The Robert Schuman Foundation and the Centre for Transatlantic Relations at the Johns Hopkins University (Washington) have published the short versions of the texts by Jean-François Jamet and Daniel Hamilton on protectionism, excerpts of the initial report by the Franco-American strategic group. The initial report includes an updated version of the texts presented by 10 French and American authors during the conference in Paris on 5th December last.

The Slovakians are being called to ballot on 21st March in the first round of the presidential election. The Slovakian President enjoys little power. Elected for five years he has to present 15,000 citizens' signatures or those of 15 MPs in support of his candidature. Seven people are running : Ivan Gasparovic, outgoing president, supported by Direction-Social Democracy (SMER-SD) and the National Party (SNS); Iveta Radicova, candidate running for the Christian Union-Democratic Party (SDKU); Milan Melnik, supported by the Movement for a Democratic Slovakia (LU-HZDS); Frantisek Miklosko, supported by the Conservative Democrats of Slovakia (KDS); Dagmar Bollova, former Communist Party MP (KSS); Zuzana Martinakova, Free Forum (SF); and Milan Sidor, the Communist Party candidate (KSS). If none of the candidates wins the absolute majority or if one of them wins without having collated at least half of the voters registered, a second round will take place on 4th April.

The first round of the presidential election will take place in Macedonia on 22nd March at the same time as the local elections. The present Head of State Branko Crvenkovski is not standing again. The Macedonian President is elected for five years and is re-eligible once only. His powers are limited. According to electoral law the presidential election must be organised 60 days before the end of the mandate of the Head of State in office. To stand for election the candidate has to be aged at least 40 and collate 10,000 voters' signatures or the support of at least 30 MPs. Candidates must certify that they have never been part of the former secret services. The minimum participation threshold required for the presidential election to be declared valid is 40% of those registered. Seven people are running : Gjorgji Ivanov, Ljubomir Frckoski, Ljube Boskovski, Imer Selmani, Agron Buxhaku, Mirushe Hoxha, Nano Ruzin. If none of the candidates is elected in the first round a second round will take place on 5th April.

According to final figures published on 18th February by the National Statistics Institute (INE)the Spanish GDP shrank by 1% in the fourth quarter in comparison with the previous one, a second consecutive decline. The INE confirmed the provisional figure it published on 12th February. It is the first time since 1993 that the country has experienced recession. Spain, which recorded a 3.7% growth rate in 2007 ended 2008 with growth at 1.2%. In the third quarter the GDP contracted by 0.2% in comparison with the second.

On 18th February Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek announced that the government intended to spend 74 billion Koruna in total (2.55 billion euro) to boost the economy that is suffering due to the world crisis. This sum which represents 1.95% of the GDP should create a knock-on effect on the economy totalling 180 billion Koruna (6.2 billion euro) ie 4.7% of the GDP. The anti-crisis plan presented on 16th February by the National Economic Council (NERV) represents a package of 41.5 billion Koruna (1.4 billion euro). This plan, which notably includes a reduction in social charges and company tax, aims to generate a 80.1 billion Koruna incentive (2.77 billion euro). On 15th February Mirek Topolanek admitted that he was expecting the public deficit to be higher than 3%.

To fight the effects of the financial crisis Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany presented an in-depth re-organisation of the fiscal and social systems on 16th February. Hungary, which is seriously affected by the crisis, gained financial support from the IMF, the World Bank, and the EU to a total of 20 billion euros in October. In exchange the government promised to continue its austerity policy to reduce its public deficit down to less than 3% of the GDP in 2009, against the 3.3% expected in 2008 and 5% in 2007.

German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown and French President Nicolas Sarkozy together with Italian Silvio Berlusconi met in Berlin on 22nd February to define a common line on the reform of international finance before the G20 summit in London on 2nd April. The German Chancellor also invited Eurogroup chair, Jean-Claude Juncker, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso and European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet as well as the Spanish, Dutch and Czech Prime Ministers. In terms of real measures they support a global regulation and monitoring of market players, including hedge funds and a refounding of the international economic system. They support "doubling the IMF's resources" ie to "500 billion dollars" to face up crises and also to prevent them.

In a speech given as part of the annual meeting between the ECB and the European Parliament on 16th February Jean-Claude Trichet, President of the European Central Bank invited European political decision makers to guarantee that decisions taken to counter the crisis will prevent the repetition of past errors. "It is vital that politicians do not just focus on short-term solutions and that they adopt long-term plans, with the aim of guaranteeing sustainable recovery." As for monetary policy in the euro area he maintained that the ECB will continue to monitor price stability in the euro area.

On 18th February British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown called for a world agreement on the economy so that all countries could achieve coordinated action to combat the world recession and the reduction of loans. He hopes for an improvement in the regulation of the financial markets and recalled his rejection of protectionist measures that would lead to a reduction in trade and employment. These declarations are part of the preparation for the G20 meeting that will take place in London on 2nd April.

