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| Tuesday 27th June 2023 | issue 1029 |
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| Europe and securing supplies of mineral resources: from strategic urgency to diplomatic pragmatism |
| Author: Yves Jégourel | | Demand for mineral resources is set to explode over the coming decades, and Europeans will have to ensure the competitiveness of their industry. The Member States must be aware of the instability inherent in the reality of world markets.
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| Agenda | Other issues | Contact |
| Elections :
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| Kyriakos Mitsotakis' New Democracy wins Greek general election
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' party, New Democracy, came out well ahead in the Greek parliamentary elections held on 25 June, with 40.5% of the vote, ahead of Syriza (radical left), which secured just 17.8%. Six other parties are represented in the Vouli, the single chamber of parliament, including three from the far right. With 158 of the 300 seats in the Vouli, New Democracy therefore has an absolute majority... Read more |
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| Foundation :
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| Publication of the Schuman Report, State of the Union 2023
Europe has changed... This is what the "Schuman Report on Europe, the State of the Union 2023" shows, as it analyses the profound changes that have taken place in Europe, accelerated by the shock of the war in Ukraine. This 17th edition, published by Marie B., includes 19 contributions by high-level personalities, including one by Alexandre Adam, on the European Union at 36. It also includes 30 original maps and a full set of commented statistics. The book is available in paper and digital versions in French, and in digital format in English. Order your copy now... Read more |
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| Commission :
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| Mid-term review of the multiannual financial framework
On 20 June, the Commission presented the mid-term review of the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework. It proposes a €15 billion increase in the budget dedicated to migration, the consequences of the war in Ukraine and partnerships with third countries. The creation of a Strategic Technology Platform (STEP) and a mechanism to deal with the higher costs of the recovery plan, NextGenerationEU, are also planned. The Commission is proposing an adjustment to own resources, as well as the creation of a new own resource calculated on the profits of EU companies... Read more |
| Other link | Other link |
| Economic Security Strategy
On 20 June, the Commission presented an economic security strategy based on risk assessment in the areas of supply chain resilience, critical infrastructure security, technological security and leakage, and the risks of economic coercion. The Commission proposes to promote the competitiveness of the European Union. The European Council is due to examine this strategy on 29 and 30 June... Read more |
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| 6.2 billion € for transport infrastructures
On 22 June, the Commission announced that 107 transport infrastructure projects will be awarded a total of €6.2 billion in grants under the European Interconnection Facility. Most of these projects are part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), in particular cross-border rail lines, including the Lyon-Turin line. Seaports in 7 Member States, including Spain and Poland, are also receiving funding to support the development of shore-side electricity supply. The investment also concerns the modernisation of inland waterway infrastructures, notably between France and Belgium and for the Danube and Rhine ports... Read more |
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| Council :
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| Meeting of Energy Ministers
On 19 June, the energy ministers decided on their position on the reform proposal for the integrity and transparency of the wholesale energy market (REMIT), which is part of the overall reform of the European electricity market. They discussed with the Commission the preparations for next winter and the international aspect of energy policy... Read more |
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| Meeting of Environment Ministers
On 20 June, the environment ministers defined their position on the regulation concerning the restoration of nature, which targets ecosystems, habitats and species in 20% of land and marine areas by 2030. The ministers also debated the regulation on CO2 emission standards for new heavy-duty vehicles and the directive on air quality... Read more |
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| Agreement on the ammunition production aid programme
On 22 June, the Council adopted its position on the regulation establishing the action to support the production of ammunition (ASAP) for delivery to Ukraine and for restocking in the Member States. This proposal will commit €500 million from the EU budget. The Council must now begin negotiations with the Parliament to define the final version of the text... Read more |
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| Agreement on European legislation concerning media freedom
