On 9th September MEPs, who met in plenary in Strasbourg, adopted the legislative resolution regarding the emergency relocation mechanism for an initial 40,000 asylum seekers, 498 votes in support, 158 votes against and 37 abstentions. Parliament is proposing that asylum seekers who are relocated from Italy (24,000) and Greece (16,000) will be able to establish a ranking in order of preference of the Member States in which they would like to be relocated. Their choices should then be motivated by criteria of family, social and cultural links (linguistic competence, stay, studies or prior work experience).

On 11th September the Foreign Ministers of the Visegrad group (Slovakia, Hungary, Czech Republic and Poland) met their German and Luxembourg counterparts to discuss concrete measures to take in managing the external dimension of the refugee crisis. The four countries "support a common, mutually acknowledged solution" and "declare that they are prepared to take part in European action by providing expertise and financial, technical and logistic assistance." They continue to maintain that "relocation must really only be a temporary, emergency measure" and ask for the focus to be on the migratory route in the Western Balkans, the stabilisation of the European neighbourhood, the fight to counter human trafficking and smugglers, on development aid and humanitarian assistance in the countries of origin and transit, and finally on international cooperation within the community of the UN.

On 11th September the Spanish government approved the "decision in view of the international humanitarian crisis and the increase in the number of asylum seekers." This first subsidy totalling 13 million € in 2015 and 2016 is designed for the reception and integration of people demanding and benefiting from Spain's international protection. Its aim is to increase the network of places available in additional centres and to finance information, orientation, social intervention, psychological aid, legal assistance, translation and interpretation services as well as first reception on national soil and intervention on border posts as well as renovating reception centres in Ceuta and Melilla.

Germany is suspending its open-door policy. In the present refugee crisis Germany has relinquished the rule to dispatch exiled migrants back to the country in which they first arrived in the EU in order to relieve migratory pressure that is weighing on the countries of Central Europe. The result was the entry of 63,000 people in just two weeks. In order to relieve migrant reception structures Germany has temporarily introduced controls on its border with Austria. At the same time the Austrian rail company has suspended traffic with Germany whilst the Czech Republic also announced the strengthening of its border with Austria.

Following the "Justice and Internal Affairs Council on 14th September the Presidency, with the support of a large majority of the delegations presented the following conclusions: the Commission and the Member States agreed to develop opportunities for refugee relocation as quickly as possible, to increase the EU's and Member States' budgetary support, notably a regional trust fund to help UNHCR meet refugee requirements in camps near their countries of origin. The Council also highlighted the need for effective border control to manage migratory flows and committed to stepping up ongoing action, notably EUNAVFOR, and to deploy Frontex rapid intervention teams immediately to the borders. Finally the Council agreed to release funds to help Greece improve its reception capacities, its asylum system, the management of its borders and to help the Western Balkan countries affected by the refugee crisis, as well as increase cooperation with Turkey. Earlier in the afternoon the Council also gave its approval to relocate 40,000 refugees from Greece and Italy.

On 9th September the President of the Commission Jean-Claude Juncker presented his speech on the State of the Union to the European Parliament which convened in plenary in Strasbourg. The speech that lasted one and a half hours was mainly devoted to the refugee crisis experienced at present by the EU. Mr Juncker recalled on this occasion that Europe itself had a long history of refugees and that it had set up the right to asylum as a one of the Union's fundamental rights. Although Europe might not be able to receive all of the refugees, the latter only represented 0.11% of its total population. Mr Juncker would like the EU to receive 160,000 refugees and for it to build a European Asylum System whose standards will be implemented by all of the Member States. Hence the Commission launched a second emergency relocation mechanism for the 120,000 refugees who have already arrived in Italy, Greece and Hungary, put forward a list of countries of safe countries of origin and a Permanent Relocation Mechanism. The Commission will propose a migration package in 2016. The Commission is also proposing the creation of an Emergency Trust Fund of 1.8 billion euro for Africa to address the causes of migration at the root. Mr. Juncker then addressed the Greek crisis asking for the programme that was adopted to be accepted and respected by all of those involved and by all Greek governments. Regarding economic and monetary Union the President hopes that the European Parliament will be more involved in the future. Mr Juncker then addressed the issue of taxation by proposing the establishment of a Euro Area Treasury which would be supported by the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and the taxation of profits in the countries where they are made. Regarding social issues the President announced that he wanted to work towards the creation of a European social rights base during the first half of 2016. Finally Mr Juncker hopes for an improved international representation of the euro zone via a single representative at the IMF.

On 8th September the European Commission announced the conclusions of negotiations between the EU and the US regarding high data protection standards for transatlantic police cooperation. The agreement covers all types of personal data exchanged between the EU and the US for purposes of prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of criminal offences, including terrorism. This agreement establishes clear boundaries in terms of data use, a prior agreement to ulterior transfers, precise retention periods, access and rectification rights, information in the event of security breaches, judicial redress and enforceability rights. European citizens will now enjoy treatment equal to that of their counterparts in the US. The agreement now has to be signed by the two parties involved.

