European Union

Ukraine has been part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) since 2017, when the European Union officially extended it to Eastern Partnership countries. For the first time, Ukrainian roads were included in the TEN-T map as part of a network ensuring strategic connections with EU member states. This became the foundation for integrating Ukrainian infrastructure into the unified European transport space.

EU antitrust regulations hinder innovation, which is the most effective way of fighting monopolies and strengthening the EU as a global power. That is ironic since the nominal purpose of those antitrust rules is to fight monopolies, not to empower them. The European Union needs to pivot its approach to businesses to be competitive globally, maybe even to fill the growing void left by the U.S.

The trade war presents Europe with an opportunity to leverage the situation for a strategic edge and a push to reduce its dependence on the United States — whether in the areas of technology, energy, defense, or raw materials. The United States\' game of imposing tariffs, along with the European Union\'s retaliatory duties, does not support free trade. It is clear that endlessly raising tariffs on both sides benefits neither party.

The new Trump administration’s recent political offensive targeted at the European Union, as well as its fairly ambiguous approach towards the question of the Russo-Ukrainian war, have led Brussels to initiate a desperate search for EU-based solutions within the sphere of security and defense. Decision-making processes stretching over the past few months have undergone a sudden acceleration.

At the outset of 2024, many economic projections assumed the war in Ukraine would conclude within the year. However, reality defied expectations. The war persisted, bringing new challenges, including territorial losses, large-scale infrastructure destruction, and sustained Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid. The Government faced the pressing need to secure funding for the war effort and mobilize additional defense forces.

The concept of a digital euro is rapidly moving from theory to reality, yet its fundamental purpose remains ambiguous. Proponents argue that it could enhance financial security, expand access to banking services, and bolster geopolitical independence. However, the sheer variety of justifications raises a critical question: is any single argument compelling enough to warrant its creation?

While the EU-MERCOSUR agreement is nearing its final stages, some remain opposed, risking a deadlock in the EU’s approval process. The EU must ensure smooth ratification to strengthen its strategic autonomy in these uncertain times. After 25 years of complex negotiations, the European Union and MERCOSUR have finally reached a landmark trade agreement.

Trump has shocked Europe with his bold and unrelenting desire to seize Greenland as a US territory. Still, it should come as an even greater shock how little Europe had paid attention to this crucial landmass in the stage of newly emerging global conflicts. The Arctic has not weighed heavily in international relationships. However, with the ice melting, new trade routes are opening, and rich resources are becoming more easily accessible.

Poland will mark twenty years as a member of the European Union in 2024. In recent years, eurosceptic sentiments undermining the benefits of European integration have gained ground in Poland and Europe. However, the facts contradict these claims: membership in the European Union benefits member states. This is also true for Poland, which will continue to benefit from remaining in the Community, even if it eventually becomes a net contributor.

What do we need in a year of uncertainty? Determination, optimism, and faith that through consistent and resolute action, we can overcome the challenges the world faces today. Unfortunately, history may repeat itself, but that does not mean we are helpless. After decades of relative geopolitical stability, years of peace, a time of spectacular economic development, and poverty reduction, the world finds itself at a crossroads.