La République en Marche (LREM), the party of President of the Republic, Emmanuel Macron and led by Catherine Barbaroux easily drew ahead in the first round of the general elections on 11th June in France with 28.21% of the vote. Its ally from the Democratic Movement (MoDem) won 4.11% of the vote. The Republicans (LR) won 15.77% and their partners, the Union of Democrats and Independents (UDI), 3.03%. The Front National (FN), came third with 13.2%. France Unbowed (FI) followed this with 11.02%. The Socialist Party (PS) collapsed completely with 7.44% of the vote. Turnout was very low (48.71%). The second round will take place on 18th June.

The Foundation's Chairman, Jean-Dominique Giuliani has published "Pour quelques étoiles de plus... Quelle politique européenne pour la France ?" An enlightening read whilst the first weeks of the head of the French State show that he wants resolutely European action.

In an interview given to the German newspaper, the Handelsblatt on 5th June Christine Lagarde, the IMF's Managing Director suggested an extra period of time for the countries of the euro zone to settle their differences with Greece, so as to enable the disbursement this month of a further tranche of aid to Athens.

According to the economic outlook published by the OECD on 7th June the distribution of the benefits of globalisation has to be considered anew. Economic growth must be supported by more investments, a better living standards and better productivity.

On 8th June the European Commission proposed an ambitious strategy for Europe's air transport industry as it adopted measures designed to support the introduction of open, connected air transport markets in the European Union and beyond.

Nearly two years after the launch of the action plan for the Capital Market Union (CMU), the Commission took further steps on 8th June to provide better links between savings and investment and to strengthen the European financial system.

On 8th and 9th June the 28 Ministers responsible for Transport and Telecommunications to increase regulatory oversight and price transparency for cross-border parcel delivery services. They also revised regulations in terms of telecommunications, and updated rules regarding the training of professional lorry and bus drivers.

On 8th and 9th June the 28 Justice and Home Affairs Ministers assessed several issues (electronic evidence, migrant children, digital content and services, fight to counter capital laundering, data protection). 20 of them approved the principle of a European Prosecutor's Office the HQ of which will be in Luxembourg.

On 12th June the Council delivered its conclusions on the state of progress regarding the proposal on organic production and the labelling of organic products, the preparation of the meeting of agriculture ministers prior to the EU-Africa Summit, animal and vegetal welfare, the proposal on veterinary medicines.

On 8th June the Council adopted a decision on the military planning and conduct capability and sanctions within the EU's military staff and it added 14 North Korean persons and 4 entities to the list of those whose assets have been frozen and their travel movements restricted, thereby transposing the UN Security Council's resolution 2356.

On 9th June the leader of the Catalan government Carles Puigdemont announced a referendum on self-rule for Catalonia that will be held on 1st October with the question "Do you want Catalonia to be an independent State in the shape of a republic?" The Spanish government is against the organisation of this referendum, which is deemed anti-constitutional.

From 14th to 17th June the town of Bergen is hosting its music festival (pop, rock, blues, world, electro, hip-hop, folk ...). Concerts are being organised in the open air, in the medieval castle, in night clubs and theatres.

From 16th to 21st June music will be heard all over Luxembourg on the occasion of the music festival.

Until the 10th July the Vienna Jazz Festival is taking place. The concerts take place in the most prestigious venues on offer in the Austrian capital, such as the Staatsoper and also in the open air or at the town hall.

Until 18th June an opera festival is taking place in Riga. The 20th festival of its type is being organised by the national opera and offers a beautiful programme.

Until 24th September the Gemeente Museum, Amsterdam is running an exhibition of the works of Piet Mondrian which attempts to explain the painter's life as well as the development of his art.

From 15th to 18th June the Basel Art Fair is taking place; it is the most important of its kind in the world with 291 art galleries and 4000 artists taking part.