In a letter dated 9th September addressed to Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament and Xavier Bettel, the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, the President of the Commission Jean-Claude Juncker and his first Vice-President Frans Timmermans lay out the main initiatives that will be taken by the Commission over the last few months in 2015 and by the end of 2016.

On 11th September the European Commission launched public consultations on the future regulation of telecoms in Europe. The first focuses on broad band requirements, the second on the review of the present telecoms framework. They will be open until 7th December 2015.

On Tuesday 8th September MEPs met in plenary and adopted a non-legislative resolution 369 votes in support, 291 against and 58 abstentions, which focuses on fundamental rights in the EU in 2013-2014. Regarding the fundamental rights of migrants and asylum seekers MEPs are asking for vigorous steps to be taken and also the introduction of an effective, harmonised asylum system across the EU. They also expressed their concern about conditions in reception centres, "hot returns", barbed wire and other measures of dissuasion. Regarding the austerity measures MEPs want an impact study to be undertaken focusing on fundamental rights and the guarantee of adequate resources for the respect of these. Finally regarding the monitoring of fundamental rights in the Member States MEPs believe that the Commission should set up a scoreboard with "joint, objectives" indicators.

On 9th September MEP rapporteurs on the budget José Manuel Fernandes (EPP) and Gérard Deprez (ALDE), delivered their thoughts on the 2016 budget put forward by the Council on 4th September. The budget put forward comprising 153.2 billion euro in commitments and 140 billion in payments would lead to reductions of 563.6 million euro for new projects and 1.4 billion euro in terms of new bills in 2016 in comparison with the Commission's proposal. J.M. Fernandes believes that "the Council's cuts are unacceptable, incomprehensible and inconsistent". G Deprez highlighted the "need for adequate financing for organisations addressing the refugee issue some of whose funds have been cut by the Council." The most important cuts would affect foreign policy tools, financing for neighbouring countries, transport network programmes and research. Parliament is due to deliver its position on the issue before 29th October, the date on which 21 days of conciliation talks will start between the Council and the Parliament.

In a non-legislative resolution adopted on 9th September in plenary 408 votes in support, 236 against and 40 abstentions, MEPs ask for measures to be taken in terms of gender equality at all levels in the education system including in teacher training and the curriculum. These measures aim to close the gap between women's education and their professional development, abolish stereotypes associated with gender and strengthen self-confidence and support relations based on respect and reciprocity.

On 9th September the European Parliament voted in plenary in support of the ratification of the World Trade Organisation's Trade Facilitation Agreement. This should help simplify and modernise customs procedures across the world, help SMEs access new export opportunities and increase countries' commitment to development in the world value chain. To become effective this agreement has to be ratified and implemented. If the Council also approves this agreement at the beginning of October the EU will become the 17th participant in the Agreement. It has planned to devote up to 400 million € to help developing countries finance reform and customs system improvement projects, thereby making this agreement effective.

In a resolution adopted 378 votes in support, 111 against and 138 abstentions on 10th September MEPs invited Russia to free Eston Kohver, Oleg Sentsov and Olexandr Koltchenko immediately; this also included all Ukrainian citizens held illegally including Nadia Savchenko. In addition to this "they firmly condemn the flagrant infringement of Ukrainian and Estonian territorial integrity with the illegal kidnapping of citizens from both of these countries who have subsequently been sentenced by a Russian court that has no competence to try them.

On 10th September the nominations for the 2015 Sakharov Prize for the Freedom of Thought were unveiled at the European Parliament. Amongst the candidates there feature Boris Nemtsov, a Russian physicist, former deputy prime minister and opposition politician who was assassinated in Moscow in February 2015. Another candidate Raif Badawi is a Saudi blogger sentenced to 10 years in prison and 1000 lashes of the whip and a heavy fine for having insulted the values of Islam on his site Free Saudi Liberals. On the other hand three whistle-blowers Edward Snowden already nominated in 2013, Antoine Deltour and Stéphane Gibaud have also been shortlisted. This prize, created in 1988, honours personalities who try to defend human rights and fundamental freedoms. It will be awarded in October.

On 12th September the Eurogroup met in Luxembourg to discuss the euro zone's economic situation, the 7th assessment of the economic adjustment programme ongoing in Cyprus and the most recent developments in Greece. During his concluding remarks President Jeroen Dijsselbloem announced that ministers had agreed on an instrument to benchmark the tax burden on labour in the euro zone and that they had adopted a declaration on this issue.

During the "General Affairs" Council on 14th September ministers started preparations for the European Council of 15th and 16th October that will focus on migratory isues, reviewing what has been done since the European Council in June and in preparation for the summit in Valette on 11th and 12th November during which European and African leaders will try to strengthen their cooperation to rise to the challenge of migration. Ministers also noted the letter sent by Mssrs Juncker and Timmermans on the Commission's work programme for 2016. Finally they deemed that the EUNAVFOR-MED mission could enter its second phrase on the high seas and they decided to extend European sanctions against Russia due to its activities damaging the territorial integrity, sovereignty and the independence of Ukraine.

