DOCSLIB.ORG

Romania's Eu Presidency

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Romania's Eu Presidency ROMANIA’S EU PRESIDENCY: A GLANCE BACK SPECIAL REPORT | JULY 2019 https://eurac.tv/9Qwz ROMANIA’S EU PRESIDENCY: A GLANCE BACK SPECIAL REPORT | JULY 2019 https://eurac.tv/9Qwz Romania held its first rotating presidency of the Council of the EU between January and June. How did the country perform during its six months at the helm? This special report outlines its main outcomes and successes. Contents How Romania’s EU presidency survived its baptism of fire 4 Strategic success from the Sibiu summit 6 Disinformation in the EU presidency’s crosshairs 8 Signed, sealed, delivered: Important files closed by Romania 10 Romania’s shift at the helm of the Council 13 4 JULY 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | ROMANIA’S EU PRESIDENCY: A GLANCE BACK | EURACTIV How Romania’s EU presidency survived its baptism of fire By Sam Morgan | EURACTIV.com Romanian parliament staff workers make final adjustments, prior to the conference dedicated to European Day of Data Protection, 28 January 2019. [Photo: EPA-EFE/ROBERT GHEMENT] he world of tennis was stunned surprise from expert observers, presidency. The Romanians structured on 13 July, when Romania’s particularly as Bucharest was mired in their programme into four pillars: TSimona Halep won the first a domestic political crisis. Europe of Convergence, Safer Europe, Wimbledon title for her country. But it Like Estonia, Bulgaria and Austria Europe as a stronger global actor, wasn’t the country’s only international before it, Romania kicked off its Europe of common values. success this year – just two weeks presidency six months earlier than The presidency also pledged to put earlier, Romania brought the curtain planned, after the United Kingdom cohesion at the heart of the decision- down on its maiden six months at the voted in 2016 to leave the EU and gave making for the following six months. helm of the EU’s rotating presidency. up its stint in charge. Prime Minister Viorica Dăncilă At a glitzy opening ceremony and President Klaus Iohannis both The presidency stint has also in Bucharest on 10 January, the EU prompted reactions of positive welcomed in the new year and its new Continued on Page 5 JULY 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | ROMANIA’S EU PRESIDENCY: A GLANCE BACK | EURACTIV 5 Continued from Page 4 The Pole also said there was Rutte said Romania is “not going in the “good progress” made in talks on right direction” to join, citing rule of attended the gala event, with the the EU’s next long-term budget, the law concerns. former’s government services driving multiannual financial framework. His Romanian counterpart, the presidency work and the latter Romanian President Iohannis told Dăncilă, retorted that her country acting as the holder’s figurehead. the same press conference that the “met the technical criteria for joining Bucharest was aware that the presidency “was very important for the Schengen area as early as 2011”, as months to come would not lack us” and highlighted the sheer amount recognised in a Council decision. challenges, and Dăncilă said at the of work officials had got through, After these six months the outset that ”we are fully aware of the stressing also that the Council’s Romanians have earned a lot of stakes, especially in this changing strategic agenda for the next five years credit during their presidency and a European landscape”. “reflects entirely” the points adopted deal on membership could be in the She said Romania was “firmly under the Sibiu Declaration. offing during the first part of the next committed to contributing, as a That text was agreed at May’s legislative cycle in Brussels. facilitator of consensus, through Future of Europe summit in the “The presidency was proof that concrete actions, to the promotion of Transylvanian city of Sibiu. Initially Romania is an honest member of the a more united and cohesive Europe”. billed as the first major meeting after EU and a serious contender for getting It ended up being a baptism of fire, Brexit, the event took on more of a the permanent membership of the given that Brexit was meant to happen reflective tone when the UK requested Schengen zone,” according to a review on 29 March and crucial EU elections an extension to its leaving deadline. of the presidency written by the Center were held at the end of May. Tusk actually labelled the summit for Global & Strategic Studies, an There were also a large number of as “one of the most memorable events international think tank. legislative files still on the negotiating of my political career” and said, in Finland is the second member of table, on topics as diverse as climate remarks made in passable Romanian, a trio of member states that will helm change and transport emissions to that “the whole of Europe is in love the presidency over an 18-month- social rights and the Banking Union. with Sibiu”. period, with Croatia the last of the set, In the first 100 days of its making its bow on 1 January 2020. presidency, the team in Brussels, in