The 2017 edition of the "Schuman Report on the State of the Union" has been published by Lignes de Repères in both French and English. This vital work will help you understand everything there is to know on Europe and can be found in bookshops or from the Foundation's website. You will notably find an article on the directive on posted workers drafted by Elisabeth Morin-Chartier. Order your copy now!

On 7th April the 19 Euro Area Finance Ministers approved the principles in view of a reform of the investment policy in each Member State. They noted the progress achieved in discussions between the Greek government, the Commission, the ECB, the IMF and the European Stability Mechanism regarding the reforms adopted.

"The European Union is a precious asset that we must not abandon or relinquish to the opponents of Europe. We must protect it, care for it and improve it - this is our joint historic duty", explained German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier who was visiting Strasbourg on 4th April.

MEPs lifted the remaining obstacle before the total suppression of additional roaming fees after the vote on 6th April. This will become effective on 15th June.

On 5th April MEPs adopted a resolution establishing their conditions in view of the final ratification of the agreement on the UK's exit of the EU. They notably recall that it is impossible to negotiate a new trade agreement without "tangible progress" on the withdrawal agreement.

MEPs exhorted the Russian authorities to free political prisoners including opponent Alexey Navalny in a resolution that they approved on 6th April.

On 5th April MEPs adopted two regulations regarding medical devices which establish a stronger modernised European legislative framework. It is designed to guarantee greater protection for public health, patient safety and greater transparency of information for consumers.

On 6th April the Council adopted additional restrictive measures against the People's Democratic Republic of North Korea. These measures complete and strengthen the sanctions set by the UN's Security Council's resolutions.

On 6th April the Prime Ministers of the Baltic States travelled to Kyiv on the occasion of the Security Forum. They reiterated their support of Ukraine in the face of Russia and declared that they supported the deepening of links between the EU-Ukraine notably via visa exemption for Ukrainians travelling to Europe.

As of 7th April the Schengen Border Code provides for a strengthening of security measures on the entry and exit of the Schengen area. During a control the border police must systematically consult police databases and not simply control the validity of the identity document.

The investigative committee on European borders, the control of flows of people and merchandise in Europe and the future of the Schengen Area at the Senate delivered its report on 4th April after having heard 31 people including the Foundation's Chair, Jean-Dominique Giuliani. Given the terrorist threat and the migratory crisis the Schengen Area must be protected and reformed in order to strengthen safety. The investigative committee of the Senate has put forward 32 measures in this direction.

Until 16th April, Spain is organising some major celebrations for Easter during the Holy Week. Daily and night processions, with Biblical scenes and even concerts will take place across the entire country.

For the 14th year Documenta is taking place in Athens until 16th July. The exhibition unveils the work of over 160 artists in more than 40 public institutions.

On the occasion of its Easter Festival and until 23rd April the town of Aix-en-Provence is organising many classical music concerts.