, painting, living and dreaming'. This exhibition presents the representation, sensitivity and imagination of rain that fascinated artists from the late 19th century to the 1930s.
Picasso and Klee in Madrid
7 November 2025
Until 1 February 2026, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid is presenting a selection of 50 masterpieces by Pablo Picasso and Paul Klee that belonged to German art dealer and collector Heinz Berggruen. These works are part of the collections of the museum in Berlin, which is currently undergoing renovation.
Stanley Spencer in Sudbury
7 November 2025
Until 22 March 2026, the most ambitious exhibition devoted to Stanley Spencer (1891–1959) in a decade opens at Gainsborough's House in Sudbury. Entitled 'Love & Landscape: Stanley Spencer in Suffolk,' the exhibition includes important loans from museums, galleries and other public institutions, as well as rarely seen works from private collections. Drawing on new research, the exhibition explores Spencer's personal relationships and artistic development through his time spent in Suffolk in the 1920s and 1930s.
Vienna Book Fair
7 November 2025
The Vienna Book Fair is taking place from 12 to 16 November in two halls at the exhibition centre. With over 500 exhibitors, it offers a rich programme of readings, discussions, workshops and book signings. It focuses on international cooperation and aims to be a European platform for literary and cultural dialogue.
Agenda
les 9-11 November 2025
EU-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Summit (Colombia)
les 10-21 November 2025
United Nations Climate Change Conference COP 30 (Brazil)
12 November 2025
Eurogroup Meeting (Brussels)
les 13-14 November 2025
Meeting of Economy and Finance Ministers (Brussels)
17 November 2025
"Agricuture and Fisheries" Council "General Affairs" Council (Brussels)
Newsletter Archives
European Women Leading the Way
Should we be concerned about European competitiveness?
The European Space Context (after the ESA Ministerial Council meeting in 2025)
In support of European regulation that is compatible with growth
Democratic resilience in Europe in a polarised world
The Editors of the Newsletter :
Helen Levy, Catherine d'Angelo, Clément Ramey, Maria Skowronska, Jean Pedurthe
N°ISSN : 2729-6482
Editor-in-Chief :
Juliette Bachschmidt
Director of Publication :
Pascale Joannin
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