As we reach the halfway point of 2022, STEAR has an opportunity to evaluate events from the last 6 months, and review what this may mean for the latter half of the year in EU-Asia relations. From the continued impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, to the first major European military conflict in decades, the events of 2022 so far have been unprecedented. The entire world has been rocked by instability, at a time when global unity to tackle the growing environmental crisis is needed.

Relations between Europe and Asia have generally been shaped by development aid and trade, but as Asia continues to rise, and Europe faces manifold problems, 2022 may shape a new era of Europe-Asia relations. Many countries are hesitantly watching China’s actions and relations with Ukraine, leaving security as a top-priority, whilst Asia’s own conflicts continue under a much-reduced spotlight. Both Europe and Asia have major events…