Review: “Prospects for the EU in 2022” – Reception with the Belgian Ambassador to the EU

January 26, 2022

On 17 January 2022, the LSE AAB community had the privilege of being invited to a small reception at the Belgian Permanent Representation to the EU by H.E. Mr Willem Van de Voorde, Belgian Ambassador to the EU and our fellow LSE alumnus (LL.M. 1988).

At this inauguration of our 2022 programme, the Ambassador shared with us his assessment of the state of the EU after almost two years of the Covid pandemic and of the key priorities he anticipates for 2022. Mr Van de Voorde characterised 2021 as a year of challenges and surprises for the EU, with hard work to contain the virus, restore the economy, as well as addressing green and digital priorities. He concluded that, in his opinion, the EU managed quite decently.

In 2022, the Ambassador foresees some vigorous debates on Covid issues, such as regarding the digital certificate duration and mandatory vaccination. The implementation of the EU’s economic recovery programme ‘Next Generation EU’ will be something to keep an eye on. In addition, the EU's foreign relations will continue to be on the forefront of matters, with the developing situations in and relations with countries, such as Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Turkey or the United States. The pandemic has lead the EU to take its fate and future in its own hands and re-evaluate the EU's place in the world. The rule of law debate concerning Poland and Hungary is also likely to continue posing challenges for the EU.

Mr Van de Voorde concluded his speech with a notion of author Luuk van Middelaar – that Europe feels a geopolitical loneliness, a sense of only being able to rely on Europe itself. He referred to the upcoming European Chips Act, with the EU designing a sustainable and independent chip production, as an example of Europe attempting to become more autonomous. This kind of self-sustaining measure and newfound independence have lead the EU to find its sense of purpose again, he claimed.

The talk was followed by an opportunity for the participants to ask questions and a small reception for networking, in compliance with the relevant Covid safety measures. During the Q&A session, the Ambassador revealed that the preparations for the Belgian Presidency of the European Council in 2024 will already start this year with an assessment of the needs for additional staff, as well as venues and office space.