Library blog

Ahead of the 19 June European Council discussion on a recovery fund to respond to the COVID-19 crisis and a new long-term budget for the EU, this special issue compiles related articles and reports previously published in the monthly issues of Think Tank Review (May 2018 - May 2020).

Protests against systemic racism and police brutality have taken place on a global scale since the end of May. But what does it mean to be antiracist? The Council Library has compiled a list of resources which could be of interest to those looking to expand their knowledge on this issue.

On 14 June 1985, an agreement was signed in Schengen, Luxembourg, which changed Europe profoundly and is considered one of the major achievements of the European integration process. Now, 35 years later, the coronavirus crisis has more than ever challenged one the keystones of Schengen: the free of movement of people.

The Council's Archives collect and preserve Council documents and information in order to make them accessible to citizens, but archiving is not only about that. As 9 June is International Archives Day, it is a good opportunity to learn more about this profession and find out how Archives work in order to preserve the memory of our institutions.

Do you want to know more about how you can follow Council activities and keep up-to-date with the latest developments in EU legislation and policy? The Council is committed to ensuring that all EU citizens have access to this information. In a spirit of transparency, the General Secretariat of the Council (GSC) has therefore prepared this handy publication to guide you through the many ways in which the Council informs citizens and civil society.

The special focus on COVID-19 sheds light on all aspects of the pandemic affecting the EU, its member states, and the world. Josep Borrell writes that "the post-coronavirus world is already here" and Herman Van Rompuy asks if COVID-19 is a turning point for the EU. The recovery fund and the impact of the coronavirus policies on the Schengen area and on the Green Deal are commented on. The digital challenges for the EU, the economic effects of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, and the US/China rivalry also feature in this issue.

The new e-books this month include titles about the 'State of the Union', EU citizenship, finances, and various other subjects.

The Council Library has compiled a selection of documents on Japan and its relations with the EU, on the occasion of the EU-Japan leaders' video conference meeting 26 May 2020.

With all eyes on the EU in the current coronavirus crisis and many of the Council's visitor services being restricted, it is more important than ever to keep the conversation going in other ways. With this in mind, the Council of the European Union is launching a regular newsletter as an open window onto what is happening both centre stage and behind the scenes. Sign up now.

The Council Library has proudly supported the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) for a number of years. The theme of this year’s event is ’breaking the silence’. Discover more about the event and how the Council Library has marked the occasion.