On 21 June, the Member States adopted their position on the draft European legislation concerning media freedom. They propose to clarify the responsibility of States for the pluralism and independence of public media, and to strengthen the independence of the new European Committee on Media Services. They call for greater protection for journalists and a wider scope for transparency in media ownership and state advertising. The Council is due to begin negotiations with the Parliament on this draft... Read more |
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| Diplomacy :
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| Adoption of the 11th package of sanctions against Russia
On 23 June, the Council adopted an eleventh package of sanctions against those responsible for Russia's war against Ukraine. These new sanctions ban the transit of goods through the European Union by vehicles registered in Russia, as well as the transit through Russia of goods exported by the European Union to other countries. Five additional media outlets have had their broadcasting licences suspended. The Council's decision also marks the end of the temporary derogation granted to Germany and Poland for the supply of Russian oil via the Druzhba pipeline. In addition, 71 individuals and 33 entities have been sanctioned for their involvement in the violation of Ukraine's integrity... Read more |
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| Foreign Affairs Ministers' Meeting
On 26 June, the foreign affairs ministers discussed the war in Ukraine and the latest developments in Russia. They adopted an additional €3.5 billion for the European Peace Facility. The ministers also discussed strengthening the EU's partnership with Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo. They also approved their conclusions on digital diplomacy, Somalia and the next meeting of the International Criminal Court. They sanctioned a further 7 people for human rights violations in Iran... Read more |
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| Ministerial meeting with the USA regarding justice
On 21 June, at a ministerial meeting on justice in Stockholm, the United States and the European Union renewed their support for Ukraine and reiterated their determination to hold Russia accountable, through international mechanisms, for the crime of aggression. The two sides also undertook to strengthen collective capacities to prevent firearms trafficking and protect essential infrastructures. They stressed the need to combat hatred, xenophobia, extremism and terrorist content on a transnational scale, particularly online... Read more |
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| Court of Justice :
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| Appeal against gas and nuclear taxonomy rejected
On 21 June, the Court of Justice dismissed the action brought by a Member of the European Parliament seeking the annulment of the delegated regulation incorporating certain gas and nuclear energy activities into the green taxonomy. René Repasi (DE, S&D) felt that the Commission had exceeded its rights to the detriment of Parliament. The Court ruled that as the act did not directly affect the applicant's rights, his action was invalid... Read more |
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| Hungary condemned for its asylum practices
On 22 June, the Court of Justice ruled that Hungary had failed to fulfil its asylum obligations under EU law. Under a 2020 law, Hungary required certain third-country nationals or stateless persons to lodge a declaration of intent with a Hungarian embassy and to be issued with a travel document allowing them to enter Hungarian territory before they could submit an application for international protection in Hungary. However, the directive makes no provision for such prerequisites... Read more |
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| Belgium :
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| Participation in the Future Combat Aircraft (FCAS) programme
On 20 June, Belgium joined the Future Air Combat System (FCAS) programme led by France, Germany and Spain as an observer... Read more |
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| Finland :
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| New government led by Petteri Orpo
On 20 June, Finnish President Sauli Niinistö appointed the country's 77th government, led by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo. The new government, made up of 19 ministers including 12 women, brings together the National Coalition Party, the Finns' Party, the Swedish People's Party and the Christian Democratic Party. Petteri Orpo has unveiled his programme, the main objective of which is a €6 billion savings plan and a tougher immigration policy... Read more |
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| France :
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| France is to host the second European supercalculator
On 20 June, the European High-Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC) chose the Jules Verne consortium, based in France, to host and operate Europe's second exaflop supercomputer. EuroHPC supercomputers will serve the European scientific community as well as industry and the public sector... Read more |
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| Summit for a New Financing Pact
On 22 and 23 June, the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact was held in Paris. It brought together representatives from around a hundred countries, including some forty heads of state and government, and representatives of international financial organisations and institutions. The aim was to lay the foundations for a new international financial system to reconcile the battle against poverty, climate change and the preservation of biodiversity... Read more |
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| Italy :
