The presidential election held in the Serb Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina on 23 November was won by Sinisa Karan. He succeeds the leader of the Bosnian Serbs, Milorad Dodik.

On 20 November, the European Commission presented measures on digital justice aimed at modernising judicial systems and ensuring that legal professionals are equipped with tools adapted to the digital age. The strategy includes practical training on digital tools for cross-border cooperation and secure communication technologies.

On 20 November, the European Commission presented measures to help people achieve an adequate income in retirement by improving access to better supplementary pensions. The proposed actions aim to complement public pensions in the European Union and are part of the Savings and Investment Union (SIEU) strategy. The Robert Schuman Foundation offers a summary table to help better understand the pension systems and their evolution in the Member States of the European Union.

On 17 November, the agriculture and fisheries ministers discussed food security and the targeting of aid, as well as crisis preparedness. They supported a degree of flexibility for Member States when implementing direct payments. They noted that Ukraine, as a major exporter of foodstuffs to the EU, was partly replacing previous Russian exports. Finally, they exchanged views on fishing opportunities in the Atlantic and North Seas, as well as in the Mediterranean and Black Seas.

On 24 November, the Council adopted the budget for 2026 with total commitments set at €192.8 billion and payments at €190.1 billion. The European Parliament is due to give its final approval in plenary on 26 November.

The foreign affairs ministers, meeting on 20 November, approved conclusions on the Pact for the Mediterranean, presented by the Commission on 16 October. This pact confirms that the Mediterranean region is a strategic priority for the Union. They imposed restrictive measures against ten individuals responsible for serious human rights violations and the repression of civil society and democratic opposition in Russia. Finally, they discussed the situation in the Middle East, the Sahel and Sudan.

The 4th Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum was held on 20 and 21 November. The European Union highlighted the progress made on the security and defence partnerships agreed with Japan and Korea and the conclusion of negotiations on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with Indonesia. The EU reiterated its commitment to investing in the Indo-Pacific on all fronts, establishing new partnerships and strengthening cooperation on the protection of critical maritime infrastructure. Finally, the EU announced financial and technical support for the development of the ASEAN Power Grid, as well as the launch or reinforcement of multiple projects via the Global Gateway initiative, which aims to strengthen links in the digital field.

On 22 and 23 November, the G20 leaders met in Johannesburg, South Africa, to discuss sustainable economic growth, development and its financing. They drew up a joint declaration aimed at promoting inclusive growth, strengthening global stability by reasserting multilateralism, international law and the United Nations Charter, and seeking a just peace in conflict zones. Finally, the declaration promotes intensified efforts to achieve global carbon neutrality by mid-century, limiting global warming to 1.5°C, with a commitment to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030.

Since 2023, the Schuman Network has been working with 21 organisations from 13 European countries. With more than 190 publications, the Schuman Network strives to promote cooperation between European research centres to share reliable, high-quality analysis. Through this work, the Schuman Network affirms its role as an essential platform for strengthening intellectual cooperation and supporting democratic resilience in Europe.

Europeans, too accustomed to the comfort of peace, underestimate the seriousness of the threats they face, between Russian aggression and the unpredictability of an America tempted to withdraw. In a world where conflict could be devastating, any weakness in the face of authoritarian regimes would be dangerous. Europe must take responsibility for its own security, stop being defensive and go on the offensive to assert its democratic model.

On 19 November, the Kosovan parliament rejected the formation of a government led by Glauk Konjufca (Vetëvendosje), receiving only 56 votes of the 61 required. This is the second time that Vetevendosje has failed to win a majority in parliament after the first attempt on 26 October. To resolve this political impasse, Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani has announced that early elections will be held on 28 December.

On 20 November, the Spanish Supreme Court convicted the State Prosecutor General, Álvaro García Ortiz, of disclosing confidential information about the tax fraud case involving the businessman Alberto González Amador. He was fined, banned from practising law for two years and ordered to pay the costs of the proceedings. This is the first time that a serving State Attorney General has been convicted.

On 19 November, negotiators from the Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on a directive aimed at harmonising certain aspects of insolvency law. By aligning national rules, the European Union will become more attractive to investors. Today, cross-border investors have to consider up to 27 different insolvency regimes when assessing an investment opportunity in another country. This is a major step towards more efficient and integrated European capital markets, which are essential for the EU's competitiveness.

On 22 November, leaders from Europe and other countries (Canada, Japan, Norway, United Kingdom) adopted a declaration stating that the draft 28-point plan presented by the United States was a useful basis, even if it still needed to be adjusted. They stressed that borders should not be changed by force and expressed concern about the proposed restrictions on the Ukrainian army. They also reiterated that any decision involving the European Union or NATO must have the agreement of their members. Finally, they reiterated their continued strong support for Ukraine and their willingness to continue coordinating with Kyiv and Washington.