On Wednesday 19 September, the European Commission and High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini presented a joint communication entitled "Connecting Europe and Asia – Building blocks for an EU Strategy".
The European approach illustrated in this communication is based on three big principles: sustainability (be it from an economic, tax, environmental or social point of view), a comprehensive approach, and an approach that is established in line with international rules and regulations.
To develop connectivity, the Commission and Mogherini intend to act along three lines: the establishment of connections and new networks between Europe and Asia, by means of transport, digital and energy networks, and through human exchanges and mobility.
The joint communication also highlights the establishment and strengthening of partnerships for a common approach to connectivity. According to Mogherini, "a good number of these partnerships already exist", and she mentions the bilateral connectivity platform with China, and collaboration with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
In addition, the Commission wants to optimise sustainable investment in connectivity projects. "We believe Asia needs around €1.3 billion per year to invest in infrastructure (...) If we can support them, the opportunities for European companies are clearly there", Mogherini said. She stated that for the next multiannual financial framework, the Commission had proposed to increase the external action budget to €123 billion in guarantees for external investment.
Transport. The transport section is a key issue in this communication, with European Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc saying "transport infrastructure is the lifeblood of EU-Asia".
The Commission would thus like to boost transport connectivity between the two continents. One of the Commission's ambitions is to connect the axes of the trans-European transport network (TEN) with the Asian networks. Technical assistance is thus proposed by the EU.
The Commission also wants to continue negotiating the air agreements, especially with the ASEAN, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Qatar.
Similarly, it involves concluding maritime transport agreements. The Commission says it would like to promote alternative fuels more in European and Asian ports.
It would furthermore like to strengthen railway connections, although Bulc considers that these are "relatively marginal". As regards road transport, the joint communication advocates working on road safety and sharing good practice to reduce accidents.
Digital. In the digital section, the Commission would like to promote an environment that is peaceful and safe with open information and communication technology, while managing cybersecurity threats and highlighting the protection of human rights. In order to do this, the Digital4Development strategy should be used.
Energy. The Commission would also like to promote regional energy connectivity platforms and to support connectivity between and with its Asian partners.
People-to-people contact. In addition, the joint communication recommends strengthening exchanges between students and academics from the Asian countries. It also recommends the mutual recognition of diplomas and the regional exchange of experience and good practice. The EU should encourage cooperation between cities, the joint communication states.
Not a response to the Chinese initiative. Mogherini refuted the fact that this joint communication was a European response to the Chinese Belt and Road initiative. "There can be differences and common points", she said. If the EU and China share the same approach in the identification of needs and priorities, Mogherini thus says that "all investment in the growth of connectivity must be based on international rules and regulations" and the objective is "to create jobs and promote economic growth and advantages for local communities".
The EU strategy is expected to be adopted by the EU foreign affairs ministers at their next Council on 15 October. It will also form part of the EU's contribution for the ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) taking place in Brussels on 19 October. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant and Lucas Tripoteau)