The update of the European strategy for particle physics

This paper describes the process which led to the update of the European strategy for particle physics in 2013. A large number of proposals for new facilities and projects were submitted to the Strategy Group and their physics potential and technological feasibility were carefully analyzed. An overview of these projects is given, followed by a summary of the main points of the approved European Strategy Update. The official text, which was approved at a special session of the CERN Council in 30 May 2013 is reproduced in the appendix.