2021 was a turbulent year for the European Union. The EU faced challenges from inside and outside its borders.
The corona virus pandemic obliged Member States to reach agreements on a recovery package, the rise of extreme-right political movements continued to challenge fundamental EU values including democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and the era of Angela Merkel came to a close after 16 years.
EU-experts talking
This year will undoubtedly bring about new challenges, which will have an impact on the Netherlands. To help us address the challenges 2022 will present, our Berenschot colleagues conducted interviews with eminent experts: Luuk van Middelaar (Professor at Leiden University), Wim van de Camp (ambassador European Year of Rail), Leon de Graaf (expert on circular economy and climate policy), Eva Lindström (member of the European Court of Auditors), David van Weel (NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Emerging Security Challenges), Marieke van Putten and Nicky Tanke (Dutch Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations), and Emma Bree (policy adviser at the Dutch Data Protection Authority).
How will the EU affect the Netherlands in 2022?
The interviews are published in an article entitled ‘Forecasting Europe 2022’. They cover six key European developments and their likely impact on the Netherlands. Topical issues covered include the European Green Deal, the European Year of Rail and the development of cross-border rail links, the implications of the Single Digital Gateway (SDG) Regulation, and opportunities for Dutch SMEs in support of NATO’s innovation initiatives.
