The Robert Schuman Foundation is organising a seminar together with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and the CEDEM (Center for Democracy and Human Rights) on 17th September focusing on the freedom of the press in Montenegro; the situation of the press in Montenegro will be addressed and gauged against European standards and there will be an analysis of the regulations in force nationally and on a European level.

The European think-tank "European Ideas Network" is organising its summer university on 16th-18th September in Budapest. This year debate will be focused on the crisis in Europe and on European policies that need to be "reinvented" in order to promote growth and to counter poverty. Pascale Joannin, Director General of the Foundation will speak on the theme of the Neighbourhood Policy.

Just one week before the Swedish general elections the Alliance that rallies the Moderate Assembly Party (M) led by outgoing Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, the Centre Party (C), the People's Party-Liberals (FpL) and the Christian Democratic Party (KD) - is running ahead of the Red/Green (Rödgröna)coalition that rallies the Social Democratic Party (SAP) led by Mona Sahlin, the Environment Party-Greens (MP) and the Left Party (Vp). The most recent poll published on 10th September by the Dagens Nyheter credits the Alliance forces with 50.5% of the vote and the Red/Green coalition with 42.2%. The Sweden Democrats (far right) are credited with 6% - with this they will enter parliament.

The citizens of Bosnia-Herzgovina are being called to ballot on 3rd October to elect the three members of the collegial Presidency and the 42 MPs in the Chamber of Representatives, the lower Chamber of Parliament in the Republic of Bosnia-Herzegovina. The inhabitants of the Federation of Bosnia-Herzgovina (the entity which represents 51% of the territory) will renew the 98 members of the Chamber of Representatives in their Parliament; the citizens of the Serb Republic (49% of the territory) will elect the 83 members of their National Assembly, as well as their President and Vice-Presidents. More than 8,000 candidates from 47 political parties and 14 independent candidates are standing in these elections. The campaign started on 3rd September and is focused on the question: does Bosnia-Herzegovina need greater centralisation or is it preferable for the two entities that make it up (the Federation of Bosnia-Herzgovina and the Serb Republic) retain their autonomy?

The chairman of the Robert Schuman Foundation Jean-Dominique Giuliani has published an editorial on his site entitled "Turkey: the strategic mistake". He comments on the declarations made by the Turkish Foreign Minister in Brussels and analyses Turkey's new foreign policy.

The Turkish accepted by a wide majority the reform of their Constitution during the referendum organised on 12th September. 57.9% voters chose "evet" (yes) to the modification to the Fundamental Law and 42.1% said "no". Turnout rose to 77%.

To satsify European institutions the Irish government modified the plan to restructure the Anglo Irish Bank on 8th September opting for a split into two entities but one of which would be sold or liquidated progressively. Although in the beginning Dublin wanted to split the Anglo Irish bank into a "bad bank" that would take on the "toxic assets" and a "good one" that could have started out on a new basis, the Finance Minister explained in a press release that he had finally opted for a new type of scission.

According to figures published on 8th September by the Finnish Statistics Institute the country's GDP increased in the 2nd quarter by 1.9% in comparison with the previous quarter and by 3.7% in comparison with the second quarter of 2009. The institute corrected GDP figures in the first quarter from -0.4% to 0.1%. In the second quarter 2010 the volume of exports increased by 12.6% in comparison with the first quarter of 2010 and by 6.1% in comparison with the 2nd quarter 2009. According to the September economic report by the Finnish Finance Ministry, published on 10th September GDP growth is due to be around 2% in 2010 and nearly 3% in 2011. The ministry says that the public deficit will probably rise slightly above the 3% mark in 2010 and that in 2010 and 2011 the steps leading to the consolidation of public finances will be taken. In addition to this the Finnish government announced in a press release on 10th September that it would use income tax to promote employment, household buying power and domestic demand.

Italian growth was revised upwards to 0.5% in the second quarter but figures that are as not good as forecast published on 10th September with regard to July's industrial production indicated, as forecast by the economists, that activity will slow in the third quarter. The statistics institute Istat reviewed growth upwards to 0.5% in the second quarter against the previous one against an initial estimate of 0.4%. On a quarterly basis this level of growth is the highest recorded since the end of 2006.