JUNCKER’S SCHENGEN coordination with the government WISH UNFULFILLED back home, managed to get as many as 90 legislative files off of its books, Romania, as well as Bulgaria and as well as numerous agreements on Croatia, want to join the borderless joint negotiating positions for the Schengen area. But a decision on next holder of the presidency baton, membership must be approved by Finland, to take over. unanimous vote in the Council. Agreement on a landmark climate In keeping with its self-styled role deal fell agonisingly short in June but as an ‘honest broker’, the Romanians political observers were impressed did not impose a vote in the Council that consensus among 24 member but that did not stop the presidents states had built so effectively under of the European Commission and the presidency. Parliament, Jean-Claude Juncker and Many climate experts had expected Antonio Tajani, from reiterating their that talks would have to extend long support for the country’s accession. past Romania’s time in charge but now the situation is teed up for the Finns to Juncker even hoped to see a deal broker a deal during their six months. reached under his stewardship. During a press conference at the But with the Luxemburger on June leaders summit in Brussels, course to vacate his job at the end of Council President Donald Tusk October that prospect looks uncertain. called it an “energetic and successful More so given that the Council looks presidency” and said the number in no mood to add new members to of legislative files closed was Schengen. “impressive”. In May, Dutch Prime Minister Mark 6 JULY 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | ROMANIA’S EU PRESIDENCY: A GLANCE BACK | EURACTIV Strategic success from the Sibiu summit By Sam Morgan | EURACTIV.com All eyes were on Sibiu on 9 May for the Future of Europe summit. [Photo: Shutterstock] n 9 May, EU leaders gathered Romanian presidency of the EU. the same, really”. in the Transylvanian city of After Britain successfully lobbied Juncker explained at the Sibiu OSibiu to discuss the future of for an extension to the original 29 summit that his September 2017 Europe. What conclusions did heads March Brexit date, the summit shifted proposal to hold a meeting in the town of state and government reach in the its focus away from the purely post- was because “I wanted you to fall in Romanian hills? And what will be the UK stock-take that was envisaged to a love with this place”. summit’s legacy for the EU in the years broader, future-gazing affair. The spell seemed to work its to come? UK Prime Minister Theresa May magic on Council chief Donald Tusk, did not make the Transylvanian trip who said that it was “one of the most The Sibiu gathering was meant and although European Commission memorable events of my political to be the first major summit after the boss Jean-Claude Juncker said “I miss career”, adding that “the whole of United Kingdom’s departure from the her”, he also said that, whether Britain bloc but fate had other plans for the was in attendance or not, “it’s almost Continued on Page 7 JULY 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | ROMANIA’S EU PRESIDENCY: A GLANCE BACK | EURACTIV 7 Continued from Page 6 which the broader document was der Leyen’s appointment, it’s safe to adopted, President Iohannis said it say that Sibiu was the cradle where a Europe is in love with Sibiu”. “reflects entirely the 10 points under decision on the EU’s leadership first Indeed, several leaders were the Sibiu Declaration, the ‘Spirit of saw the light of day. visibly pleasantly surprised by the Sibiu’ as I call it”. The programme that will influence welcome they received in the city, The strategic agenda prioritises the work of the next Commission with hundreds of the locals gathering defence and migration, economic president was first sketched out at the outside the meeting venue to wave EU stability, climate action and improving Transylvanian summit, meaning that flags and chant messages of support. Europe’s standing on the global stage. the meeting’s legacy will definitely On the nitty-gritty details, Juncker It is set to guide the work of the EU influence the future of Europe as said the summit was “one of the easiest institutions for the next five years. intended. I’ve ever attended. First, because the Angela Merkel said after the The Sibiu summit will ultimately be Romanian Presidency, in particular summit that “it was important for us fondly remembered for being the first President Klaus Iohannis, prepared today to define our role in the world, to informal summit held on Europe day this council in the best possible way.” say once more that we are fighting for by one of the EU’s newest members, at “Secondly, because there was no a Europe of values and everybody, or a time when the bloc sorely needed to urgent decision to take.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Action 1: Support for the Production and Dissemination of Information and Content Linked to EU Cohesion Policy by Media and Other Eligible Entities
