Published annually, the General Report gives an overview of the European Union's activities. An important reference, the report covers key developments within EU institutions. It has established a reputation for quality and perceptive reports, which has made it essential reading for everyone dealing with EU issues.

2005 was the first full year of operation with 25 Member States, and both the European Parliament elected in June 2004 and the Barroso Commission appointed in autumn were in the first phase of their respective five-year mandates. The halting of the Constitution process, the relaunch of the Lisbon strategy, the new social agenda, the promotion of environmental policy, and the accession negotiations with Croatia and Turkey are among the key subjects dealt with in the 2005 report.