In a press release published on 8th September the IMF encouraged the Austrian authorities to "step up work to enhance their budgetary position, improve the strength of the financial system and increase mid-term growth perspectives via structural reforms." According to the IMF the high profile of Austrian banks in Eastern Europe, which was beneficial to the country, "also exposed the economy to greater risk, notably in the financial sector." In addition to this the IMF noted "as an open and competitive economy Austria is well placed to take advantage of the recovery in world trade although significant risks still weigh over growth perspectives."

On 9th September the OECD published an interim assessment of the world economic outlook. This study forecasts greater slowing than previously expected in world economic recovery. Hence in the G7 countries an annual 1.6% growth rate is expected instead of 1.7% as forecast previously. However this weakening should only be temporary in spite of growing uncertainty about the markets and the OECD does not fear another recession. The organisation suggests that monetary and fiscal policies should be maintained. Further monetary recovery may occur if this dip in recovery should last.

Organised by the IMF and the OIT, a conference on "growth challenges, unemployment and social cohesion" took place on 13th September in Oslo on the invitation of the Norwegian Prime Minister, Jens Stoltenberg. On this occasion the two organisations published an assessment of the progression of unemployment since 2007 and the policies that are being implemented to face this. Since 2007 the number of unemployed has multiplied by 7 rising from 30 to 120 million. The developed countries, that have been particularly affected, have set up policies that combine support to demand, short term compensation programmes and subsidies that aim to speed up recovery. The report suggests to continue these policies whilst adapting them to national budgetary situations. Over the next ten years 440 million jobs are due to be created to absorb new workers on the market and to do more to compensate for jobs destroyed by the crisis.

The GDP in Greece recorded a decline of 3.7% in the second quarter highlighting the economic recession. According to the Hellenic Statistics Authority (ELSTAT), this decline of 3.7% follows a decline of 2.3% in the first quarter - with the average growth rate lying at -3%. Finance Minister George Papaconstantinou declared that he was expecting a recession below 4% over the entire year. The Greek economy represents around 240 billion euros ie 2.5% of the euro area GDP.

The representatives of central banks and supervisors who met in Basel came to an agreement on 12th September on the reform of the financial sector designed to make the establishments more resistant in the face of future crises said the Bank for International Settlements. "The group of governors and the heads of the supervision authorities (...) announced the significant enhancement of existing norms of own funds," said the BIS in a press release. This series of reforms that will also introduce new standards with regard to liquidities, "will be presented during the meeting of the G20 leaders in November in Seoul," said the BIS.

Economic growth started again in the second quarter in Belgium with an increase in the GDP of 0.9% in comparison with the previous three months said the National Bank on 8th September.

High economic growth in the second quarter in Sweden was reviewed upwards on 8th September with an increase of 1.9% of the GDP in comparison with the first quarter and by 4.6% year on year announced the Central Statistics Bureau (SCB).

The European Commission clearly raised its growth forecast on 13th September for the euro area in 2010 to 1.7% whilst warning that recovery remains "fragile" and that activity is due to slow in the second quarter. Notably it reviewed its forecast upwardsfor the two leading economies of the euro area. For Germany it is forecasting on much better growth of 3.4% (in comparison with 1.2% previously) and for France it is counting on 1.6% (against 1.3%). To justify its optimism the Commission points to "a better first semester than planned" with growth "that was particularly strong in the second quarter and better provided for by domestic demand than was previously planned."

A Roma Task Force was launched on 7th September last after the analysis of the Roma situation in France and in Europe undertaken by Commissioners Viviane Reding, Laszlo Andor and Cecilia Malmström. The Task Force's goals are firstly to asses the management of the EU's funds by the Member States for the integation of the Roma and secondly to look into the best use of these funds. In the future European Commission follow-up will be organised to assess the development of the economic and social integration of the Roma in Member States.

