The "Schuman Report 2018 on the State of the Union" is available in French and English. This edition analyses the challenges that Europe faces, with articles contributed by leading specialists, an exclusive interview with French President Emmanuel Macron, commented maps and statistics, offering a comprehensive overview of the European Union. You can order it on-line from our site in digital format or you can purchase it from a bookshop.

On 3rd June next, 1.7 million Slovenians will be called to ballot to appoint the 90 members of the Drzavni Zbor. According to the most recent poll by Mediana for POP TV, the Democratic Party (SDS) of former head of government (2004-2008 and 2012-2013) Janez Jansa, is due to come out ahead with 13.5% of the vote, followed closely by the Marjan Sarec List (LMS), which is due to win 13.3%. The Social Democrats (SD) led by Dejan Zidan is due to come 3rd with 8.5% and the Modern Centre Party (SMC) of outgoing Prime Minister Miro Cerar, 4.1% of the vote, i.e, just above the 4% threshold that allows representatives to sit in the National Assembly.

On 2nd May the European Commission put forward a Union budget of 1.279 billion € for the period 2021-2027, an increase in spite of the loss forecast in terms of the contribution made by the UK post-Brexit. It did advocate however for a reduction of around "5%" in funds allocated to the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) and to the Cohesion Policy. It also provides for a "restriction of access to European funds" in the event of any infringements of the rule of law. Finally it suggests an overall package of nearly 20 billion € for European Defence.

On 3rd May MEPs called for the protection of journalists and the freedom of the media. Member States should therefore "introduce and maintain within the law and the facts, a safe environment for journalists.

The EU Association Council-Moldova approved a political agreement on 3rd May in Brussels, together with Federica Mogherini. The EU and Moldova re-iterated their commitment to their political and economic integration process.

American President Donald Trump decided to maintain the temporary exemption on customs duties on steel and aluminium imports from the EU, Canada and Mexico until 1st June, announced the White House on 30th April. This decision extends "uncertainty on the markets" declared the Commission in a press release on May 1st.

On 4th May Eurojust announced that around hundred simultaneous operations took place last month in eight EU countries. The organisation mainly comprising German, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese citizens are suspected of having collated 140 million euro over the last two years.

The budgetary road map adopted on 2nd May by the German government provides for a 37 billion € increase in revenues and spending to bring these up to 367.7 billion within four years without creating any further debt, privileging investments in infrastructures, family policy and training.

Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel debated the future of Europe with MEPs and the President of the Commission Jean-Claude Juncker on 3rd May. "I want a strong Europe that is working where there is real added value," declared the Belgian Prime Minister, advocating three things: stimulating prosperity, guaranteeing security and the respect of fundamental values.

On 2nd May the Basque terrorist group Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) founded in 1959, officially announced the "complete dissolution of all of its structures". The last act took the shape of an "international conference" for the peace process in the Basque country, 4th May at Cambo-les-Bains. The government stressed that this was a day "of remembrance and tribute" to the victims and ruled out any idea of "impunity" for the crimes committed.

On 30th April the OECD published its economic study on Greece which mentions 'the remarkable effort" and the "significant reforms" that have notably helped a return to growth (forecast to be over 2% in 2018 and 2019).

On 30th April Irish Deputy Prime Minister Simon Coveney met with Michel Barnier as well as 500 participants in an "All-Island Civic Dialogue on Brexit" notably to discuss the issue of young people and Brexit, as well as issues related to the economy and civil society.

Pierre Gramegna, the Luxembourg Finance Minister, was in London to meet his British counterpart Philip Hammond. They discussed bilateral relations, the most recent developments in relation to Brexit, as well as the regulation of the financial markets.

On 2nd May Romanian President Klaus Yohannis refused to promulgate the reform of the legal system adopted at the end of 2017, referring it to the Constitutional Court and the Venice Commission for an opinion. This reform, which he believes is not in line with the "national institutional framework" and "European standards" is the focus of lively criticism since it endangers the independence of the legal system.

On 30th April the House of Lords adopted an amendment to the draft bill on Brexit giving Parliament the power to prevent the government from leaving the EU without an agreement with Brussels. The amendment would enable Parliament to send the government back to the negotiation table or even decide to remain in the Union. Another amendment was also approved to prevent the establishment of a hard border between Eire (the Republic of Ireland) and Northern Ireland.

According to a Eurostat study published on 2nd May the unemployment rate lay at 7.1% in March 2018 in the EU, stable in comparison with February 2018 and down in comparison with 7.9% in March 2017. This is the lowest rate recorded since September 2008. In the euro zone it lies at 8.5%. This is the lowest rate recorded since December 2008.

From 26th April to 29th June the British Museum is running a unique exhibition of works by Rodin. On show are originals in plaster, bronze and marble of various sculptures on loan from the Rodin Museum in Paris. For the very first time they are on show alongside certain sculptures from the Parthenon.