The European Union surprised the world with the speed, scale and unity of its response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.br br Coming after a unified approach to the pandemic, is adversity forcing the EU to adopt a more assertive role as a global economic and geopolitical actor?br br Børge Brendebr President, World Economic Forum Genevabr br Eduard Hegerbr Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, Office of the Prime Minister of Slovakiabr br Christine Lagardebr President, European Central Bankbr br Mark Ruttebr Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Office of the Prime Minister of the Netherlandsbr br Roberta Metsolabr President of the European Parliament, European Parliamentbr br Micheál Martinbr Tánaiste and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence of Ireland, Department of Foreign Affairs of Irelandbr br The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.