On 10th September whilst the American Congress was about to vote on the support it will provide or not to the E3+3 agreement (France, Germany, UK, USA, China and Russia) achieved in terms of Iran limiting its nuclear programme, Ms Merkel and Mssrs Hollande and Cameron published a joint article in which they reassert their full support to this agreement. Indeed they believe that the goals set on enriched uranium, plutonium, the AIEA's room to manoeuvre, the progressive relief of sanctions or their re-introduction have been reached, being based on "careful monitoring, detailed descriptions, which can be checked on in the long term", thereby providing the basis for the final settlement of the issue of the Iranian nuclear programme.

Germany will provide all the financial means necessary to receive and integrate refugees who want to settle in the country promised German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble on 8th September. For Germany "completing this task is an absolute priority," he declared in a speech to the Bundestag, the lower chamber of the German parliament, where he presented the 2016 budget. The latter is likely to be amended to take on board the costs linked to the reception of several hundred thousand migrants this year and in the future, said Mr Schäuble. He deemed that it made no sense to "speculate about the final amount for the time being. We must finance this as far as is possible without contracting any further debts."

On 10th September Strasbourg inaugurated its European school, an establishment that is to contribute towards the town's status as European capital. Designed primarily for the children of EU civil servants this establishment has three linguistic sections - German, English and French. The teaching model which prepares pupils for the European baccalaureat is identical to existing European schools in Europe and which are approved by the EU.

French President François Hollande announced on 10th September the launch of COP21 which will take place in Paris in December. He recalled the urgency of the climate situation and therefore the need to come to an agreement that would lead to real measures being taken after the conference. However he also raised the issue of coming to a prior agreement, notably deciding on the means to finance 100 billion annual $ devoted to the fight to counter global warming as of 2020. The G20 summit which will take place in Turkey on 15th and 16th November is now vital from this point of view.

On 12th September in Berlin the French, German, Russian and Ukrainian Foreign Ministers came together to discuss the situation in the east of Ukraine and the implementation of the measures adopted in Minsk on 12th February 2015. During this meeting the ministers worked on the long term respect of the cease-fire, access by the OSCE's special observation mission to areas of fighting and the means to reach rapid agreement on the withdrawal of lighter weapons and armoured vehicles. They also discussed the organisation of elections and the opening of humanitarian logistics centres, the exchange of prisoners and free access by the International Committee of the Red Cross. Concrete proposals were prepared for the summit of Heads of State and government planned to take place in Paris at the beginning of October.

Prior to the EU/South Korea Summit that will take place on 15th September in Seoul Eurostat has published data on trade between the two players. The value of European Union (EU) exports of goods to South Korea has more than doubled over the period 2004-2014, from €17.9 bn in 2004 to a peak of €43.2 bn in 2014. Imports show a more varied trend over this 10-year time period. In 2014 they amounted to €39.0 bn, up by 9% compared with 2013 but still below the peak reached in 2007 (€41.7 bn). As a result, the EU trade balance with South Korea, which had constantly been in deficit from 2004 to 2012, has turned into a surplus for the last two years and stood at +€4.1 bn in both 2013 and 2014. Hence South Korea is the EU's 8th most important trade partner, behind Japan but ahead of India. The free-trade agreement between the EU and the Republic of South Korea entered into force in 2011.

From 10th September to 3rd January the 13th Lyon Biennale for contemporary art is taking place in Lyon. This year "La Vie Moderne" will be showing work by 61 artists many of whom come from Africa, Asia and Latin America. In line with contemporary debate visitors can notably see the Enigma sculpture by Liu Wei, the monumental megalopolis that raises the issue of humanity lost in the town which is visible on entering the Sucrière, a leading venue of the event on the banks of the Saône. Yearly the entire city is involved in this major exhibition which includes places like the Museum of Contemporary Art, the African Museum and the Tourette Convent.

The Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris is running an exhibition until 31st January on "Osiris, Egypt's sunken mysteries" with the aim of familiarising visitors with one of the founding legends of ancient Egypt. The exhibition shows the discoveries of submarine excavations undertaken in the Bay of Aboukir, notably the vestiges of the temples of Heracleion and Canopus which were the venue for huge ceremonies and religious ceremonies.

From 18th September to 10th February 2016 an exhibition is running at the Gegenwart Gallery in Hamburg devoted to Expressionist artist Emil Nolde (1867-1956). Hamburg is known for being the town which inspired Nolde in many of his works and where he also gained significant recognition. In this exhibition the links between Nolde and the town are explored with a total 200 of his works on show including vibrantly coloured paintings and watercolours, atmospheric etchings, woodcuts as well as dynamic brush-and-ink drawings.