On 2nd November interim President Jakup Krasniqi (Democratic Party PDK) dissolved the Kosovar Parliament and convened early general elections for 12th December after the vote of a motion of censure. The Kosovar Parliament which is monocameral has 120 MPs elected for four years by proportional representation, with 20 seats being reserved for the minorities. Five political parties are represented in Parliament: the Democratic Party (PDK), led by outgoing Prime Minister Hashim Thaci; the Democratic League (LDK), the party of former President Fatmir Sejdiu led by Isa Mustafa; the Alliance for a New Kosovo (AKR); the Democratic League Alliance of Dardania-Christian Democratic Party (LDD-PSDK); the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo (AAK). Ten parties represent the minorities. Relations between the two main parties (PDK and the LDK) are very tense. The Parliament that will emerge from the urns on 12th December will be called to elect the new Kosovar President.

The EPP group in the European Parliament is organising a conference on 16th November in Brussels on the Balkans in which the Chairman of the Robert Schuman Foundation, Jean-Dominique Giuliani will take part.

According to figures published on 12th November by the Federal Statistics Office - Destatis - the German GDP rose by 0.7% in the third quarter in comparison with the second. The growth figure in the second quarter was revised to 2.3% against an initial 2.2%. On an annual level the German economy rose by 3.9% in the third quarter. On 8th November Destatis published provisional figures on Germany's external trade in September. According to these results German exports rose by 22.5% and imports by 18% in September in comparison with September 2009. The German trade surplus reached 15.6 billion euros in September 2010.

Contrary to economists' forecasts the Spanish economy did not contract in the third quarter: according to a press release by the National Statistics Office published on 11th November the development in economic activity remained stable. Quarterly growth lay at 0.2% between April and June. In the third quarter - on an annual basis - the Spanish GDP increased by 0.2% in comparison with an expected growth rate of 0.1%.

According to provisional estimates published on 12th November by INSEE GDP growth in France reached +0.4% in the third quarter. Household consumption rose by +0.6% ie twice as fast as in the second quarter. Business investments continued to rise (+0.5%). Christine Lagarde, the French Economy, Industry and Employment Minister believes that the growth figure in the third quarter confirms the start of the post-crisis period in spite of a slowing in the international economic context. She believes that the outlook for the fourth quarter is still following a positive trend.

Greece's public deficit totalled 17,405 billion euros over the first ten months of 2010 ie a decrease of 30% over one year, less than that foreseen in its recovery plan according to provisional estimates published on 10th November by the Greek Finance Ministry. In addition to this the Greek GDP contracted by 1.1% in the third quarter and by 4.5% over one year announced the Greek statistics authority ESA on 12th November in its provisional estimates. Finally the Greek Finance Minister said on 15th November that the Greek public deficit would reach 9.4% of the GDP in 2010 after the Eurostat announcement of a review upwards of the country's 2009 deficit to 15.4%, the highest level in the entire EU.

The leaders of the G20 countries renewed their commitment to work together towards the planet's prosperity on 12th November in Seoul after high tension between the USA and China who were determined not to give up anything that might compromise their growth. They warned after the G20 summit against any "un-coordinated" economic policies which would necessarily have disastrous consequences for everyone. The Heads of State and Government also agreed to refrain from any "competitive devaluation" and to "promote exchange rates that were rather more determined by the market."

Growth slowed sharply in Italy in the third quarter with the GDP only rising by 0.2% in comparison with 0.5% recorded in the third quarter according to a first estimate published on 12th November by Istat. Year on year the GDP increased by 1% added the statistics institute in a press release.

The unemployed will be deprived of their benefits for three months if they refuse a job offer and for three years if they reject three offers according to a British government project announced on 11th November which is part of a White Paper that reforms benefits. This tightening up on sanctions together with an obligatory work programme for the unemployed should "get people back to work" according to Prime Minister David Cameron. The project will deprive an unemployed person of his benefit of £65 (76€ or 104$) per week for three months if he refuses an offer, for six months if he refuses two offers and for three years if he rejects three offers.