The Danish government is to provide 60 billion Krona (8 billion euro) in liquidities to companies by delaying VAT payments and taxes on their employees by six months said Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen on 20th February. This decision is part of a fiscal reform project that will be presented next week to parliament to "stimulate the economy" affected by the international financial crisis he declared. "Given the present economic situation we want to use taxation as a tool to stimulate the economy," he stressed, announcing "a project to reform the fiscal system (...) that will come into vigour on January 1st 2010.

In a press release on 20th February the World Bank warns the oldest EU Member States against the use of protectionist solutions with regard to the ten new Member States from the former Communist bloc. On the occasion of the launch of the "EU10 Regular Economic Report February 2009" in Warsaw, Indermit Gill, chief economist at the World Bank said : "In choosing EU membership, the EU10 countries committed themselves to openness and integration into the global economy. This path has paid dividends—spurring economic growth and reducing poverty. If the world turns protectionist, developing countries will find it difficult to protect these hard-won gains. Fiscal stimulus programs in industrialized countries should be used to encourage production in ways that are broadly efficient, not narrowly nationalistic. During times of economic crisis, growing protectionism may be the greatest danger to economic recovery."

The German government's second rescue plan totalling 50 billion euros was finally adopted on 20th February by Parliament. The Bundesrat, the upper chamber of Parliament approved the plan one week after a similar vote in the Bundestag, the lower chamber. "With the adoption of this rescue plan, the biggest in the history of the Federal Republic of Germany, we are also showing our responsibility with regard to the international community," said German Chancellor Angela Merkel after the vote.

Swedish car manufacturer Saab asked to go into receivership in the hope of escaping bankruptcy after its parent company, American General Motors, abandonned its announced Saab and General Motors on 20th February. The decision comes just as GM announced that Saab could declare bankruptcy "this month" unless its received Swedish government aid, which the latter has refused to provide.

On 19th February EU Environment Ministers and those of Africa met in Nairobi for the 25th session of the Governing Council of the UN programme for the environment (UNEP). Discussions focussed on the following themes: climate change, international governance in terms of environment and the Euro-African partnership. Europe like Africa has to face the effects of climate change such as floods, more frequent storms, drought and the lack of water. The partnership between the EU and Africa plays a key role in the resolution of these problems.

In a report by Charlotte Cederschiöld (EPP-ED, SE) adopted on 19th February MEPs called for the creation of a service providers European card, which is supposed to facilitate cross-border mobility. This maybe the means to foster economic growth in the EU. However the recognition of professional qualifications still represents an impediment to the free movement of service suppliers. A card like this, notably quoting the qualifications of the cardholder as well as the competent authority aims to simplify adminstrative measures, reduce costs and improve information to citizens with regard to cross-border service suppliers.

On 19th February MEPs adopted a directive establishing sanctions against employers of illegal immigrants. To fight against illegal immigration the directive sanctions aim to establish minimal punishment across Europe with regard to employers of illegal immigrants. Criminal punishment will be emplyed in the most serious cases. Employers will now be responsible for the actions of their sub-contractors and will be punished financially if there is an infringement of the law. Finally MEPs call on Member States to organise effective inspections of employers and to introduce mechanisms to enable illegal immigrants to lodge complaints likewise the various national unions and associations. The Council is to adopt this directive.

In a report by Ari Vatanen (EPP-ED, FR) adopted 293 votes in favour, 283 against and 60 abstentions on 19th February, MEPs recommended a rapprochement between NATO and the EU. They believe that the collective defence of the Union has to be guaranteed, as far as possible, in co-operation with NATO. According to MEPs the enhancement of the EU's capabilities must be achieved via both better coordination with NATO in areas of planification, technologies, equipment and training and via greater investment on the part of Member States. Moreover MEPs believe that the EU and NATO should establish a global approach to crisis management. They support the creation of a permanent EU operational chief-of-staff, placed under the authority of the High Representative. Finally MEPs call for the settlement of the Cypriot issue which continues to impede co-operation developments between the EU and NATO.

Czech President Vaclav Klaus spoke to MEPs on 19th February presenting his vision of Europe whilst Czech MPs approved the Lisbon Treaty on 18th February. Whilst qualifying the EU as "a revolutionary experience" and the European Parliament "as unique forum" Vaclav Klaus, known for his lack of enthusiasm for Europe, criticised the EU's decision making process. He deplored political interference in the economy accusing the EU of being at the root of economic slowing in Europe; he believes that the Lisbon Treaty will increase the lack of democracy in Europe. On hearing this euro-sceptic speech many MEPs left the hemicycle.

