In this episode of EuropeChats, Jim and Mariam look back at the challenges faced by the EU in 2021, and think ahead to 2022 to consider what may lay ahead for the European project. 2021 remained mired in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and 2022 looks set to continue that trend, in a context of disappointing global vaccination rates and the new Omicron variant of the disease.
But Europe was not only face by the challenge of coronavirus in 2021: a hostile global environment , not only when looking at Russia and China, but also at Europe’s borders, played its part in the story of 2021, and the EU must seek true strategic autonomy to deal with it in 2022 and beyond. The climate emergency continues, and despite good moves in the right direction, the existential thread of climate catastrophe remains. But it’s not all doom and gloom, so check out this latest episode and enjoy the discussion. See you in 2022 for more EuropeChats!
EuropeChats is TEPSA’s talk show dedicated to answering your questions about the European Union. If you ever wondered what competences the EU has, what effects its policies have on your day-to-day life, and why the EU is so important, then this show will give you all the answers you need! Every episode, Jim Cloos, TEPSA Secretary-General will be answering your questions about Europe and the EU.
Jim Cloos is TEPSA’s Secretary-General, and has spent a lifetime in the heart of Brussels. As the former Deputy Director General for General and Institutional Policy at the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union, he was involved in European decision-making at every level. He had a key role in drafting the Maastricht Treaty during the Luxembourgish Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 1991, and has an intricate expertise on EU Affairs and the internal functioning of the European institutions. There is no-one better placed to answer any question about Europe that you might have.
Mariam Khotenashvili is TEPSA’s Executive Director. Her background combines research coordination, policy advocacy, project management and academic work. Her fields of expertise include EU foreign and development policies and in particular the European Neighbourhood Policy. Mariam is your direct line into the European bubble, and to Jim’s expertise.