The IMF announced on 14th November that it intended to release the fifth part of its aid to Iceland. "Discussions with the Icelandic authorities are to continue over the next few weeks" with the goal of "reaching an agreement that should enable a release of funds at the end of 2010 or the beginning of 2011," writes the IMF in a press release.

On 15th November the Irish authorities admitted having "international contacts" with regard to the country's economic situation. "Contacts are continuing on an official level with international leaders in light of the present market conditions," declared a Finance Ministry spokesperson. The latter however repeated that "Ireland was not asking for external aid."

On 10th November the Commission presented its new strategy for competitive, sustainable, safe energy. The "Energy 2020" communication defines the priorities in terms of energy for the next decade and the actions to undertake to succeed in saving energy, effective competitiveness of prices on the market and the security of supplies. As part of the fight to counter climate change the strategy establishes three goals for 2020: reduce CO2 emissions and other greenhouse gases by 20% in comparison with their levels in 1990, bring the share of renewable energies up to 20% and make up to 20% savings in energy. The Commission also called on the States to invest 1000 billion euros by 2020 to prepare themselves for the rise in price of fossil resources and to reduce their dependency with regard to foreign supplies.

On 9th November the European Commission revealed its project for the EU's trade policy the aim of which is to help boost the European economy. The Commission is suggesting a strategy to reduce impediments to trade, to open world markets and to obtain fair conditions for European companies. The new strategy also advises on closer relations with strategic partners such as the USA, China, Russia, India and Brazil to facilitate trade and investment. The European Commission wants better reciprocity in the access to public markets with the emerging countries and is planning relaliation measures.

In view of the EU-Africa Summit that will take place on 29th and 30th November in Libya the Commission put forward proposals on 10th November that aim to consolidate the EU-Africa partnership, which still has to develop further. In effect although the achievement of the Millenium Development Goals (MDO) are still at the heart of the joint EU-Africa strategy the Commission acknowledges that it is necessary to help Africa strengthen its political and economic governance as well as the regulatory, budgetary and economic environment that will enable the mobilisation of the continent's forces long term. With this in mind the Commission is suggesting that the focus be on initiatives that may help to start off inclusive, sustainable growth long term. The EU-Africa partnership is the only strategic, continent to continent partnership in the world. It involves 1.5 billion inhabitants from 80 countries.

The European Commission inflicted fines on 11 air freight carriers (Air Canada, Air France-KLM, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Cargolux, Japan Airlines, LAN Chile, Martinair, SAS, Singapore Airlines and Qantas) to a total of 799,445,000 euros for having implemented worldwide an agreement that focused on freight services within the European Economic Area. The carriers indeed coordinated their action with regard to over taxing fuel and security whilst refusing any price reductions over a period of six years.

The Commission, which is obliged to present a report every three years on the progress made in terms of economic, social and territorial cohesion, took advantage of the presentation of the fifth report of this type on 10th November to reveal its vision of the future cohesion policy after 2013. The report insists on the fact that future funding should focus on a limited number of priorities in line with the goals set by the Europe 2020 strategy. To do this the Commission suggests establishing an overall strategic framework that will set out the priorities, objectives and necessary reforms to maximise the effect of investments made in terms of cohesion. Another idea put forward is to create incentives to make the implementation of cohesion programmes more effective and as ambitious as possible. The report also suggests ideas to simplify operational means by reducing administrative constraints.

On 11th November the European Commission presented its proposals for fishing quotas in European waters in 2011. It suggests reductions of up to 50% with regard to cod in the North Sea and the Atlantic. In several key fishing areas of this particular fish "there is no sign of improvement in the stocks". This is the case in the Irish Sea, West Scotland and in the Kattegat (a bay between Denmark and Sweden). For all species in all zones the Commission is suggesting a 10% reduction in fishing quotas next year representing a volume of 89,400 tonnes. Brussels believes that only 40% of fish stocks in European waters are in a satisfactory situation.

