On 24th June, the Council adopted a revised directive to facilitate voting and eligibility for European citizens residing in another Member State. These new rules aim to improve access to electoral information, harmonise registration procedures and prevent double voting. They also offer safeguards to prevent people from being accidentally removed from the electoral roll in their country of origin. This reform aims to strengthen democratic participation and trust in the European Union. Member States will have two years to transpose the directive into national law.

At their meeting on 23rd and 24th June, agriculture and fisheries ministers approved a European forest monitoring framework aimed at strengthening sustainable forest management through an approach based on national data. They discussed agricultural trade issues, calling for trade diversification while protecting European producers. The simplification of the CAP was welcomed, although some expressed reservations about data governance. Progress was noted on animal welfare and plant material, but differences remain. Finally, on fisheries, the focus was on sustainability, stability and food sovereignty.

On 24 June, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset signed an agreement establishing a Special Tribunal to try crimes of aggression against Ukraine. This tribunal fills a gap left by the International Criminal Court, which lacks jurisdiction over this matter due to legal constraints. Supported by the 46 member states of the Council of Europe, it aims to prosecute the main political and military leaders responsible for the Russian invasion. This historic step, hailed as a symbol of justice and international responsibility, now paves the way for other states to participate in an expanded partial agreement.

The largest exhibition ever devoted to Jenny Saville in the United Kingdom traces three decades of the contemporary painter's career at the National Portrait Gallery until 7 September. From charcoal drawings to monumental canvases, "The Anatomy of Painting" unveils 45 major works from public and private collections, questioning beauty, the body and art history.

The Prague Kunsthalle is hosting an exhibition until 13th October that will explore the work and unique relationship of one of the most discreet and radical artist couples of the 20th century. Anna-Eva Bergman and Hans Hartung, united by a life marked by separation, war and shared creativity, are brought together through more than 300 pieces of work including paintings, rare sketches, photographs, studio objects, correspondence and intimate gifts. Despite their distinct styles, their artistic approaches converge in a common inspiration where dialogue and tension fuel their respective evolution.

The Savonlinna Opera Festival is held from 4th July to 2nd August at the medieval castle of Olavinlinna in Finland. This spectacular setting welcomes some 70,000 spectators. The 2025 edition features works such as Macbeth, Turandot and Boris Godunov, and is one of the most prestigious festivals in Europe. It is renowned for its international co-productions and high artistic standards, which were rewarded in 2024 with an International Opera Award.

The MAAT, Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology in Lisbon is hosting the exhibition 'Miriam Cahn – What looks at us' until 27th October, dedicated to the work of this major European contemporary artist. Painting and drawing occupy a central place in her artistic practice, but the exhibition also includes sculptures, videos, photographs and installations.

On 23rd June, Foreign Affairs Ministers reaffirmed their support for Ukraine in the face of escalating Russian attacks, announcing that 80% of the military aid target had already been met. They discussed an 18th package of sanctions against Russia and its hybrid actions in Europe. Relations with China were deemed increasingly worrying due to its support for Moscow and digital interference. On the Middle East, the European Union called for a ceasefire in Gaza and the entry of humanitarian aid. Ministers expressed concern about repression in Georgia and adopted measures against Syrian officials.

On 30 June, the Council decided to extend the economic sanctions against Russia until 31 January 2026 in response to its military aggression against Ukraine. In place since 2014 and strengthened since 2022, these measures cover the trade, finance, energy, technology, transport and luxury goods sectors. In particular, the European Union is maintaining the embargo on Russian oil, the exclusion of banks from the SWIFT system and the suspension of pro-Kremlin media. It remains determined to combat any circumvention of the sanctions.

At their meeting on 26th June, the 27 heads of state and government reiterated their commitment to the defence, sovereignty and competitiveness of the Union. European leaders called for the strengthening of the defence industry, in particular through the new SAFE instrument, and for the deepening of the single market. In response to the crisis in Gaza, they called for an immediate ceasefire and access to humanitarian aid. They welcomed Bulgaria's progress towards adopting the euro in 2026 and reiterated their support for Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans.

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At the cabinet meeting on 24th June, the German government adopted its budget for 2025 and presented its budgetary trajectory until 2029. The strategy is organised around investment, modernisation, competitiveness and security. In particular, the government adopted a €500 billion investment package for infrastructure and climate. The new budget responds in particular to defence spending requirements and the targets set by the country at the NATO summit to spend 3.5% of GDP on defence by 2029.

The 23rd Accession Conference between the European Union and Montenegro was held on 27 June in Brussels. It closed Chapter 5 on public procurement, bringing to seven the number of chapters now closed in the accession negotiations. Polish Minister for European Affairs Adam Szłapka welcomed this development, describing it as 'significant progress' in Montenegro's European integration process.

The government of Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan took office on 23rd June after winning a vote of confidence in Parliament by 301 votes to 9. Formed from a coalition of the country's four pro-European parties – the Social Democratic Party (PSD), the National Liberal Party (PNL), the Save Romania Union (USR) and the Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR) – it has 20 ministers, including two women.

On 26 June, the Spanish Constitutional Court upheld the amnesty law for Catalan independence activists, adopted on 30 May 2024. This law lifted charges against certain leaders accused of terrorism for their actions during the illegal referendum in October 2017. It was supported by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Junts, the Catalan secessionist party. The appeal, filed by MPs and senators from the right-wing People's Party on the grounds of unconstitutionality, was partially rejected by the Court, which ruled that the amnesty law was in line with the Constitution. This partial validation does not imply the return of Carlos Puigdemont, who was president of Catalonia at the time, due to the Supreme Court's decision on 10 April that it could not be applied to him.

On 26th June, the Council and the European Parliament agreed to modernise the rules on alternative dispute resolution. The aim is to simplify these procedures, adapt them to the digital age and make them more accessible, particularly for cross-border disputes. The agreement introduces response deadlines for businesses, promotes the regulated use of automated systems such as AI, and encourages cooperation with consumer protection authorities. A free digital tool will facilitate access to these procedures across the EU.

On 26 June, the World Bank and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) signed an agreement aimed at supporting the safe, secure and responsible use of nuclear energy in developing countries. The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration in three areas: enhancing knowledge of nuclear technology and safety, extending the life of existing power plants, and supporting the development of small modular reactors (SMRs).