    Support for information measures relating to the EU Cohesion policy Call for proposals 2019CE16BTA117 List of selected proposals Action 1: Support for the production and dissemination of information and content linked to EU Cohesion policy by media and other eligible entities Ranking Proposal Names of applicants Co-beneficiaries/Affiliated entities (AE) Country Title of the proposal Maximum No amount awarded ‘Solidarity matters.’ How the Cohesion policy 1 65 Polska Fundacja im. Roberta Schumana PL 79.680,76 reinforce the value of European solidarity Zavod Radio Študent (RŠ) Centre for Information Service, Co-operation and 2 114 SI Speaking Cohesion? – the learning continues 128.481,71 Development of NGOs (CNVOS) Uplifting Positive Perception of EU cohesion Policy 3 8 WAVEMAKER Slovakia Consulting Associates SK 228.209,60 Through Advanced Technology and Personalization Promowanie polityki spójności oraz zwalczanie Fundacja Centrum im. Prof. Bronislawa 4 59 PL dezinformacji na ten temat w mediach 94.570,08 Geremka spolecznościowych Czech regions in transition II: Leading ideas for the 5 123 Economia a.s. CZ 244.958,11 future 6 58 AGG Advertising LTD GR EU Changes Thessaly 299.257,60 Europejskie Media Spółka z o.o. NL-PL- Let’s meet Cohesion Policy: a journey through 7 70 EURACTIV Media Network HANZA MEDIA d.o.o. (EURACTIV CROATIA) 295.705,20 HR-RO regions’ challenges and success stories Asociatia DIGITAL BRIDGE (ADB) PETIT PRESS, a.s. FUTURE OF REGIONAL COHESION IN SLOVAKIA EU 8 61 I-Europa s.r.o. (EURACTIV Slovakia) TECHNICKÁ UNIVERZITA
    [Show full text]
  • Identity Federalism in Europe and the United States
    Boston College Law School Digital Commons @ Boston College Law School Boston College Law School Faculty Papers 1-1-2020 Identity Federalism in Europe and the United States Vlad F. Perju Boston College Law School, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://lawdigitalcommons.bc.edu/lsfp Part of the Comparative Politics Commons, Constitutional Law Commons, Law and Politics Commons, and the Political Theory Commons Recommended Citation Vlad F. Perju. "Identity Federalism in Europe and the United States." Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law 53, no.1 (2020): 207-273. This Article is brought to you for free and open access by Digital Commons @ Boston College Law School. It has been accepted for inclusion in Boston College Law School Faculty Papers by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Boston College Law School. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Identity Federalism in Europe and the United States Vlad Perju ABSTRACT The turn to identity is reshaping federalism. Opposition to the policies of the Trump administration, from the travel ban to sanctuary cities and the rollback of environmental protections, has led progressives to explore more fluid and contingent forms of state identity. Conservatives too have sought to shift federalism away from the jurisdictional focus on limited and enumerated powers and have argued for a revival of the political safeguards of federalism, including state-based identities. This Article draws on comparative law to study identity as a political safeguard of federalism and its transformation from constitutional discourse to interpretative processes and, eventually, constitutional doctrine. The experience of the European Union, where identity federalism also benefits from a textual anchor, reveals some of the complexities of this process.
    [Show full text]
  • The Ukrainian Weekly, 2021
    INSIDE: l Bishop Emeritus Losten celebrates 50th anniversary of episcopal consecration – page 4 l UMANA holds 39th Assembly of Delegates virtually, elects new officers – page 9 l Ukraine finishes third in Group C at Euro 2020, to face Sweden next – page 14 THEPublished U by theKRAINIAN Ukrainian National Association Inc., a fraternal Wnon-profit associationEEKLY Vol. LXXXIX No. 26-27 THE UKRAINIAN WEEKLY SUNDAY, JUNE 27-JULY 4, 2021 $2.00 EU leaders met to discuss Ukraine sanctions Firtash as Zelenskyy continues strategy for relations with Russia fight against the country’s oligarchs Kuleba calls potential EU summit with Putin a “dangerous deviation from EU sanctions policy” Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty European Union leaders gathered in Brussels on June 24 for a two-day summit during which they were scheduled to dis- cuss a new strategy to manage relations with Russia amid signs of a split with some members pushing for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, and others opposed given their deep-seated distrust of Russia’s head of state. EU leaders were set to consider wheth- er to seek a summit with Mr. Putin as part of the new strategy, a meeting that follows Presidential Office of Ukraine U.S. President Joe Biden’s summit with Mr. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses participants of the forum Putin on June 16. “Ukraine 30. Economy without Oligarchs.” Envoys for France and Germany put for- Andriy Dubchak, RadioSvoboda.org via RFE/RL ward a last-minute proposal to hold a sum- Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Dmyt­ by Roman Tymotsko nessmen Pavlo Fuks.