On 9th November the Commission published the first results of its EU anti-drug action plan (2009-2012). The Commission is trying to put an end to the free distribution of "legal highs" and it suggested on 20th October to ban across the entire Union, mephedrone, a drug like ecstasy which is already illegal in 15 Member States. The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction published its annual report on 10th November on the use of drugs in Europe. It notably draws attention to the fact that the economic crisis and budgetary austerity threatened the work to counter drugs leading to fears of a deterioration in the care of and a rise in consumption by the most vulnerable.

The European Commission published its enlargement strategy for 2010/2011 on 9th November. This document includes a summary of progress - or not - achieved over the last 12 months by Croatia, Iceland, Macedonia, Turkey, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia and Kosovo. With regard to Turkey the Commission draws a poor picture with regard to progress in membership negotiations. It also presented an opinion on Albania and Montenegro's ability to start membership negotiations. The European Commission suggests to grant Montenegro with the status of candidate country. With regard to Albania the Commission believes that this country has "already made progress on the road to EU integration" and spectacular economic progress. But is still has to overcome political problems to move onto a new stage towards membership.

The European Parliament finally approved legislation on 11th November with regard to enabling the control of speculative fund activities in the EU - since these have been accused of having amplified the financial crisis. The text was adopted 513 votes in favour, 92 against and 3 abstentions. The new legislation includes the creation of a "European passport" for fund managers whether they have their HQ in Europe (as of 2013) or elsewhere (as from 2015). This passport will enable them to market products across the entire EU, in exchange for good practice rules (transparency, risk management). The measure will not only apply to speculative funds but also to the so-called "alternative" funds - capital risk or private equity for example.

As the EU/USA summit approaches on 20th November MPs have delivered their recommendations to the Council on the way to manage trans-Atlantic issues such as econommic cooperation, personal data protection, the introduction of a travel tax and the leakage of classified American military documents on Iraq.

On 11th November the European Parliament voted in support of a financial instrument that will enable the release of 146 million euros in non-committed loans in view of funding energy saving projects, energy efficacy and renewable energies.

The European Union ought to rethink radically its exit strategy from Afghanistan recommend the MEPs of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee in a report that will be debated in a plenary session in December. In their opinion Europeans and their allies have to acknowledge the continued worsening in the country's security and socio-economic situation in spite of nearly a decade of international commitment and they should understand the need to involve the Afghans fully in an exit strategy, including the Taliban. MEPs suggest that this new strategy should focus on four key elements: improvement in coordinating international aid; the refining of the EU's role and the participation of Afghan players in the peace process, improvement in the quality of the training of the police and the fight to eliminate the culture of opium.

Consumers should be warned about "behavioural advertising" and be warned when they are being targeted says a report by MEP Philippe Juvin (French EPP) adopted by a wide majority by MEPs of the European Parliament's Internal Market and Consumer Committee. Although the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive of 2005 provides a vital legislative framework to counter misleading or aggressive advertising it is not enough in the face of greater technological developments. The report demands a clearly visible mention of "behavioural advertising" in the advertisements involved next to a window explaining briefly what this practice is. The consumer should also receive full information on the way data is collated and used. The vote in plenary session is planned for December.

On 8th November the 27 European Interior Ministers continued their discussions on the joint European asylum regime and planned the upcoming opening of the European asylum support bureau without however saying exactly when this would happen. In addition to this they decided to set down a policy to counter major international organised crime. This should establish annual action plans based on a strategy defined by the Commission. This system should lead to optimum cooperation between the competent services in each Member State, together with the EU institutions and agencies as well as other countries and organisations involved. Finally they gave their go-ahead to the liberalisation of visas for citizens from Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina as from 15th December next.

