The Newsletter n°762 — 29 mai 2017
La Lettre
Arnault Barichella
—
29 May 2017
Whilst the Asia-Pacific region has led the world's economic recovery since the financial crisis in 2008, the European pivot towards Asia is now gathering pace. A series of economic and security issues in the region provide both opportunities and challenges for the EU's Member States. The subjects on the agenda include terrorism, maritime security, continuing trade imbalances, as well as maritime law.
Foundation
"For a few stars more ... Which European policy for France?"
28 May 2017
The Chairman of the Foundation, Jean-Dominique Giuliani has published "Pour quelques étoiles de plus... Quelle politique européenne pour la France ?" An enlightening read whilst the appointments made regarding the new government has shown determination to foster resolutely European action.
The "Schuman Report on Europe, State of the Union 2017" is available in paper and digital version
28 May 2017
The "Schuman Report on the State of the Union 2017" published by Lignes de Repères in French and English helps toward a better understanding of the issues at stake and the challenges that Europe faces. It is available in bookshops and on the Foundation's site and also in digital form.
Commission
The "European Investigation Order" enters into force
28 May 2017
On 22nd May the "European Investigation Order" entered into force. It simplifies the work of the legal authorities in view of getting evidence from another EU country.
Meeting between Emmanuel Macron and Jean-Claude Juncker
29 May 2017
On 25th May French President Emmanuel Macron met the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, who said that "he was convinced that the new French President will be an ally to the Commission in terms of everything related to Europe and to its future integration."
Debate over the future of European defence
29 May 2017
In contribution to the discussion over the future direction of the EU 27, the Commission organised an orientation debate over the future of European defence.
Council
Conclusions of the ECOFIN Council
28 May 2017
On 23rd May the 28 Finance and Economy Ministers gave their conclusions on the in-depth reviews of macro-economic imbalances. They also agreed on a directive to improve dispute settlement mechanisms between Member States in the event of double taxation.
Conclusions of the Education, Youth and Sport" Council
28 May 2017
The "Education, Youth and Sport" Council gave its conclusions on 23rd May regarding the role of culture in the EU's external relations. By encouraging subsidiarity and cultural diversity the EU might be able to set up its own cultural diplomacy.
Cooperation Council with Armenia
28 May 2017
On 23rd May the EU-Armenia Cooperation Council discussed the next stages to finalise following the conclusion on 27th February last of negotiations on a new global partnership agreement between the EU and Armenia, notably in terms of economic, trade and sectoral cooperation.
First part of the Competitiveness Council
1 January 1970
On 29th May the Ministers responsible for Competitiveness adopted its conclusions on the industrial policy strategy, vocational mobility, corporate tax evasion, the reform of rules regarding the market and the surveillance of motor engines. They also extended restrictive measures regarding Syria.
Diplomacy
Meeting between Donald Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker with Donald Trump
28 May 2017
On 25th May in Brussels the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission Donald Tusk and Jean-Claude Juncker hosted the President of the USA Donald Trump to discuss foreign policy, climate issues, economic relations, security and the fight against terrorism.
ECB
Investments in the euro zone
28 May 2017
On 24th May the European Central Bank (ECB) published data on investments in the euro zone for the first quarter of 2017. Investments increased by 419 billion € in comparison with the last quarter of 2016.
Germany
Meeting between Jean-Yves Le Drian and Sigmar Gabriel
28 May 2017
On 22nd May Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs travelled to Berlin to meet his German counterpart Sigmar Gabriel, with the aim of reviving the Franco-German relationship.
Spain
Franco-Spanish agreement in the wine sector
28 May 2017
On 24th may during a meeting between the Spanish and French representatives of the Ministries of Agriculture an agreement was found regarding the creation of a Franco-Spanish committee for the wine sector.
France
Meeting between the German Finance Minister and the French Economy Minister
28 May 2017
On 22nd May the French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire and his German counterpart Wolfgang Schäuble, Minister of Finance met in Berlin to discuss many European issues. They notably agreed on strengthening the euro zone via the creation of a Franco-German working group.
Meeting between Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump
29 May 2017
On the occasion of the G7 French President Emmanuel Macron met US President Donald Trump for the very first time. They reviewed all of the topics of interest at present including the climate. Mr Macron believes that Mr Trump's opinion can develop on this issue.
Italy
Donald Trump in Italy and at the Vatican
29 May 2017
Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni met American President Donald Trump on 24th May, with the latter also visiting Pope Francis.
G7 Summit in Taormina
28 May 2017
After the summit of the heads of state and government of the 7 richest countries (USA, Germany, France, UK, Canada, Italy, Japan) in Taormina, Italy on 26th and 27th May a declaration was adopted (with difficulty due to Donald Trump's open opposition to his partners over the climate and protectionism).
Portugal
Cooperation agreement between Portugal and Norway
28 May 2017
On 22nd May Portugal and Norway signed a cooperation agreement in Lisbon in the context of the Norwegian subsidies (Norway Grants) of the European Economic Area for a total of 900 million Norwegian crowns. A major share of this funding is given the promotion of blue and green growth.
