The Spanish Parliamentary elections of 20th December did not enable the formation of a clear majority government and so the Spanish are being called to ballot again on 26th June. According to the most recent poll by IBES, published on 26th May the People's Party is due to come out ahead with 30% of the vote, followed by Unidos Podemos (25%), the PSOE (20%) and Ciudadanos (14%).

On 2nd June in Paris there will be a debate on the British referendum of 23rd June notably with Thierry Chopin, Research Director for the Foundation.

In an editorial on his site, Jean-Dominique Giuliani, Chairman of the Foundation calls for debate about Europe.

Euro zone Finance Ministers came to an agreement on 24th May on Greece in view of finalising the macro-economic adjustment programme from which the country is benefiting. This agreement will enable the European Stability Mechanism to release a further tranche of financial assistance of 10.3 billion €, of which 7.5 billion in June.

The G7 heads of State and government, who met in Japan on 26th and 27th May (Germany, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, UK, USA) exchanged views on the present main issues and published a joint declaration.

After a two-day meeting in Meseberg, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Sigmar Gabriel announced agreement on 25th May over the "Integration Act", based on the principle whereby the State will provide assistance to new arrivals but expects the latter to contribute in return to their integration.

On 25th May the European Commission presented measures aiming to help consumers and businesses purchase and sell products and on-line services more easily, in a totally safe manner across the Union. It also proposed an update of European audiovisual rules as well as a new approach to on-line platforms.

On 26th May MEPs adopted a resolution that aims to increase the potential of the single market of goods and services to the benefit of consumers and businesses.

On 24th May the 28 European Affairs Ministers held their second annual dialogue on the rule of law, notably insisting on the challenges generated by the present migratory flows regarding the upkeep of European values.

On 26th May the European Ministers adopted a guideline on the draft decision on the use of UHF in the Union (470-790MHz).

On 26th and 27th May the European Ministers agreed on the main principles to maintain the portability of on line service digital content and adopted conclusions on digital technologies as well as on research and innovation.

On 30th May European Ministers adopted conclusions regarding the role played by the youth sector in preventing and countering violent radicalisation amongst young people, as well as regarding the promotion of education to the media and the critical approach adopted to the means of education and training. They also debated the modernisation of higher education.

On 26th May on the sidelines of the G7 European and Japanese leaders recalled their firm intention of stepping up negotiations for the economic partnership between the EU and Japan.

The economic and financial dialogue between the EU, the Western Balkans and Turkey took place on 25th May. On this occasion participants expressed their satisfaction with the timely submission of the Balkans' programme for economic reform (ERP) but regretted the delay suffered by Turkey's ERP.

On 27th May the Council extended the restrictive measures taken by the EU against the Syrian regime until 1st June 2017 and adopted further restrictions regarding North Korea.

From 2nd to 5th June 2016 the Economic Festival of Trento will be taking place. This is the festival's 11th year and will focus on the theme of "Where growth takes place".

On 26th May NATO sent material to Ukraine to enable the removal and destruction of obsolete weapons in the regions of Donetsk and Lugansk.

On 24th May the European Investment Bank published its 2015 activity report presenting the main events of the past year as well as future prospects.

On 27th May the WTO published its 2016 annual report covering its activities in 2015 and at the beginning of 2016.

The Festival of the Old Town of Tallinn will be taking place between 1st and 5th June. Organised since 1982 the festival takes place in the squares, streets, cafés and bars which are brought to life with music, artistic productions and theatre plays.

The exhibition "Francis Bacon: Invisible Rooms" is running until 18th September at the Tate Gallery of Liverpool. The exhibition reviews the central leitmotif in the British artist's work.

La Valette is hosting its second film festival from 3rd to 11th June.

The performing arts festival "Holland Festival" is taking place from 4th to 26th June in Amsterdam. The programme includes dance, theatre, concerts and films.

Until 30th October the Museum of Cycladic Art -MCA- in Athens will be running an exhibition by Ai Weiwei, a first for the artist in Greece and in an archaeological museum.