In spite of the work undertaken on 11th November the Council and the European Parliament did not reach agreement on the 2011 budget. This is the first budget negotiated in the context of the Lisbon Treaty. The latter gives the Parliament the same powers of decision as the States with regard to spending; the same applies to own resources that feed the budget with regard to which the Parliament is simply consulted. The Parliament said it is ready to accept the limitation of spending demanded by the States in the 2011 budget ie 2.9% (equivalent to 3.5 billion euros) on condition that it is involved in the future funding of the EU. This position is deemend unfortunate by several Member States that do not want to commit to a discussion over own resources.

The EU Court of Justice deemed on 9th November that the publication by Member States of the names of the beneficiaries of agricultural subsidies contravene the respect of private life and invited the European Commission to amend this measure. As part of an initiative that aims to enhance transparency with regard to the use of European funds the European Commission decided in 2005 to publish, according to each country involved, the list of the beneficiaries of aid, revealing the name, address and the total amount of aid received on the internet. The publication of the beneficiaries' names, notably, is undoubtedly unnecessary suggests the judgement, which accuses the Council and the Commission of having "exceeded the limits set by the principle of proportionality."

German MPs adopted a new reform of the healthcare service on 12th November after months of dispute. The reform will "settle issues in 2011 and start the transfer over to a better, fairer system," indicated Healthcare Minister Philipp Rösler. On the day before, 11th November, the Bundestag adopted a law that is to limit the prices of medicines which are much higher in Germany than in most other countries.

According to the annual report by the Council of Experts for the appreciation of overall economic development ("five Sages") that was delivered to German Chancellor Angela Merkel on 10th November, the rise of the German economy is likely to continue long term. Economists are forecasting a growth rate of 3.7% in 2010 and 2.2% in 2011. The report comforts the government in continuing its reform and mentions amongst other matters the consolidation of budgets and the reform of the social security systems.

Estonian Prime Minister Andrus Ansip travelled to Finland on 9th November where he discussed cooperation between the two countries, economic perspectives and energy issues with Finnish Prime Minister Mari Kiviniemi.

On 9th November the Constitutional Council validated the law with regard to the reform of retirement pensions that progressively raises the legal age of retirement from 60 to 62 and from 65 to 67 for full retirement. The next day French President Nicolas Sarkozy promulgated the law.

The IMF confirmed on 9th November its support for the British government's austerity policy saying that it did not threaten "moderate" economic recovery expected over the next few years. "Economic recovery is now on-going in the UK" says the IMF in its annual report on the country.

A new Eurostat survey published on 10th November and undertaken in the 27 EU Member States, Norway and Croatia reveals that more than half of companies innovate. Amongst these companies one third cooperate with external partners (other companies, universities and/or public research institutes). The highest shares of cooperation in terms of innovation were seen in Denmark (57% of all innovative companies), Cyprus (51%), Belgium and Estonia (49% each) and the lowest rates were in Romania (14%), Italy (16%), Bulgaria and Latvia (17% each). It should be noted that 11% of innovative companies cooperate with a partner in another EU Member State, in an EFTA country or with a candidate country in comparison with 3% who work with an American company and 2% with a partner from India or China.

During the third quarter of 2010 the GDP in the euro area and that of the EU increased by 0.4% in comparison with the previous quarter according to estimates published by Eurostat on 12th November. Over the second quarter of 2010 the growth rate lay at +1%. In comparison with the same quarter one year ago the GDP adjusted according to seasonal variations recorded a rise of 1.9% in the euro area and 2.1% in the EU over the third quarter of 2010, against +1.9% and +2% in the previous quarter.

Industrial production adjusted according to seasonal variations decreased in the euro area by 0.9% and by 0.5% in the EU in September 2010 in comparison with August 2010. In August production increased respectively by 1.1% and by 0.9%. The Eurostat study published on 12th November revealed that production of non-durable consumer goods diminished 6% in the euro area and by 0.3% in the EU. Energy production declined respectively by 0.9% and by 0.7%. Intermediary goods declined by 1.3% and 0.7%. Investment goods diminished respectively by 1.3% and 0.8%. Durable consumer goods recorded a decline of 3% and 2.5%.