A European emergency number for missing children 116 000 is now operational in five Member States (Greece, Hungary, the Netherlands, Portugal and Romania). Two years ago the European Commission reserved 116 000 with the aim of creating a common emergency number to raise the alert on missing children; it invited the 27 Member States to make the initiative a reality. But last year only Hungary had implemented the number. After appeals made on several occasions by the Commission all Member States have made the number available to service suppliers. 116 000 will soon be operational in two other countries (Belgium and Slovakia).

On 19th February the European Commission published a working document entitled "Synthesis of the replies from the Member States to the Questionnaire on criminal law, administrative law/procedural law and fundamental rights in the fight against terrorism". This document brings together existing information from EU Member States in terms of anti-terrorist legislation and fundamental rights.

On 18th February the Commission presented its Annual Policy Strategy that opens the way to the establishment of a policy agenda for 2010. The implementation of the European economic recovery plan during the rest of 2009 and into 2010 will be a matter of high priority. In 2010 the Commission will devote particular attention to the following themes : the follow-up to the December 2009 Copenhagen conference on a new international agreement on climate change; implementation of the Stockholm programme in the area of freedom, security and justice; the next phase of the Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs following the proposals to be made by the Commission in 2009; fully implementing the 2008 Small Business Act and improving market access for SMEs in third countries; implementing the Services Directive as well as the Postal Services Directive to help markets return to competitiveness in the years beyond 2010. Depending on the completion of national ratification processes, 2010 may see the Treaty of Lisbon bring about major changes to the EU's institutional framework.

On 20th February the Commission published a communication entitled "Five Years of an the Enlarged EU" which shows that enlargement has been beneficial to EU citizens. On an economic level enlargement has improved living standards in the new Member States and has created export and investment opportunities for the old ones. It has helped consolidate democracy and has enhanced stability and security on our continent. An enlarged EU has greater influence when it takes a stance on major international issues, such as global warming or the world economy and its governance. Five years after enlargement not only is the EU bigger it is also stronger, more dynamic and culturally richer.

Javier Solana, the EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy travelled to Belarus on 19th February to discuss possibilities of co-operation between Belarus and the EU. This visit came as Belarus has been showing renewed interest in the EU over the last few months. Belaus was sanctioned for its infringements to Human Rights and the non-respect of demcoratic principles. This visit came at an important moment when Belarusian justice indicted two Belarusian opposition members, Mssrs Avtukovich and Leonov for "destruction of property", who were freed in January 2008 on the request of the EU. They run the risk of long prison sentences. Javier Solana not only met with Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko but also the latter's main opponent Aleksandr Milinkevich, winner of the Sakharov Prize 2006.

The 27 Energy Ministers who met on 19th February supported the strategic analysis of the energy policy entitled "European action plan for energy security and solidarity" which highlights five areas: the development of energy infrastructures and the diversification of deliveries; the consolidation of external relations in the energy area; the guarantee of oil and gas reserves; energy effectiveness and the use of national energy sources. If they are approved by the European Council these decisions may be used as the base of an EU action plan for energy 2013-2020. The Ministers debated legislative proposals with regard to oil reserves and natural gas deliveries. Finally with regard to transport they adopted the directive on airport charges accepting all the amendments put forward by the European Parliament.

On 18th February Javier Solana met with Swiss Foreign Minister, Micheline Calmy-Rey. They discussed the establishment of the anti-fraud plan signed between the EU and the Helvetic Confederation. They also addressed a possible participation of Swiss soldiers in the EU naval operation against piracy in the Gulf of Aden off the Somalian coast.

On 17th February the European Court of Justice recalled that the public's right of access to information applies to the sowing of GMO's. Member States cannot invoke a public order exception so as to prevent the disclosure of the location of release of genetically modified organisms.

On 19th February German Chancellor Angela Merkel and European Commission President José Manuel Barroso met in Berlin to discuss the present economic crisis. Two days from the European meeting that is to prepare for the G20 summit they repeated their rejection of any kind of protectionism. "Distorsions in competition should not be allowed to appear," via the various national recovery plans said the Chancellor whilst JM Barros said "The European Commission will assume its responsibilities and will defend the social economy of the European market which is open and against all protectionism."

More babies, less divorces and men more inclined to invest in their role as a father : these are the main conclusions of the first annual report on the family presented on 16th February by the Minister for the Family, Elderly, Women and Youth, Ursula von der Leyen. At the height of the economic crisis the Germans seem to be turning to the family once again as a safe value; they are being helped in this by the government. According to this report the fertility rate recorded in 2007 revealed its first increase since 2004, rising to 1.37. The rise in the birthrate involves the 33-37 age range. Berlin also hopes to enhance the role played by fathers by granting them more parental leave. Finally the continued drop in the divorce rate since 2004 comprises the first additional sign of family cohesion.