On 8th September the European Commission denounced the shortcomings that exist between the common norms in asylum procedures. It called the European Parliament and the Council to approve modifications to put an end to the differences between national asylum procedures. Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs, is notably concerned about the efficacy and fairness of the procedures employed to grant and withdraw the status of refugee within the Member States.

José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission and Olli Rehn, European Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs were host to Gérard Larcher, leader of the French Senate on 9th September. The subjects mentioned during this meeting were the importance of a strong Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in support of the development of rural areas and food safety. The development of economic governance of the Union is also a priority as well as vital structural reforms to boost economic growth and reduce national deficits. The last point discussed refers to the Roma and the guarantee of people's dignity and the freedom of circulation in the EU.

On 9th September the European Parliament approved a resolution demanding France and other Member States suspend immediately the expulsion of Roma. This resolution written by the S&D, ADLE, Greens/ALE and GUE/NGL groups was adopted 337 votes against 245 and 51 abstentions. The taking of finger prints of Roma is deemend contrary to the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the expulsions are considered as an infringement of European law since they are associated to race based discrimination. The European Parliament also deplores the slow, reserved reaction of the Commission on this subject.

On 9th September the European Parliament accepted the review of the 2008 legislation with regard to laboratory animals. Initially the aims was to reduce the maximum number of animals used for experimentation and secondly to improve the situation of animals that are still required for scientific research.

On 26th August the German Federal Constitutional Court confirmed a decision delivered by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) that dates back to 2005 (Mangold decision) in the sense that the German Constitutional Court plans to check on the decisions delivered by the ECJ only if they are "clearly" contrary to its competence. From now on the German Constitutional Court can intervene if the ECJ's decisions lead to major incoherence in the structure of competences between Member States and the EU.

According to the Report on World Competitiveness 2010-2011 by the World Economic Forum presented on 8th September Germany is the most competitive country within the euro area and that it lies fifth on a world scale. The German Economy Minister Rainer Brüderle said that Germany's good position could be seen via its favourable growth forecasts after the crisis. According to the IfW and the HWWI institute growth may rise to 3.4% this year. Experts are forecasting 1.7% growth this year and unemployment below the 3 million mark. In July exports increased by 18.7% and imports by 24.9% in comparison with July 2009 indicated the German statistics institute, Destatis on 8th September.

Germany's leading bank, the Deutsche Bank announced on 12th September the biggest increase in capital in its history, at least 9.8 billion euros, designed to help it take over the private bank, Postbank. "With this increase in capital we want to guarantee the capital required to take over the Postbank," indicated the head of the bank, Josef Ackermann in a press release.

Astrium and Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) announced on 9th September the signature of an agreement for the launch on the market of Falcon 1e in Europe. This agreement will enable Astrium and SpaceX to market the launch capabilities of Falcon 1e to the various space agencies and other institutional clients in Europe and to improve the monitoring and programming of these launches.

On 7th September Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou reshuffled his government to guarantee economic recovery. Nearly one year after the socialist majority came to power the government now comprises 49 members and 17 ministers. George Papaconstantinou maintains the key post in Finance and is responsible for financial recovery. Mr Papandreou gave his righthand man and Minister of State Haris Pampoukis "the responsibility of investments". Alternate Foreign Minister, Dimitris Droutsas suceeds Mr Papandreou as Foreign Minister. Another government mainstay, Michalis Chrysochoidis has been appointed Minister for the Economy and Competitiveness.

On 9th September Bulgarian President Gueorgui Parvanov and Greek President Carolos Papoulias inaugurated the new border post Ivaïlograd-Kiprinos. For a long time this border could not be crossed. The two countries thereby marked the 130th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Greece and Bulgaria.

On 10th September the IMF completed its review of the results achieved by Greece as part of the economic programme defined in May last. Major structural reforms have been accomplished ahead of the deadlines set by the economic programme. The budgetary strategy is on the right path and has to be continued. However more remains to be done for growth and particular attention has to be given to the banking and financial sectors. These encouraging results led to IMF to authorise the immediate payment of 2.57 billion euros that come in addition to the 5.71 billion previously paid out. The IMF's three year economic programme represents a total of around 30 billion euros out of a 110 billion euro package that was set up with the euro area countries.