According to a new Eurobarometer survey published on 8th November two thirds of Europeans think that Europe benefits greatly from international trade. European citizens are aware of the origin of products they buy, notably in the food sector. They also seem to have confidence in the EU's economic potential since they consider it to be the biggest world partner in international trade and think that it can compete with those on the outside. The EU, the world's leading trade power, represents 20% of the total volume of imports and exports worldwide. However European citizens want the trade policy to lead to the creation of jobs rather than the simple exchange of capital between States.

The Centre for European Policy Studies has published a paper by Christian Fahrholz and Cezary Wojcik entitled "The European Council Summit and the Political Economics of the EMU Crisis". In this paper the authors notably address the weakness of the present governance of the EMU.

For the first time in sixteen years the European Court of Auditors has given a favourable opinion to the execution of the European budget. This was decided by the Court's President, Vitor Caldeira on the occasion of the annual Court of Auditors report on 9th November delivered to the European Parliament. Errors in the budget for spending relative to Cohesion, he explained, are much lower than in the previous years. He said that the Commission had improved the quality of the information with regard to recovering unduly paid sums of money, noting however that this information was still not totally reliable.

Combat planes have comprised one third of world transfers in major weapons over the last five years, with the USA as one of the main suppliers and India, the Arab Emirates and Israel as the leading purchasers according to the Sipri. In a report published on 10th November the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri) notes that from 2005-2009 the USA sold 341 machines (in comparison with 286 over the five previous years), Russia 219 (against 331) and France 75 (58).

As part of the draft finance law for 2011 Roland Blum, MP for the Bouches du Rhône has written a report on France's participation in the EU's budget. He notably mentions the issue of the French contribution and the importance of relations between France and Germany within the Union.

Jacques Rigaud, an honorary advisor to the State and member of the Robert Schuman Foundation board has published a book entitled "Quand les ombres s'allongent. Petit traité de sagesse et d'impatience à l'usage des générations montantes" (When the shadows grow longer. A small treaty of wisdom and impatience for the use of the future generations). He recalls the heritage of values of the old world that should be passed on and gives his vision of a complex and contradictory world.

The National Middle Ages Museum in Paris is devoting an exhibition to art in Slovakia at the end of the Middle Ages until the 10th January. This is the first review of this size of the medieval period in Slovakia. This exhibition "Out of Gold and Fire" takes the public on a journey to discover this cradle of art in Europe in the 15th century. This exhibition is being organised by the Rmn and the National Middle Ages Museum together with the National Gallery of Bratislava.

Three of the five paintings by Paul Cézanne illustrating card players together with the preparatory studies and drawings have been included in the new exhibition at the Courtauld Gallery in London. This exhibition is open to the public until 16th January.

The art and culture of the Renaissance of the towns and countryside along the Rhine are being presented in a major exhibition at the Rheinisches Landmuseum in Bonn until 6th February. Around 300 items from Germany and abroad review the time of humanism, the Reform and the Counter Reform.

From 15th to 22nd November the town of Pessac will be hosting the 21st International Festival of Film History. This year on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the independence of the 18 countries of black Africa this event will focus on this complex subject that heralded the end of the colonies.

The Rodin Museum is devoting an exhibition to English sculptor Henry Moore (1898-1986) until 27th February. This exhibition is the first major retrospective to be organised in Paris in the last thirty years and is the occasion to re-establish links with the sculptor whose story with the Rodin Museum goes back to 1956, notably during the international exhibitions organised in the gardens of the Hotel Biron and then the two exhibitions that were devoted to him in 1961 and 1971.

The Groeningemuseum of Bruges is presenting an exhibition until 30th January entitled "De Van Eyck to Dürer" bringing together over 150 paintings, illuminated manuscripts, miniatures, engravings, sculptures from the biggest museums in Europe and America.