Preoccupied with multiple crises, the EU had a turbulent year. Many of the calamities that shook the EU in 2022 will still be present in 2023. A year with multiple crises is coming to an end. Shaken by high energy prices, an increase in the number of migrants, an alleged corruption scandal in the European Parliament and Russia’s war in Ukraine, the EU enters 2023. It is unlikely that these problems will be fixed in 2023, but a state EU member has reason to rejoice.

Schengen controversy

Croatia will become, after 2022, a fully integrated member of the European Union. From the beginning of next year, the country will be part of both the eurozone and the Schengen area without internal border controls. Croatia thus joined a club of 15 countries (Belgium, Estonia, France, Greece, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, the Netherlands) that are members of the most integrated confederations from the continent – the EU, the eurozone, the Schengen area and NATO. Croatia is one of the members of these clubs that 30 years ago had a one-party communist system, just like Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania or Slovenia. Croatia’s accession to the Eurozone and Schengen is expected to help the country strengthen its economy and improve the living standards of its citizens. Meanwhile, Bulgaria and Romania will have to wait to join Schengen. The other EU member states failed to obtain the necessary unanimity and decided, in December 2022, not to allow them to enter the free movement area together with Croatia. Therefore, Bulgaria expects assistance from the EU to manage the country’s external borders and hopes to join the free movement area together with Romania by October 2023. Bulgaria is also continuing preparations for joining the eurozone, with a view to introducing the euro by January 2024.

The increase in energy prices

The Russian war and its consequences will likely continue to influence the EU agenda in 2023. One of the consequences is a sharp increase in energy prices in the EU. After months of debate on how to tackle the issue, EU member states reached a compromise at a meeting before the end of the year. To limit excessive increases in gas prices, EU energy ministers have agreed on a ceiling for the wholesale price of gas under certain conditions. According to a press release, the measure will enter into force starting on February 15, 2023. After the meeting, Czech Industry Minister Jozef Sikela, who chaired the talks, said the deal had unlocked further legislation aimed at addressing the consequences of Russia’s drastic cuts in energy exports to the bloc. However, Slovenia expects the EU bloc to provide effective and sustainable solutions to overcome the crisis by limiting market prices for gas and electricity and ensuring energy supply in winter. Also, Bulgaria is pinning its hopes on the EU regarding the regulation of energy prices. The energy crisis, inflation and economic recession will continue to be at the center of the EU’s attention in 2023.

Accusations of corruption against the European Parliament members

Another topic likely to dominate the EU agenda in 2023 emerged in mid-December 2022. Following accusations by Belgian prosecutors of involvement in a criminal organization, money laundering and corruption, a then-Vice-President of the European Parliament, Eva Kaili, and three other suspects were arrested. The four suspects are accused of influencing the decision-making process in the European Parliament in favor of Qatar, the host of the World Cup, in exchange for sums of money and gifts. The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, declared on December 15 that she herself will lead the EU legislative reforms. “I am preparing an extensive package of reforms to be ready in the new year,” Metsola said in Brussels. “I will personally lead this activity,” she added. Metsola also announced a “full and thorough” investigation into how Parliament interacts with countries outside the EU. Compliance with the European Parliament’s code of conduct will be analyzed. “There will be no impunity, there will be no hiding under the rug, and it will not be business as usual,” said Metsola.

In conclusion, the European Union is facing some deep and substantial problems that, if they are not combated, its future becomes uncertain.

By Paul Bumman