In this special year-end episode, our Beyond the Byline podcast, together with Euractiv’s Alexandra Brzozowski, Benjamin Fox and Julia Tar, takes a closer look at the key topics that shaped our coverage throughout the past 12 months.As 2023 bids us farewell we look at its impact not only for the European Union and its policies but for the entire globe. The ongoing war in Ukraine continued to command our attention in 2023, underscoring the geopolitical tensions that persist in the region. But this year, a new war emerged in Gaza, further highlighting the complex challenges faced by the international community.This year, the EU remained committed to supporting Ukraine, opening accession talks, and advancing its enlargement policy. A notable shift occurred as more member countries elected right-wing governments, sparking discussions on evolving dynamics.The year concluded with the introduction of a migration pact, which pushed for comprehensive and EU-level solutions to processing new arrivals. Beyond Brussels, concerns arose about journalists and politicians falling victim to spyware, prompting the European Commission to advocate for increased regulation to safeguard privacy and security.