European countries continue to phase out health measures. On 27 May, the French Parliament adopted the bill on the end of the state of health emergency, which introduces a health certificate from 9 June for large gatherings. On 26 May, the Austrian Parliament adopted the introduction of a certificate allowing access to restaurants, hotels and cultural venues. In Croatia, since 28 May, restaurants can serve indoors and gatherings of more than 100 people are allowed outdoors. In Sweden, the plan to ease the measures starts on 1 June with some gatherings allowed. To follow the development of the situation, the Foundation offers you a complete map of the sanitary measures in place and the travel conditions across Europe. An essential, regularly updated resource for a better understanding of the situation.

While the democratic movement in Belarus continues despite the repression, the Commission presented on 28 May a €3 billion support plan that will be activated as soon as a democratic transition is underway. In response to the hijacking of a plane on 23 May and the arrest of a journalist who was on board, the EU is also preparing new economic and sectoral sanctions. To follow the crisis since the rigged presidential election of August 2020, the Foundation offers you a timeline of events and links to European responses and initiatives.

On 26 May, the Commission published its proposals to strengthen the code of practice against disinformation. It recommends stronger commitments from signatories, as well as a wider involvement of online advertising and private messaging services. It recommends a reduction in financial incentives for disinformation and the establishment of a transparency centre, which indicates the policies adopted to implement the code of practice.

On 28 May, the Commission presented an economic support package for a "future democratic Belarus", worth up to €3 billion, which will be available for implementation once a political transition is underway in the country. The package will comprise a combination of grants and loans mobilising public and private investment to help Belarus stabilise and develop its economy and democratise its institutions.

On 31 May, the Commission presented its new recommendations on the coordination of free movement in the EU. It proposes a gradual easing of restrictions, in particular for holders of the European certificate who are vaccinated, have a certificate of immunity to Covid-19 or a negative PCR or antigenic test. The Commission also proposes to adapt the thresholds of the colour-coded card published by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control in line with the epidemiological situation and progress in vaccination.

On 27 and 28 May, the ministers responsible for competitiveness discussed Europe's industrial strategy, the future of the tourism sector, the functioning of the single market and the future of research and innovation in the Union. They reached an agreement on the financing of the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC). They discussed the regulation of platforms through the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA). On this occasion, France, Germany and the Netherlands presented their proposals to amend the Commission's proposal on the DMA.

At an informal meeting in Lisbon on 28 May, defence ministers discussed considerations regarding the Union's strategic compass, relations with NATO, the partnership with Africa for peace and security, as well as the European military mission in Mozambique, which should be formally approved in June to train Mozambican special forces to contain violence in the Cabo Delgado region.

Negotiations between the Council and the Parliament on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy under the new multi-annual budget failed to reach an agreement after three days of talks from 25 to 27 May. The Parliament's negotiator, Norbert Lins, called on Member States to be more flexible so as to achieve a "greener, fairer and more forward-looking" agriculture. Portuguese Agriculture Minister Maria do Ceu Antunes, acting on behalf of the Council, expressed her determination to reach an agreement in June to "strengthen the European agri-food system".

The Council announced on 31 May that all Member States have notified it of the ratification of the Own Resources Decision, allowing the EU to make available the €672.5 billion in funds under the Recovery and Resilience Facility. As a first step, the Commission will start borrowing on the capital markets.

The Council extended EU sanctions against the Syrian regime for another year on 27 May. 283 individuals are subject to an asset freeze and travel ban, and 70 entities to an asset freeze, because of their role in the "continued repression" of the civilian population in the country. The restrictions also include an oil import ban, restrictions on certain investments, a freeze on Central Bank of Syria assets held in the EU, and restrictions on the export of equipment and technology that could be used for internal repression.

On 26 May, the Council launched negotiations for an investment facilitation agreement with Angola. The aim is to promote sustainable and responsible investment. This is the first agreement negotiated by the EU in connection with the ongoing discussions at the World Trade Organisation on facilitating investment for development.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended extending the use of BioNtech/Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine to children aged 12-15 years.

After 15 years at the helm of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Mexico's Angel Gurria will hand over the reins on 1 June to his successor, Australian Mathias Cormann.

Until 31 December, the Victoria & Albert Museum in London is offering an immersive and theatrical exhibition on Alice in Wonderland, and the changing representations of the characters created by Lewis Carroll.

The Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid is highlighting the artistic production of Morocco in the exhibition "Moroccan Trilogy 1950-2020", open until 27 September, with a special focus on three urban centres: Tetouan, Casablanca and Tangiers.

Until 12 September, the James Simon Gallery on Berlin's Museum Island is hosting an exhibition dedicated to Akhmim, one of the most important religious, political and cultural centres of ancient Egypt. The exhibition presents a series of archaeological finds from extensive necropolises and tombs dating back six millennia.

Until 21 August, the Hôtel de Ville in Paris is hosting "Nous vous aimons, Madame", an exhibition devoted to Simone Veil. 500 archival documents and photographs retrace the personal and political life of this personality who was the first President of the European Parliament elected by universal suffrage.

From 1 to 16 June, the 19th edition of the Lyon Dance Biennial will be held. The event brings together young and experienced artists from the international contemporary scene, from 21 countries in Europe and Africa. For the first time, the festival is offering a new online event: the Fagor experience, a series of artistic performances and video installations.

Until 22 November, the Centre Pompidou-Metz is hosting the exhibition "Face à Arcimboldo" which includes 250 works by 100 artists inspired by the 16th century Italian artist.

The Château de Fontainebleau presents "Encountering Napoleon I", an opportunity to explore the daily life of the emperor and to see how he left his mark on the former residence of kings. The exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to view over 700 works related to his life: portraits, busts, swords and bicorns.