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| Visit by Giorgia Meloni to France
On 20 June, French President Emmanuel Macron met Giorgia Meloni, President of the Italian Council of Ministers, at the Elysée Palace. Discussions focused on the implementation of the Quirinal Treaty between the two countries, the European Council on 29 and 30 June and the NATO summit on 11 and 12 July. The two leaders reiterated their support for Ukraine... Read more |
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| Ukraine :
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| European Facility of 50 billion € for Ukraine
On 20 June, the Commission presented its proposal for a specific facility to support Ukraine. Endowed with €50 billion between 2024 and 2027, the initiative will take the form of grants and loans, an investment framework for the country's recovery and reconstruction, and technical assistance, notably through expertise and support for municipalities and civil society... Read more |
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| Conference for the reconstruction of Ukraine
The Conference for the Reconstruction of Ukraine was held in London on 21 and 22 June, bringing together leaders and representatives from over 60 countries. With the cost of rebuilding Ukraine estimated by the World Bank at $411 billion, the United States announced $1.3 billion in aid. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak unveiled loan guarantees worth $3 billion over three years. The European Commission announced a new €50 billion facility and agreements worth more than €800 million to mobilise private investment... Read more |
| Other link | Other link | Other link |
| Meeting in Copenhagen on possible principles for peace
On 25 June in Copenhagen, Andriy Yermak, the Ukrainian President's Chief of Staff, met national security advisers to the leaders of India, South Africa, Turkey, Japan and the European institutions as part of consultations on the key principles of peace. Discussions focused on the Ukrainian peace formula and the modalities and organisation of a World Peace Summit... Read more |
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| UN Assessment regarding the Ukrainian population's critical requirements
On 23 June, Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Peacebuilding, told the UN Security Council that the intensification of violence against civilians was of great concern to the UN. A report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), published on 19 June, reveals the "brutal impact" of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Ukrainian citizens... Read more |
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| Georgia :
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| Nika Gvaramia pardoned
On 22 June, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili pardoned Nika Gvaramia, director of the main opposition television station Mtavari. Gvaramia had been sentenced on 16 May to 3 and a half years in prison in a case deemed politically motivated by human rights organisations... Read more |
| Other link | Other link |
| Switzerland :
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| Parameters of a negotiating mandate with the European Union
On 21 June, the Swiss Federal Council (government) approved the parameters of a future negotiating mandate for a framework agreement with the European Union. These parameters, which remain confidential, define the main objectives and areas that should be covered. If discussions between Switzerland and the European Union continue to progress, the Swiss government could adopt a negotiating mandate by the end of the year... Read more |
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| Council of Europe :
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| Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe met from 19 to 23 June to debate the political consequences of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the Olympic Games and access to the Lachin corridor between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Assembly also discussed the latest political developments in Poland, the integration of migrants and refugees and the health and social protection of workers in an irregular situation, as well as the situation of Belarusians in exile, UK human rights reform and the issue of transnational repression... Read more |
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| MONEYVAL Annual Report
The MONEYVAL Committee, the Council of Europe's body for combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism, published its annual report on 20 June. It points to shortcomings in Member States' recovery of the proceeds of crime, and calls on them to make greater use of the freezing, seizure and confiscation of funds of criminal origin... Read more |
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| Studies/Reports :
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| Report on climate change in Europe
On 19 June, the World Meteorological Organisation published a report on the climate situation in Europe. It notes that Europe has warmed twice as much as the global average since the 1980s. In 2022, Europe was around 2.3°C above the pre-industrial average (1850-1900) used as a reference for the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change. It does, however, point to a sign of "hope for the future", namely that in 2022 in Europe, renewable energies (22.3%) produced more electricity than gas (20%), a fossil fuel... Read more |
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| Report on industrial policy on batteries
