European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met in Brussels on 14 July to confirm their strategic partnership focused on sovereignty, territorial integrity and democratic reforms. They committed to strengthening regional security, particularly in the face of challenges in the South Caucasus, requiring continued engagement in the peace talks with Azerbaijan and steps towards normalisation of relations with Turkey. The Union reiterated its strong commitment to supporting Armenia's resilience and long-term development through substantial financial and technical assistance. Under the Global Gateway strategy, investments in Armenia are now expected to reach €2.5 billion.

On 14 July, the European Commission presented guidelines to strengthen the protection of minors online, accompanied by a prototype age verification app. These measures aim to limit the risks of children being exposed to harmful content or behaviour, while respecting their privacy. The recommendations focus in particular on combating cyberbullying, addictive practices and unwanted contact. The prototype application, which is being tested in five Member States (Denmark, Spain, France, Greece and Italy), should ensure reliable verification that respects personal data.

On 14 July, the Ministers for Agriculture and Fisheries discussed the launch of the Danish Presidency, which has placed simplification, innovation and competitiveness at the heart of its priorities. The Presidency intends to reduce administrative burdens and support the green transition of the agricultural and fisheries sectors. Ministers discussed trade tensions, the post-crisis agricultural market in Ukraine, and the need to strengthen the European Union's protein self-sufficiency. Finally, they discussed progress on the CAP post-2027 and new genomic techniques.

Trade ministers meeting on 14 July took stock of the tense trade relations between the European Union and the United States, condemning the 30% tariffs announced. While supporting negotiations for a balanced agreement by 1 August, the ministers prepared new retaliatory measures worth nearly €72 billion, while announcing the temporary suspension of the first European countermeasures that were to take effect on 15 July. They also emphasised the need to diversify trade partnerships, welcoming the agreement reached with Indonesia. Finally, they discussed relations with China, calling for a reduction in trade risks and a better balance in terms of this..

Until 20 July, London's Chelsea Old Town Hall is hosting the 7th London Art Biennale. Bringing together 330 artists from 60 countries, this free event presents a wide variety of works, including paintings, sculptures, digital art and works on paper, with no restrictions on theme. The Biennale aims to strengthen ties between artists, collectors and the general public.

The Patrimonio Guitar Nights are on until 26 July at the Théâtre de Verdure in Patrimonio, Corsica. This year's festival has a varied programme featuring some big names. Set in a captivating location, the festival has a unique atmosphere where music and fun come together in perfect harmony.

The Vitoria Gasteiz Jazz Festival is being held until 19 July in Vitoria. This festival offers a varied programme for jazz lovers, bringing together leading artists and young musicians. At the same time, the Jazz Seminar is taking place, an educational project open to music students and professional musicians organised in collaboration with the Juilliard School in New York.

On 14 July, representatives of the European Union and six Central American countries (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama) met in Brussels for the first EU-Central America Association Council. They discussed regional cooperation, investment and trade, and global challenges of mutual interest such as migration, security and illicit trafficking, the environment and climate change, as well as the governance of artificial intelligence.

On 13 July, the European Union and Indonesia reached a political agreement on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking a key step towards its finalisation by September. The agreement aims to strengthen trade, secure supply chains for critical raw materials and support the sustainable energy transition. Both sides have emphasised their shared commitment to building an open partnership based on shared rules and values. Visa facilitation will also promote exchanges between European and Indonesian citizens.

Paul Collowald passed away on 8 July at the age of 102. Europe has lost a passionate activist and the Foundation has lost a friend. Born in Wissembourg, he was a man of borders like Robert Schuman, whom he met, an encounter that changed the course of his life and strengthened his belief in Europe. He was constantly driven by a desire to bring European citizens closer together and to communicate the European message clearly, and was motivated by a genuine passion for education. He gave his last interview to the Foundation in 2021 for Europe Day.

In response to geopolitical changes in the Arctic, France is adapting its defence strategy to protect its interests and, on 10 July, adopted an 'Arctic Defence Strategy'. It aims to strengthen its presence, develop military capabilities suited to the polar climate and affirm its commitment to international bodies. This approach is part of a cooperative effort with its allies, while preserving freedom of navigation and the security of strategic maritime areas. French nuclear deterrence also remains a key issue in this region that is now transforming.

In his speech to the armed forces on 13 July, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasised the need for Europe to become a fully-fledged strategic player. Faced with global threats and the erosion of the international order, he defended the construction of a strong and autonomous European defence, complementary to but not dependent on NATO. He also called for a sovereign European defence industry and greater military solidarity between Member States. He announced a budgetary effort of €3.5 billion in 2026 and €3 billion in 2027 for defence. The new national strategic review was published on 14 July.

Faced with an increase in migrant arrivals from Libya, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced on 13 July that he intended to suspend asylum for all refugees arriving in Crete from Libya for three months. He cited growing migratory pressure and promised strict measures to protect the country's borders. He emphasised cooperation with the Libyan authorities and Greece's responsibility as the European Union's external border. The government intends to guarantee security without compromising respect for international law.

On 9 July, the OECD published its Employment Outlook for 2025. The report confirms that labour markets remain resilient, with employment rates expected to rise by 1.1% in 2025 and 0.7% in 2026. Gender gaps are narrowing, with the employment rate for women rising faster than that for men. However, demographic ageing poses a threat to employment in OECD countries, with the working-age population set to decline by 8% by 2060, while public spending on pensions and healthcare could increase by 3 percentage points of GDP. The OECD recommends ambitious policies to extend the working lives of older people, mobilise women and young people, and strengthen skills in the face of AI.

11 July 2025 marked the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide, in which more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were massacred by Bosnian Serb forces. UN Secretary-General António Guterres recalled that this act was the worst massacre in Europe since the Second World War. He emphasised international responsibility and the importance of combating denial and hatred. He also stressed the need to preserve the truth and bring the perpetrators to justice, and called for the strengthening of peace, reconciliation and respect for human rights.

On 14 July, during a meeting in Washington with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, US President Donald Trump announced the imminent delivery of 17 Patriot missile batteries to Ukraine at no cost to the United States. The equipment would be supplied by European countries, including Germany and Norway, which would purchase new stocks from the United States to transfer their own to Kyiv. At the same time, the US head of state gave his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin 50 days to reach an agreement, failing which Moscow's trading partners would face customs duties of up to 100%.