Editor’s Foreword
As Europe continues to face the challenges of COVID-19’s aftermath, balancing the reopening of borders and rising cases, it has been rocked by the horrific war in Ukraine. This news has raised questions about, and tested European responsibility, unity and solidarity. The European Student Think Tank (EST), which collects the voices of young Europeans, has reflected on some of these challenges and on Europe’s policy-making, producing its 5th European Policy Review. This year’s peer-reviewed articles cover topics related to European policy varying from school segregation in Hungary to geostrategic views on safer management of the Mediterranean Sea. The invaluable help of qualified editors, 20 reviewers and of our Academic Advisory Board of leading professors and researchers from across the world has allowed us to capture insightful, rigorous contributions. As such, this edition of the European Policy Review is registered with the British Library and has been assigned an ISSN (International Standard Serial Number).

On behalf of the EST and the Editorial Office, we would like to thank the board, writers, editors, peer-reviewers and experts who bring not only this publication to life year after year, but also the variety of articles we publish. The EST has accomplished more this year than any previous and we endeavour to accentuate this trend in the coming year. We very much hope that you find the diversity of the 8 articles (including the European Policy Prize’s winning paper) enclosed within interesting, and welcome any suggestions for next year’s edition!

Table of Contents

  • In its quest for strategic autonomy, the European Union must not lose sight of its core values by Tessa Baan
  • Problematising the Policy Formulation Process of School Segregation in Hungary: Theoretical Reflections & Future Recommendations by Katja Hein
  • A Resilient Mediterranean for a Safer Europe? A Geostrategies-based Analysis of the EU’s Approach to its Southern Neighbourhood (2003-2021) by Vicente Alves
  • Enlargement fatigue and Intergovernmentalist bargaining in the Western Balkans 36 enlargement process by Paula Barredo González
  • From Communism to Capitalism: China’s Belt and Road Initiative or European Union TEN-T Project by Armin Dusinovic
  • Navigating the Indo-Pacific in a Connectivity Paradigm by Alessandra R. Pantanosas
  • Beyond Desegregation: Policy Comparison on Roma Inclusive Education Rights in Czechia and Slovakia by Viddy Ranawijaya
  • Scramble for the Arctic: Changes in EU- Arctic Policy and Geopolitical Implications by Victoria H. Bergström

The EPR Volume 5 is sponsored by The Hertie School and designed by FRESH Projects.