Connecting Europe and Asia for a sustainable future
The European Commission and the Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy have adopted a Joint Communication outlining the EU's vision for a new comprehensive strategy to better connect Europe and Asia.
The Joint Communication builds on the European Union's own experience in strengthening communication among its Member States, with and within other regions. Communication based on sustainable, comprehensive and rules-based connectivity will help guide the EU's external actions in this area and is part of the implementation of its Global Strategy.
A joint communication on the elements of the EU strategy to connect Europe and Asia is available online.
"Connectivity is the way of the future. The more connected we are, the more opportunities we have - to find common political solutions and to ensure the economic prosperity of citizens." - said High Representative/Vice President Federica Mogherini.
"Our approach is the European Union's way: build stronger networks and strengthen partnerships to ensure sustainable connectivity in all sectors and based on respect for common rules. This is the European way of solving problems and seizing opportunities for the benefit of people in Europe as well as in Asia."
Jyrki Katainen, vice president for Employment, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness, said: "We want to work with our Asian partners to improve connections between Europe and Asia while bringing our values and approach. The infrastructure networks to be built must be coherent, compatible as well as financially and environmentally sustainable. Tender announcements should be open and transparent to promote good governance and a level playing field. It's an approach that works, and we see demand for it among Asian countries, in our eastern neighborhood, in the Western Balkans and beyond."
Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica added: "The EU and Asia are important partners in sustainable development and the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda. Our development cooperation is an important element of our broader engagement and partnership with Asia, not least in promoting sustainable connectivity. We want to further strengthen our partnership and focus even more on providing technical assistance, improving regulatory frameworks and creating incentives to move forward and increase much-needed investment."
Transportation Commissioner Violeta Bulk said: "Transport infrastructure is the lifeblood of EU-Asia connectivity, transporting people and goods between continents on the wings of digitalization and decarbonization. Europe shares and connects through one of the most advanced transport networks and infrastructure funding programs in the world: the Trans-European Transport Network. Connectivity matters!"
Last updated