Europeans, too accustomed to the comfort of peace, underestimate the seriousness of the threats they face, between Russian aggression and the unpredictability of an America tempted to withdraw. In a world where conflict could be devastating, any weakness in the face of authoritarian regimes would be dangerous. Europe must take responsibility for its own security, stop being defensive and go on the offensive to assert its democratic model.

In 2025, the 'Schuman Report on the State of the Union' deals with the major issues facing the European Union this year: defence, European competitiveness and the need for investment in the space sector. It is available in bookshops in French and English. As every year, it brings together leading contributions, new maps and commented statistical studies. Order your copy now!

Since 2023, the Schuman Network has been working with 21 organisations from 13 European countries. With more than 190 publications, the Schuman Network strives to promote cooperation between European research centres to share reliable, high-quality analysis. Through this work, the Schuman Network affirms its role as an essential platform for strengthening intellectual cooperation and supporting democratic resilience in Europe.

On 19 November, the European Commission adopted the 2030 Agenda for Consumers. This plan aims to improve consumer confidence, ensure legal clarity, strengthen law enforcement and facilitate administrative processes for businesses. In particular, it includes strengthening the digital protection of minors and the General Product Safety Regulation, combating eco-money laundering and promoting the circular economy.

On 19 November, the European Commission presented measures on military mobility with a view to creating an area of military mobility. This 'military Schengen area' would introduce a maximum processing time for military mobility of three days and streamlined customs formalities, targeted investment in cyber security and energy security, a new transport group for military mobility and a strengthened trans-European transport network (TEN-T) committee.

The new digital guidelines presented by the European Commission on 19 November are designed to help businesses spend less time on administrative tasks and compliance, and more on innovation and development. At the heart of these measures is a harmonisation of the rules on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data. The aim is to simplify the obligations with which companies must comply.

On 20 November, the European Commission presented measures on digital justice aimed at modernising judicial systems and ensuring that legal professionals are equipped with tools adapted to the digital age. The strategy includes practical training on digital tools for cross-border cooperation and secure communication technologies.

On 20 November, the European Commission presented measures to help people achieve an adequate income in retirement by improving access to better supplementary pensions. The proposed actions aim to complement public pensions in the European Union and are part of the Savings and Investment Union (SIEU) strategy. The Robert Schuman Foundation offers a summary table to help better understand the pension systems and their evolution in the Member States of the European Union.

Meeting on 17 November, the ministers debated the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034 and the state of play of relations with the United Kingdom. They adopted, without debate, a regulation on the revision of the visa waiver suspension mechanism, a regulation on procedures for implementing the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the 'suspensive' regulation on chemicals and the regulation on the statute and financing of European political parties and foundations.

On 19 November, the Council approved the Commission's proposal for a Regulation implementing the bilateral safeguard clause in the Partnership Agreement with the Mercosur countries and the Interim Trade Agreement for agricultural products. This regulation strengthens protection for EU farmers and introduces into European law the safeguard provisions for agricultural products set out in the two agreements.

On 17 November, the agriculture and fisheries ministers discussed food security and the targeting of aid, as well as crisis preparedness. They supported a degree of flexibility for Member States when implementing direct payments. They noted that Ukraine, as a major exporter of foodstuffs to the EU, was partly replacing previous Russian exports. Finally, they exchanged views on fishing opportunities in the Atlantic and North Seas, as well as in the Mediterranean and Black Seas.

On 24 November, the Council adopted the budget for 2026 with total commitments set at €192.8 billion and payments at €190.1 billion. The European Parliament is due to give its final approval in plenary on 26 November.

On 18 November, a political agreement was reached between negotiators from the Council and the European Parliament to set up a talent pool to attract skilled workers to the European Union. This is a digital platform designed to facilitate the recruitment of qualified third-country nationals in sectors where the EU has requirements.

On 18 November, negotiators from the Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on modifying the requirements applicable to measuring instruments sold and placed on the single market. The agreement harmonises devices such as electric vehicle chargers, compressed gas dispensers and heat meters. The revised rules also give priority to digitisation and smart meters.

On 19 November, negotiators from the Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement aimed at harmonising train management on the rail network. This agreement will lead to more frequent and reliable rail passenger and freight services. Finally, the Member States will be able to provide strategic guidelines to take account of the situation of each of their rail networks.

