Brussels started the year determined to pursue long held ambitions. Upending these, the war in Ukraine will affect the world economy for years to come and will disrupt Europe’s plans to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050 while remaining competitive and protecting its autonomy. Wide-ranging objectives also include reigning in Big Tech and promoting a digital transition for Europe to assert its voice in the technological arena.

In what’s slated to be a momentous year,  compromises between Member States are highly sought-afterso Europe can push its way forward vis-à-vis China and the U.S. There is still a long way to go from making the most out of the recovery money,  from turning Europe’s green aspirations and trade policy plans into reality all the way to shaping a timely and efficient defense and diplomatic apparatus to response to emerging threats.