European Parliament Think Tank
April 06, 2021
The EU strategy on connecting Europe and Asia
Following the 2016 Global Strategy, the European Union External Action Service (EEAS) and the Commission carried out a mapping exercise in which they examined the existing policies, instruments and projects related to Euro-Asian connectivity. The main findings of this exercise were summarised in a joint staff working document, published in November 2017.
In September 2018, the Commission and the Vice President/High Representative adopted a joint communication on Connecting Europe and Asia – Building blocks for an EU strategy, setting out the EU's vision on how to better connect Europe and Asia. It is also related to the implementation of the EU Global Strategy and is to be read together with the Commission's (then) proposal for the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework (MFF), subsequently adopted in December 2020.
The
joint communication acknowledges the EU's experience in creating its
internal market through a sustainable, comprehensive and rules-based
approach to connectivity. It proposes that the EU engage with its Asian
partners along three strands:
1
efficient connections and networks between Europe and Asia through
priority transport corridors (including air, sea and land transport) and
high-capacity network links, the creation of which would promote the
development, among other things, of digital connectivity, energy
connectivity and people-to-people connectivity, whose synergies could
spur innovation;
2
partnerships for sustainable, open, inclusive and rules-based
connectivity with countries in Asia, and with regional and international
organisations;
3
sustainable finance ensured through diverse financial tools and
improved mobilisation of resources, reinforced leveraging of EU
financial resources and strengthened international partnerships, to
address a significant investment gap and create fair terms for business.
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