On 19 November, negotiators from the Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on a directive aimed at harmonising certain aspects of insolvency law. By aligning national rules, the European Union will become more attractive to investors. Today, cross-border investors have to consider up to 27 different insolvency regimes when assessing an investment opportunity in another country. This is a major step towards more efficient and integrated European capital markets, which are essential for the EU's competitiveness.

On 20 November, on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, the European and South African leaders expressed their support for multilateralism and discussed the situations in Ukraine, Palestine and Sudan. They discussed the signing of a partnership for clean trade and investment, an agreement on value chains for strategic minerals, and the launch of the Energy Dialogue. They envisage new measures to facilitate trade and industrial exchanges, and EU-funded projects in the transport and green hydrogen sectors.

Delegations from 194 countries struggled to reach an agreement at the close of COP30 on 22 November in Brazil, but the outcome seems disappointing, particularly as regards fossil fuels. It does not provide any real impetus to speed up implementation of the commitments made in the Paris Agreement, which was adopted ten years ago.

At the 11th meeting of the Cooperation Council on 19 November in Brussels, the European Union and Tajikistan welcomed the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) and discussed the next steps before its formal signature. This agreement marks an important step forward in broadening cooperation and the scope of interaction between the European Union and Tajikistan.

The foreign affairs ministers, meeting on 20 November, approved conclusions on the Pact for the Mediterranean, presented by the Commission on 16 October. This pact confirms that the Mediterranean region is a strategic priority for the Union. They imposed restrictive measures against ten individuals responsible for serious human rights violations and the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Russia. Finally, they discussed the situation in the Middle East, the Sahel and Sudan.

The 4th Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum was held on 20 and 21 November. The European Union highlighted the progress made on the security and defence partnerships agreed with Japan and Korea and the conclusion of negotiations on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with Indonesia. The EU reiterated its commitment to investing in the Indo-Pacific on all fronts, establishing new partnerships and strengthening cooperation on the protection of critical maritime infrastructure. Finally, the EU announced financial and technical support for the development of the ASEAN Power Grid, as well as the launch or reinforcement of multiple projects via the Global Gateway initiative, which aims to strengthen links in the digital field.

On 22 and 23 November, the G20 leaders met in Johannesburg, South Africa, to discuss sustainable economic growth, development and its financing. They drew up a joint declaration aimed at promoting inclusive growth, strengthening global stability by reasserting multilateralism, international law and the United Nations Charter, and seeking a just peace in conflict zones. Finally, the declaration promotes intensified efforts to achieve global carbon neutrality by mid-century, limiting global warming to 1.5°C, with a commitment to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030.

On 19 November, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) annulled the European Commission's decisions rejecting the requests for review submitted by three environmental associations concerning the extension of three plant protection products: boscalid, dimoxystrobin and glyphosate.

On 17 November, the Copernicus Sentinel-6B satellite was successfully launched. The mission comes at a critical time as scientists continue to report record ocean temperatures and accelerating sea level rise, underlining the importance of reliable monitoring. Sentinel-6 is a collaborative mission between the European Union and the United States.

On 18 November, Berlin hosted the European Digital Sovereignty Summit. On this occasion, France and Germany reiterated their commitment to developing a European regulatory framework that is simple, competitive and conducive to innovation. In particular, the two countries are calling for a 12-month moratorium on the provisions of the Artificial Intelligence Regulation and the simplification of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Other measures called for include European data sovereignty and the joint development of public digital infrastructures.

On 20 November, the Spanish Supreme Court convicted the State Prosecutor General, Álvaro García Ortiz, of disclosing confidential information about the tax fraud case involving the businessman Alberto González Amador. He was fined, banned from practising law for two years and ordered to pay the costs of the proceedings. This is the first time that a serving State Attorney General has been convicted.

Irish Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe resigned from his post on 18 November to join the World Bank. He has been replaced by Simon Harris, who remains Deputy Prime Minister (Tanaiste). Paschal Donohoe is also stepping down as President of the Eurogroup, where Cypriot Finance Minister Makis Keravnosie will act in the interim until a new President is appointed.

