In an analysis published for the initiative "UK in a Changing Europe" Jean-Claude Piris, a member of the Foundation's Scientific Committee offers food for thought regarding the future partnership between the EU and the UK.

The "Fondation de la Mer" published together with the Robert Schuman Foundation, the map of the EU's maritime areas. How many European islands do you know that lie at the other end of the earth?

On 7th November the Commission presented its proposal for fish captures in the Atlantic and the North Sea for 2018. It proposes to increase or maintain 53 fishing quotas and to reduce 25. The Commission's proposal is based on independent scientific opinions provided by the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES).

The 6th round of negotiations between the EU and the UK ended on 10th November without any significant progress being made. Indeed many disagreements remain over three key points. The Union has given the UK two weeks to clarify its commitments over the terms of their divorce, making one condition if it is to commit to the start of trade negotiations in December that London has been requesting in preparation for the post-Brexit period.

On 10th November the European Commission and the European Union's Diplomatic Service (EEAS) put forward several ideas to improve military mobility in the European Union.

On 9th November the European Commission raised its growth forecasts for 2017 and 2018, confident in the strength of economic recovery in spite of the uncertainties linked to Brexit. "The European economy is on the right path to grow this year at its fastest pace in ten years", with growth due to reach 2.3% in the Union and 2.2% in the euro zone in 2017 and 2.1% in 2018, commented the Commission which in May was counting on 1.7% in 2017 and 1.8% in 2018. The European executive delivered its first forecast for 2019 counting on growth of 1.9%.

The Military Committee met in Brussels on 6th and 7th November to discuss the Union's overall strategy in terms of security and defence, notably regarding the Permanent Structured Cooperation but also the EU-NATO cooperation, the fight to counter terrorism and the prevention of radicalisation.

On 8th November the Council validated the extension of the European Funds for Strategic Investments (EFSI). This follows an "improvement in investment conditions in Europe", that has been observed by the Council. Parliament still has to approve this new regulation.

The 28 Ministers responsible for trade studied progress that has been made in trade negotiations with Mexico, MERCOSUR and Japan. They discussed priorities as part of the negotiations in view of preparing the 11th WTO ministerial conference that will take place from 11th to 13th Décembre in Buenos Aires in Argentina.

On 13th November 23 Member States signed a Defence Pact (PESCO) in response to pressure that is being placed on the armies on the continent. France and Germany have been promoted this permanent structured cooperation that comes in response to Brexit and the American wish to reduce its military budget devoted to Europe.

The Foreign Ministers adopted sanctions on 13th November - including an embargo on arms - against Venezuela, with the aim of encouraging the government led by President Nicolas Maduro to start dialogue with the opposition. They also adopted a negotiation mandate to modernise the agreement with Chile.

As part of the inauguration of the Franco-German Museum of Hartmannswillerkopf in Colmar the President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier travelled to France on the eve of 11th November to meet his counterpart Emmanuel Macron. In a joint declaration the two heads of State advocated the strengthening of the Franco-German friendship and new impetus for Europe.

The President of the French Republic travelled on 9th November to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and to the United Arab Emirates notably to inaugurate the branch of the Louvre Museum there. The head of State also visited the French naval base at Abu Dhabi and met his Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

On 9th November the European Commission published its follow-up report on education and training. The latter indicates that national educational systems are more efficient and inclusive. However original socio-economic environments define more than ever the level of studies achieved by students.

As part of the 100th anniversary of the death of Rodin, the Berlin Alte Nationalgalerie is running an exhibition, from 17th November 2017 to 18th March 2018 on the bronze statue "Man and his Genius". This sculpture is closely linked to the works of two major writers: Rainer Maria Rilke, who helped spread Rodin's fame in Germany and Hugo von Hofmannsthal, who owned this statue, which was a great source of inspiration to him.

The International Film Festival is taking place in Stockholm until 19th November. More than 200 films from around 70 countries are being screened. Focus will be placed on the diversity of modern cinema.

From 18th November 2017 to 18th March 2018 the Monti di Pieta of Padua Palace is running an exhibition devoted to Galileo Galilee who was a humanist and academic, physicist, astronomer, philosopher, doctor and mathematician. Via the astronomer's ancient instruments, manuscripts and texts that Galileo wrote himself, famous works of art created using water colours and sketches, the exhibition shows how this genius succeeded in creating unity between the arts and science.

The Scanorama Festival is taking place until 26th November in four towns in Lithuania - Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda and Siaulai. This festival is focused on the Nordic and Baltic cinema.

The town of Bratislava, Slovakia is hosting its international film festival until 16th November. Many films of different nationalities will be screened as well as there being exhibition, shows and a variety of concerts.

The Festival of Light Luci d'Artista is taking place in Salerno until January 21st 2018. Organised with the support of the EU this event is a vast open nocturnal exhibition during which luminous works of art are on show in the streets and parks of Salerno.