During a State visit to Switzerland on 8th and 9th September by German President Christian Wulff the chair of the Helvetic Confederation Doris Leuthard stressed that this visit offered an opportunity to highlight the close cooperation and friendship that has united Germany and Switzerland for a long time and to address sensitive issues from this point of view, such as tax and transport issues. In addition to this innovation and technologies were important issues discussed during the visit on the part of the German president.

The 14th statistics yearbook "Europe in Figures - the Eurostat Yearbook 2010" has just been published. This yearbook presents a wide selection of statistical data available to Eurostat together with explanatory texts. Moreover it describes developments in key EU indicators, the euro area and the Member States. The yearbook also includes data about candidate and EFTA countries, the USA and Japan when these are available.

The British Centre for European Reform published a study on Turkey and the enlargement of the EU entitled, "Turkish politics and the fading magic of EU enlargement", written by Sinan Ulgen.

Chatham House has published a study on Anglo-French cooperation in the area of defence and its implications for European and Euro-Atlantic security and defence entitled "Britain and France: Dialogue of Decline?" written by Julian Lindley-French.

The Italian International Affairs Institute (Istituto Affari Internazionali) has published an analysis by Stephanie Locatelli: "Balancing Diversity and Efficiency in the EU's Language Regime: E Pluribus Tres for the EU Patent?".

The Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS) has just published a new paper on its site entitled "Turkey-Russia: a new world strategic partnership."

The European Central Bank (ECB) has published a report written under the management of Tom Kokkola: "The Payment System - Payments, Securities and Derivatives and the Role of the Eurosystem".

The World Economic Forum has published its annual report on competitiveness. The most striking element in this study is the decline in the position of the USA which drops from second to fourth, after Sweden and Singapore whilst Switzerland is still in the lead. As for the Europeans - Germany, lying 7th last year and now 5th - is the leader in the euro area. The Nordic countries are still well placed with three of them, Sweden, Finland and Denmark amongst the first ten. The UK, Norway and France run neck and neck and occupy 12th, 14th and 15th place.

On 1st September former British Prime Minister Tony Blair published his autobiography, entitled "A Journey" (publisher: Random House). In his work Tony Blair notably reveals the vital decisions he had to take to reinvent his party, the peace negotiations in Northern Ireland, major reforms that he undertook in the civil services as well as relations with world leaders.

The Speyer museum of history is hosting an exhibition until 13th February 2011 entitled "Amazons, Mysterious Warriors" which presents the scientific research results with regard to warrior women who lived according to Greek mythology on the banks of the Black Sea.

The Staatliche Kunsthalle of Karlsruhe is presenting an exhibition until 28th November entitled "Journeys to Italy. Artists' journeys 1770-1880" illustrates the attraction exercised by Italy. This exhibition rallies 150 sketches, drawings, water colours and oil paintings, large prints, paintings by French and German painters, including Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Joseph Anton Koch, Carl Blechen, Anselm Feuerbach and Johann Wilhelm Schirmer.

The Czech town of Pilsen was selected on 8th September to become the European cultural capital 2015. The formal appointment by the Council of Ministers is due to fall in May 2011. Pilsen will share the title with the Belgian town of Mons, chosen in February. It is the second Czech town to have been chosen as cultural capital, ten years after Prague which was appointed in 2000.

The European Heritage Days, created in 1984 by the French Cultural Minister will take place on 18th and 19th September this year on the national theme of "Great Men: when men and women make History". At the same time as works of civilian and religious architecture, parks and gardens are also on show together with archeological sites, furniture and literary, river and military heritage. Since 1991 the Heritage Days have taken on a European dimension: with the encouragement of the Council of Europe and the EU 49 countries are now organising similar events. Cross-border operations involving several European countries are also being organised on the occasion of the European Heritage Days.