On 19 June, the European Court of Auditors published a special report on industrial policy on batteries. It notes certain shortcomings in terms of monitoring, coordination and targeting. It makes recommendations to boost support for the battery value chain... Read more |
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| Culture :
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| Georg Baselitz in Vienna
Until 17 September, the Albertina Museum in Vienna is devoting an exhibition to the career of the German painter Georg Baselitz, to mark his 85th birthday. The artist donated 100 of his works on paper to the Albertina Museum and the Morgan Library, and invited the two museums to choose 50 each for their collections... Read more |
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| Albrecht Dürer in Manchester
Until 10 March 2024, the Whitworth Gallery in Manchester is showcasing its collection of works by Albrecht Dürer. The exhibition offers a new perspective on Dürer as an observer of the worlds of craft, design and commerce at the turn of the sixteenth century... Read more |
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| Agnieszka Brzeżańska in Warsaw
Until 29 July, the BWA contemporary art gallery in Warsaw is presenting the exhibition 'Ancestors' by Agnieszka Brzeżańska. Through painting and ceramics, the artist explores the link between the environment and art. She uses natural materials that evolve over long periods to show the influence of nature's culture on the production of ancestral knowledge and beliefs... Read more |
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| Forever Sixties in Rennes and Irving Penn in Dinard
Until 10 September, the Collection Pinault is presenting the "Forever Sixties" exhibition in Rennes, at the Couvent des Jacobins. More than 80 works, some never before exhibited, allow visitors to discover or rediscover the art of the 1960s, its place in the history of contemporary art and the legacy it has left. Until 1 October at the Villa les Roches Brunes in Dinard, the Collection Pinault is presenting an exhibition devoted to Irving Penn's photography of the 1960s... Read more |
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| Mario Dondero in Milan
Until 6 September, the Palazzo Reale in Milan is hosting a retrospective devoted to photographer Mario Dondero. The exhibition retraces the photographer's career, from the first shots he took on his travels in Portugal in the 1950s to those taken in Kabul in 2000... Read more |
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| Frank Horvat in Paris
Until 17 September, the Jeu de Paume in Paris is devoting an exhibition to the photographer Frank Horvat. The exhibition highlights the wealth and complexity of the photographer's career, tracing his first fifteen years through numerous archive documents and over a hundred prints... Read more |
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| Chamber Music Festival in Cork
Until 2 July, the town of Bantry is hosting the West Cork Chamber Music Festival. Six concerts a day and a host of masterclasses are scheduled for this 26th edition... Read more |
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| Festival of Granada
The 72nd Granada International Music and Dance Festival is on until 19 July. Concerts and events are being held in the city every day... Read more |
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| Rencontres Musicales d'Évian
The Rencontres Musicales d'Evian will be held from 28 June to 8 July. Every year since 1976, this chamber music festival has welcomed some of the greatest contemporary musicians to the Grange au Lac concert hall... Read more |
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| Montreux Jazz Festival
From 30 June to 15 July, the Montreux Jazz Festival will be held on the shores of Lake Geneva. The programme includes concerts with renowned acoustics and numerous free stages... Read more |
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| Barcelona Festival Nits
From 29 June to 26 July, the Nits de Barcelona festival will be held at the Pedralbes royal palace. Nearly 30 concerts are on offer, as well as other artistic disciplines (theatre, circus)... Read more |
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| Chambord Festival
The 12th edition of the Chambord Festival will be held from 1 to 15 July. A varied programme of 13 concerts is planned. On 1 July, the Orchestre Consuelo opens the two weeks of festivities... Read more |
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Agenda :
| | 27 June 2023 Luxembourg
General Affairs Council
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| | 29-30 June 2023 Brussels
European Council
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| | 1 July 2023
Start of the Spanish Presidency of the Council
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| The Letter is also available in: |
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| The Letter's Editorial Team : |
| Stefanie Buzmaniuk, Helen Levy ;
Basile Desvignes, Romain Maillot, Lina Nathan, Baptiste Comiti, Sixtine Hartog
Editors-in-chief: Eric Maurice
Publishing Director: Pascale Joannin
N° ISSN : 2729-6482
Contact/Suggestions [email protected] |
| The Robert Schuman Foundation, created in 1991 and acknowledged by State decree in 1992, is the main French research centre on Europe. It develops research on the European Union and its policies and promotes the content of these in France, Europe and abroad. It encourages, enriches and stimulates European debate thanks to its research, publications and the organisation of conferences. The Foundation is presided over by Mr. Jean-Dominique Giuliani. |
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