    [Show full text]
  • Analyzing Icelandic Support for EU Membership
    It’s ot the Economy, Stupid? Analyzing Icelandic Support for EU Membership K. Amber Curtis Department of Political Science University of Colorado at Boulder UCB 333 Boulder, CO 80309-0333 [email protected] Joseph Jupille Department of Political Science University of Colorado at Boulder UCB 333 Boulder, CO 80309-0333 ABSTRACT: What drives support for EU membership? We test the determinants of EU attitudes using original data from Iceland, whose recent woes have received wide attention. Given its crisis, we expect economic anxiety to drive public opinion. We find instead that economic unease is entirely mediated by assessments of the current government and that, despite the dire economic context, cultural concerns predominate. This suggests a potential disconnect between Icelandic elites’ desire for accession and the public will at large. Our results largely confirm prior findings on support for integration, further exposing the conditions under which individuals will evaluate EU membership favorably or negatively. They also highlight the utility of mediation analysis for identifying the mechanisms through which economic evaluations may operate and imply that economic indicators’ apparent insignificance in a host of other research areas may simply be a product of model misspecification. Paper prepared for presentation at the Annual Meeting of the European Union Studies Association, Boston, MA, Mar. 3-5, 2011. Jupille gratefully acknowledges financial support from National Science Foundation (NSF) Award #SES-1035102 (“RAPID: A Referendum on Debt: The Political Economy of Icesave”). What drives public support for European Union (EU) membership? Though this question would seem exhausted by decades of scholarship, we are particularly interested in two less commonly explored conditions: 1) public opinion in new candidate countries—as opposed to existing member states—and 2) individual attitudes in the context of economic duress.
    [Show full text]
  • EUI RSCAS Working Paper 2021
    RSC 2021/44 Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies Integrating Diversity in the European Union (InDivEU) The Politics of Differentiated Integration: What do Governments Want? Country Report - Romania Claudia Badulescu European University Institute Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies Integrating Diversity in the European Union (InDivEU) The Politics of Differentiated Integration: What do Governments Want? Country Report - Romania Claudia Badulescu EUI Working Paper RSC 2021/44 Terms of access and reuse for this work are governed by the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC- BY 4.0) International license. If cited or quoted, reference should be made to the full name of the author(s), editor(s), the title, the working paper series and number, the year and the publisher. ISSN 1028-3625 © Claudia Badulescu2021 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC-BY 4.0) International license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Published in March 2021 by the European University Institute. Badia Fiesolana, via dei Roccettini 9 I – 50014 San Domenico di Fiesole (FI) Italy Views expressed in this publication reflect the opinion of individual author(s) and not those of the European University Institute. This publication is available in Open Access in Cadmus, the EUI Research Repository: https://cadmus.eui.eu Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies The Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, created in 1992 and currently directed by Professor Brigid Laffan, aims to develop inter-disciplinary and comparative research on the major issues facing the process of European integration, European societies and Europe’s place in 21 st century global politics.
    [Show full text]
  • Joint Letter from the the Visegrad Group /V4/, Republic of Bulgaria and Romania Environment and Climate Ministers to Mr
    Joint letter from the the Visegrad Group /V4/, Republic of Bulgaria and Romania Environment and Climate Ministers to Mr. Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission on Impact Assessment (IA) for the European Union’s 2030 climate ambition and the action plan Mr. Frans Timmermans Executive Vice-President European Commission 13 July 2020 Dear Executive Vice-President, We would like to thank you and your team for all the hard work with regard to bringing climate issues to the forefront of the debate on Covid recovery in Brussels. These are difficult times for all Member States, yet we must not lose sight of our long-term goals and now, more than ever, enhance synergies of our actions. Nonetheless, we would like to take this opportunity to share our sincere hope that the upcoming Impact Assessment (IA) for the EU’s 2030 climate ambition and the action plan will provide a solid base for a decision to be taken by our leaders at the European Council. These documents should allow us to have a common understanding of the measures we will have to take in the EU by 2030 if we are to achieve the proposed targets enabling a just transition for all towards a climate neutral EU by 2050. We consider the IA to be the principal document for decision-making with regard to a potentially increased target. Therefore, the IA should constitute a thorough, detailed document which will inform us of the consequences, on all levels, of our potential decisions. This concerns the EU level, the Member States’ level and the sectoral level for Member States.