The presidential election held in the Serb Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina on 23 November was won by Sinisa Karan. He succeeds the leader of the Bosnian Serbs, Milorad Dodik.

On 19 November, the Kosovan parliament rejected the formation of a government led by Glauk Konjufca (Vetëvendosje), receiving only 56 votes of the 61 required. This is the second time that Vetevendosje has failed to win a majority in parliament after the first attempt on 26 October. To resolve this political impasse, Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani has announced that early elections will be held on 28 December.

On 17 November, French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky to Villacoublay. The two heads of state signed a letter of intent aimed, in the short term, at distributing drones and guided aerial bombs. In the long term, it provides for the acquisition by Ukraine of SAMP-T air defence systems and 100 Rafale aircraft, as well as co-productions between French and Ukrainian industrial players, notably in the field of UAVs and UAV interceptors. A contract was also signed for the supply of Alstom electric locomotives to Ukrainian Railways (UZ).

On 21 November, the European Investment Bank announced the use of €15 million for Ukraine to help restore essential local and social services, such as hospitals and schools, damaged by the Russian war of aggression.

On 22 November, leaders from Europe and other countries (Canada, Japan, Norway, United Kingdom) adopted a declaration stating that the draft 28-point plan presented by the United States was a useful basis, even if it still needed to be adjusted. They stressed that borders should not be changed by force and expressed concern about the proposed restrictions on the Ukrainian army. They also reiterated that any decision involving the European Union or NATO must have the agreement of their members. Finally, they reiterated their continued strong support for Ukraine and their willingness to continue coordinating with Kyiv and Washington.

Until 10 May 2026, Pallant House Gallery in Chichester is hosting the first exhibition dedicated to William Nicholson for over 20 years. Spanning the artist's entire career, this exhibition reveals the breadth of his artistic vision: from world-famous still lifes and striking portraits to evocative landscapes, posters and whimsical book illustrations.

Until 5 April 2026, the Picasso Museum in Barcelona is hosting the exhibition "Ubu Painter. Alfred Jarry and the arts". The exhibition not only brings together the works of Alfred Jarry in various media (books, magazines, engravings and drawings), but also highlights the scope and lasting nature of his legacy. It brings together the work of the French playwright and that of the artists around him, such as the Nabis. A special section is devoted to the playwright's influence on the Surrealist generation.

Ghost Rider, on show until 1 February 2026 at the Zachęta Museum in Warsaw, is a multimedia installation and techno-opera in which Christelle Oyiri presents a film and a series of bronze sculptures.

The exhibition "Raoul Hausmann Vision. Provocation. Dada" at the Berlinische Galerie, Berlin's Museum of Modern Art. The exhibition features some 200 works that influenced the Dada movement. Hausmann's late work, produced after he left Nazi Germany for France, is highlighted thanks to the generous support of the Musée d'Art Contemporain de la Haute-Vienne.

The Mummies exhibition, on show at the Musée de l'Homme in Paris until 25 May 2026, explores the history of intentionally mummified individuals, revealing the scale and diversity of this practice throughout the world, from South America to Egypt and France, and examining the processes by which it has become part of our heritage. It also looks at funerary techniques and rites, the scientific issues involved in studying these bodies and the ethical questions surrounding their conservation and display.

The Kounellis and Warhol exhibition is on at the Galleria Fumagalli in Milan until 29 May 2026. The exhibition provides an opportunity for critical reflection on Jannis Kounellis and Andy Warhol, with their ideological and aesthetic differences. On the one hand, Kounellis, whose practice has often shifted art away from its conventional framework - an insistence on materiality, ritual and the sacred dimensions of everyday life. On the other, Warhol, whose pop-immediacy and strategic alienation challenge the sacred and the profane.

Until 12 April 2026, London's Tate Museum is hosting the exhibition Turner & Constable, Rivals & Originals. This exhibition celebrates the 250th anniversary of the birth of two British artists. Featuring over 170 paintings and works on paper, the exhibition includes masterpieces by both artists such as The Fire in the Houses of Lords and Commons (1835), which has been absent for over a century, and The White Horse (1819), one of Constable's greatest artistic successes.

The Christmas market season is back! Europe, with its rich and varied traditions, is famous for its festive markets. These must-see winter venues are not just places for festivities, but also true examples of the culture and history of each city.