Romania
IMF report on the economic situation in Romania
29 May 2017
According to the report published by the IMF on 25th May the Romanian economy is booming. However an increase in investments will be necessary to counter poverty.
UK
Terrorist attack in Manchester
28 May 2017
On 22nd May during a concert the Manchester Arena suffered a terrorist attack the responsibility of which was claimed by Daesh. At present the number of deaths totals 22 and the number of injured 59. Twelve suspects have been arrested as part of the investigation.
Ukraine
IMF report on the Ukrainian economy
29 May 2017
The IMF mission in Ukraine completed its work on 26th May. Ron Van Rooden started discussions over the fourth economic reform programme whilst the Ukraine economy is improving all of the time.
Migration
Launch of the initiative "Employers together for integration"
28 May 2017
On 23rd May the European Commissioners, Dimitris Avramopoulos and Marianne Thyssen launched the initiative "Employers together for Integration" with the aim of fostering migrant integration.
Further rise in migration across the Mediterranean
29 May 2017
At the end of May 2017 there was a rise again in migration across the Mediterranean (May 2017: 24,488 arrivals). This figure is however far from the peak of 220,579 in October 2015. More than one thousand migrants died as they tried to cross the Mediterranean in 2017.
NATO
The Danish Parliament supports the deployment of soldiers in Estonia
28 May 2017
On 23rd May a wide majority of the Danish Parliament supported the government's proposal to deploy 200 soldiers as part of NATO's battalions in the Baltic countries in 2018. The Danish troops will be stationed for 12 months with the British battalion in Estonia.
NATO Summit in Brussels
28 May 2017
The meeting of the leaders of NATO member countries took place on 25th May at the new HQ in Brussels. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg declared that "NATO would always defend the values on which the Alliance was built". It was decided that the Alliance would take part in the coalition to counter terrorism.
Studies/Reports
Euro zone: growth of the private sector still sustained in May
28 May 2017
Growth of private activity in the euro zone continued at the same pace in May as in April, remaining at its highest level in 6 years (56.8) according to a first estimate by the PMI composite index published on 23rd May by Markit.
OECD report "Investing in the climate, investing in growth"
28 May 2017
According to an OECD report on 23rd May, called "Investing in the climate, investing in growth", integrating measures to act against climate change into the current economic policy could have a positive impact on growth both in the mid and long term.
Annual report on bathing waters
28 May 2017
According to the annual report on bathing waters published on 23rd May more than 85% of the bathing sites tested in Europe in 2016 matched the strictest quality standards which means they had no pollutants that were detrimental to human health or for the environment.
Culture
Dragon Parade in Krakow
28 May 2017
On 3rd and 4th June Krakow is hosting its "Dragon Parade" in reference to a Polish tale in which a dragon lived in a cave under Wawel Castle. A long parade takes place on the banks of the Vistula, at the foot of the castle, with dragons floating in the air and on the water - in the evening there is a firework display.
Nattjazz Festival Bergen
28 May 2017
Until 4th June the town of Bergen in Norway is hosting the "Nattjazz" Festival. Since 1973 this festival puts on nearly 100 evening concerts, attracting the greatest stars of jazz, rock, electro and classical music.
"Cest is d'best" Festival in Zagreb
28 May 2017
From 31st May to 6th June the city of Zagreb in Croatia is hosting "Cest is d'best", a street circus and theatre festival. Clowns, jugglers, fire-eaters, mime artists, magicians, dancers and musicians will be performing in outdoor venues across the town.
Khamoro Festival in Prague
28 May 2017
Prague is hosting the Gypsy cultural festival "Khamoro" (Sun) with music and dance shows, theatre, films, exhibitions and discussions with personalities from the gypsy community.
Fourvière Nights
29 May 2017
The Fourvière Nights Festival will be starting on 1st June in Lyon. It is offering until 5th August a multi-disciplinary cultural programme (theatre, music, dance, cinema) at the Old Theatre of Fourvière.
Wolfgang Tillmans Exhibition at the Beyeler Foundation
29 May 2017
The Beyeler Foundation in Riehen, Switzerland is hosting an exhibition until 1st October on photographer Wolfgang Tillmans. Two hundred photographs are on show.
Agenda
29th & 30th May 2017
"Competitiveness" Council (Brussels)
1st and 2nd June 2017
European Union Summit - China (Brussels)
3rd June 2017
General elections (Malta)
Newsletter Archives
A Danish Presidency that is embracing the European Union like never before
Ukraine's path to the EU: reform, resilience and the politics of enlargement
The Schengen Agreements turn 40
The sea as a strategic interest for Europe. A European perspective on the ocean and its challenges
Europe: acceleration
The Editors of the Newsletter :
Charles de Marcilly, Helen Levy ,Laurent Boulay, Hanna Létang, Béatrice Manole,Elise Mathevon, Lorène Weber.
N°ISSN : 2729-6482
Editor-in-Chief :
Eric Maurice
Director of Publication :
Pascale Joannin
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