    [Show full text]
  • Letter-EMF5G-Disinformation.Pdf
    Ms Margrethe Vestager Executive Vice-President European Commission Ms Věra Jourová Vice-President for Values and Transparency European Commission Mr Thierry Breton Commissioner for Internal Market European Commission JOINT INITIATIVE ON COUNTERACTING THE SPREAD OF DISINFORMATION RELATED TO 5G NETWORKS AND THE NEED OF PUBLIC AWARENESS RAISING ACTIVITIES Letter regarding a proposal for the European Union to create a communication strategy that provides reliable information related to EMF and radio equipment including 5G to the Member States and European Citizens by: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland and Portugal, Slovakia, Sweden. Dear Madames Vice-Presidents Dear Commissioner We the undersigned Member States wish to express our concerns regarding the escalating disinformation around the effects of exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF) and fifth generation (5G) technology cellular networks and our condemnation of the recent acts of vandalism on critical telecommunication infrastructure. The European Union has demonstrated its commitment to the timely deployment and take-up of 5G networks in various legislative and non-legislative measures1. The Council Conclusions on the significance of 5G to the European economy and the need to mitigate security risks linked to 5G adopted on 3 December 20192 highlighted the need of public awareness raising activities regarding 1 Directive 2018/1972 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 establishing
    [Show full text]
  • Kosovo and Serbia Need Wide Consensus to Resolve Con Ict, Expert
    Sections Home / Interviews / Global Europe / Enlargement / Kosovo and Serbia need wide consensus to resolve conict, expert says Kosovo and Serbia need wide consensus to resolve conict, expert says By Karolina Zbytniewska | EURACTIV.pl Sep 7, 2018 Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel (C) listens to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic (R), next to Kosovo's President Hashim Thaci, at an informal EU summit with Western Balkans countries in Soa, on 17 May 2018. [EPA-EFE/VASSIL DONEV / POOL] The presidents of Kosovo and Serbia have oated the idea of a land swap to settle their disputes. The proposal, involving the predominantly Serb northern Kosovo and Preševo Valley in southern Serbia, has been welcomed by some and criticised by others for fear it might create further instability in the Balkans. Srđan Majstorović. Chairman at the European Policy Centre, Belgrade, shared his views on the controversial proposal in an interview with EURACTIV Poland’s Karolina Zbytniewska. The new initiative for settling the Serbia-Kosovo conict has stirred up international By continuing to browse the website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies I agree controversies. The feared scenario is that changing the two countries’ borders might re-open local frozen conicts but also set a precedent for territories abroad, like Crimea. Srđan Majstorović: First, it would be foolish to a priori disqualify an agreement that the two sides might reach and if they are truly dedicated to its implementation. However, a land swap idea could entail a lot of potential side eects that might inuence future relationships not only in the region but in wider Europe.
    [Show full text]
  • Can the New Refugee Relocation System Work? Perils in the Dublin Logic and Flawed Reception Conditions in the EU Sergio Carrera and Elspeth Guild No
    Can the new refugee relocation system work? Perils in the Dublin logic and flawed reception conditions in the EU Sergio Carrera and Elspeth Guild No. 332, October 2015 Key Points This Policy Brief argues that the newly adopted EU temporary relocation (quota) system constitutes a welcome yet timid step forward in addressing a number of central controversies of the current refugee debate in Europe. Two main challenges affect the effective operability of the new EU relocation model. First, EU member states’ asylum systems show profound (on-the-ground) weaknesses in reception conditions and judicial/administrative capacities. These prevent a fair and humane processing of asylum applications. EU states are not implementing the common standards enshrined in the EU reception conditions Directive 2013/33. Second, the new relocation system constitutes a move away from the much-criticised Dublin system, but it is still anchored to its premises. The Dublin system is driven by an unfair and unsustainable rule according to which the first EU state of entry is responsible for assessing asylum applications. It does not properly consider the personal, private and family circumstances or the preferences of asylum-seekers. Policy Recommendations In order to respond to these challenges, the Policy Brief offers the following policy recommendations: 1. The EU should strengthen and better enforce member states’ reception capacities, abolish the current Dublin system rule of allocation of responsibility and expand the new relocation distribution criteria to include in the assessment (as far as possible) asylum-seekers’ preferences and personal/family links to EU member states. 2. EU member countries should give priority to boosting their current and forward-looking administrative and judicial capacities to deal and welcome asylum applications.