On 19th February the Belgian Chamber of Deputies adopted 127 votes in favour a draft law modifying legislation relative to the European and regional elections. These changes will enable the harmonisation of stipulations included in the Electoral Code relative to new digital methods such as the identification of voters, the dispatch of electronic candidate lists and the digital identification of polling station members. It will be implemented as soon as it is published in the Belgian Monitor so that it can be applied rapidly as of April 1st 2009.

The President of the Polish Central Bank (NBP) Slawomir Skrzypek said on 18th February that Poland, whose currency has lost great value over the euro in the last few days, was not ready to start the European single currency adoption procedure. According to Slawomir Skrzypek the rate of the zloty is not sufficiently stable to be able to enter the ERM2. The European ERM2 exchange system plans for the development of a candidate country's national currency rate within a range of more or less 15% over the two years preceding the adoption of the euro.

On 18th February Czech MPs approved the Lisbon Treaty, 125 votes in favour 61 against, in the first stage of ratification that has been delayed on several occasions by the country which is chairing the EU at present. "The lower chamber of the Czech Parliament has agreed to the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty," announced the Vice-President of the Chamber of Deputies, Lubomir Zaorelek after the vote. The Senators now have to vote. Czech President Vaclav Klaus will then have to sign the text.

On 20th February the Romanian Parliament adopted the 2009 draft budget based on economic growth of 2.5% and a public deficit of 2% of the GDP. In all 245 MPs, against 63 and one abstention voted in favour of the "austerity" budget put forward by the government coalition comprising the Democratic Liberal Party and the Social Democratic Party. Romanian Prime Minister Emil Boc declared after the vote that the budget aimed to put a halt to "economic decline" and to "boost the country's economic recovery."

The Central Bank of Turkey decided to lower its main lending rates on 19th February explaining that this measure was due to a quicker drop in inflation than previously forecast just as the Turkish economy finds itself weakened. The bank's monetary policy committee indicated in a press release that it had reduced interest borrowing and lending rates by 1.50 points to 11.5% and 14% respectively. Due to the present world financial crisis "the recovery (of the Turkish economy) will take time and pressure to reduce inflation will continue," notably due to the decline in the price of oil.

According to figures published by Eurostat on 16th February in 2007 regional unemployment rates varied greatly in the EU, ranging from 2.1% in the Zeeland area of the Netherlands to 25.2% in the French overseas department of Reunion Island. Of the 263 regions in the EU 28 had an unemployment rate lower or equal to 3.5% in 2007, ie half of the EU average. These included eight regions in the Netherlands, 7 in Italy, 5 in the UK, 3 in the Czech Republic and Austria and two regions in Belgium. At the other end of the scale 14 regions recorded rates equal or higher than 14.2% ie double the EU average. They included five regions in Germany, four in France (all overseas departments) two in Spain and Slovakia and one region in Belgium.

The Centre for European Policy Study has published a study by Shairbek Juraev entitled "Energy Emergency in Kyrgyzstan: Causes and Consequences". The author explains the causes of the energy crisis in this country of central Asia by analysing the effects that this will have on the entire region and looks into the role the EU might play in improving the situation.

The Centre for European Reform (CER) published a study by Bobo Lo entitled ""Russia's crisis- what it means for regime stability and Moscow's relations with the world". Whilst Russia is heavily affected by the world financial crisis its return to the international arena is the source of concern. However it is too early to speculate about the disappearance of the regime and there is no popular will to question it, all the more so since personal interest and a lack of alternatives guarantee the loyality of the elites.

The German Society for Foreign Policy (DGAP) has just published a book with Nomos publications on the EU's Chinese policy. Author May-Britt Stumbaum focuses on China to analyse the influence of interest groups as well as decision making procedures nationally and on a European level on European trade and its security policy. As an emerging power in the 21st century China has launched an economic, political and ideological challenge with regard to the Europeans. How does the European Union react? Based on specific examples the author puts forward concrete measures in order for the EU to achieve an ambitious policy with regard to China.

Flammarion has published a book by Gilbert Sinoué entitled "Yerevan". The writer tells of the Armenian genocide in 1915 setting the scene with a fictious Armenian family pitilessly decimated as part of the first genocide perpetrated in the 20th century. A massacre that led to the death of 1.2 million. The work by Gilbert Sinoué pleads in favour of the present Turkish government's acknowledgement of the Armenian genocide.

Since 21st February people strolling through Madrid can look at several sculptures by Frenchman Auguste Rodin which have been placed in the street - these include the famous "Thinker" on show until the end of the March not far from the Prado Museum. These sculptures that also include a series dedicated to the "Bourgeois de Calais", embellish the esplanade of the Caixa Forum, a cultural foundation that aims to promote "art in the street." They have been loaned by the Rodin Museum in Paris. Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) is believed to have been one of the greatest sculptors of the end of the 19th century, beginning of the 20th century.