    [Show full text]
  • Common Interest in a Dedicated Recovery Plan for the Automotive Sector in the European Union
    Common interest in a Dedicated Recovery Plan for the Automotive Sector in the European Union We, the Ministers of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Spain, express our common interest in introducing a Dedicated Recovery Plan for the Automotive Sector in the European Union. The automotive sector is one of the core and strategic activities in our economy, due to its weight and value added to the European manufacturing activity. It represents 7% of EU GDP, 6% of total EU employment and it accounts for more than 12% of the European exports. The automotive industry generates a trade surplus of 84.4 billion EUR for the EU. Investing 57.4 billion EUR in R&D annually, the automotive sector is Europe´s largest private contributor to innovation, accounting for 28% of total EU spending. It also has a significant multiplier effect on the rest of the sectors of the economy, and employs more than 10% of the total labour force in several EU countries. The automotive industry is one of the sectors where production has stopped almost completely for at least 2 months due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its entire value chain has been affected. At the same time, vehicle markets, i.e. consumer demand, fell dramatically. This has caused significant losses to all the car-manufacturing groups and the industries connected with them, as well as massive temporary employment regulations. This scenario is even more dramatic if we take into account that the crisis has come at a time when the sector was making significant economic investments, leading primarily towards the transition to a new, more sustainable mobility model, in line with the EU strategy to become climate-neutral by 2050.
    [Show full text]
  • CSET Issue Brief
    August 2021 Military AI Cooperation Toolbox Modernizing Defense Science and Technology Partnerships for the Digital Age CSET Issue Brief AUTHOR Zoe Stanley-Lockman Executive Summary The United States looks at leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) as critical to both advancing its strategic position in the international system and sustaining its military advantage into the future. The U.S. network of allies and partners is an asymmetric asset in service of these aims, as affirmed in national security and defense policy aimed at preparing the United States for the current era of strategic competition. Most notably, key initiatives announced in the Department of Defense (DOD) AI Strategy and recommendations from the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence indicate the importance of international engagement for AI safety, security, interoperability, and alignment with democratic values.1 In short, there is a consensus that strengthening alliances and partnerships is important not just because the United States acts in coalitions, but also because China and Russia often act alone. AI and other emerging technologies are at the heart of competition with these near-peer competitors because of how technological acceleration drives military advancements, spurs economic growth, and shapes governance models in the 21st century. The United States can neither meet the challenges China poses, nor reap the benefits that come with shaping a democratic trajectory for AI, without deepening cooperation with its allies and partners. Within this context, this report focuses on the imperative to safeguard the advantage of the United States and its network of partners and allies, relative to potential adversaries, through robust military relationships based on interoperable forces and cutting- edge technologies.
    [Show full text]
  • Pipeline Gas Diversification Becomes Reality
    PIPELINE GAS DIVERSIFICATION BECOMES REALITY SPECIAL REPORT | DECEMBER 2020 https://eurac.tv/9R-H With the support of PIPELINE GAS DIVERSIFICATION BECOMES REALITY SPECIAL REPORT https://eurac.tv/9R-H The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is the European leg of the Southern Gas Corridor, a gateway project cross- ing Greece, Albania, the Adriatic Sea and Italy that will transport 10 billion cubic meters a year of gas supplies from Azerbaijan to multiple markets in Europe. Four and a half years after the inauguration of construction works, on 15 November TAP started delivering gas. Contents Commission welcomes arrival of ‘Caspian gas’ to EU 4 countries TAP pipeline meets 12% of Italy’s gas demand 6 Bulgaria’s gas dependence on the Kremlin slowly loosens 8 Greece becomes ‘most important hub for alternative gas’ in Southeast Europe 10 TAP pipeline is bringing EU energy policy to Azerbaijan 12 Why Southern Gas Corridor is a chance for energy efficiency? 14 4 SPECIAL REPORT | PIPELINE GAS DIVERSIFICATION BECOMES REALITY | EURACTIV Commission welcomes arrival of ‘Caspian gas’ to EU countries By Georgi Gotev | EURACTIV.com A valve at the Kipoi compressor station, linking TAP to TANAP. [TAP website] he European Commission according to a communique by this and competition, improve energy welcomed on Friday (4 company, although the achievement security and diversify gas supply, TDecember) the start of the went largely unnoticed. particularly in Italy, Greece and operations of the Trans-Adriatic Bulgaria, as well as the South-East Pipeline (TAP), the last stretch of Asked to comment, Commission European region. TAP is a project of the Southern gas corridor, thanks to spokesperson Tim McPhie said the EU common interest and an important which gas pumped from the Shah EU executive “welcomes the start of part of the Southern gas corridor”, Deniz offshore gas field in Azerbaijan operation of the TAP, which connects McPhie said.
    [Show full text]