All articles tagged with #regional integration
The 25-year-old Öresund bridge connecting Denmark and Sweden has significantly boosted regional integration, business growth, and cross-border commuting, despite challenges like overcrowding, high costs, and cultural differences. It has facilitated company relocations, increased trade, and innovation, while also inspiring future infrastructure projects in Scandinavia and Europe.
Somalia has officially become the eighth member of the East African Community (EAC), a regional trade bloc, after seeking membership since 2012. The admission of Somalia, with a population of 17 million, expands the EAC market to over 300 million people. The EAC aims to promote free trade by eliminating customs duties among member states and established a common market in 2010. However, Somalia's inclusion may pose security challenges due to its ongoing struggle against the al-Shabab group. Despite concerns about governance and human rights, Somalia's entry is seen as a significant step in the EAC's expansion across East Africa.
US President Joe Biden suggested that one of the reasons behind Hamas' recent attack on Israel was the progress made towards regional integration through the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which aims to connect the entire region with a network of rail, road, and ports. Biden expressed his belief that the attack was an attempt to disrupt the project's development. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel is preparing for a ground incursion to destroy Hamas in Gaza, as the conflict enters its 20th day.
CARICOM leaders have agreed to implement the free movement of all categories of people within the region by March 2023, with the exception of Haiti. The decision was made during a three-day summit in Trinidad. The leaders also discussed contingent rights associated with the initiative, such as access to healthcare and education. The Treaty of Chaguaramas will be amended to guarantee these rights, and the CARICOM Development Fund will provide financing for the necessary services. Additionally, the leaders addressed the issue of air transportation in the Caribbean and mandated the Caribbean Development Bank to study and make recommendations on how to address the situation.
Former US Ambassador to Israel, Dan Shapiro, has been appointed as the State Department's senior advisor for regional integration, tasked with supporting US efforts to deepen and broaden the Abraham Accords. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made the announcement on Twitter, stating that Shapiro will work towards advancing a more peaceful and interconnected region and building the Negev Forum. The US House of Representatives recently approved a bill to establish the position of special envoy for the Abraham Accords, but it has not yet been approved by the Senate. Shapiro served as US Ambassador to Israel from 2011 to 2017.
South America struggles to form an influential bloc due to political instability and ideological differences. Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attempted to revive UNASUR, but many leaders were not willing to follow his advice. Instead, a group with members from each country will work on a plan for regional integration over the next 120 days. South America has huge economic potential, but economic and political disparities have frustrated attempts to create regional unions. Lula's dream of a united South America is still a long way from success, but politicians see hope in Europe's example.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, UAE National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and National Security Advisor of India Ajit Doval to discuss their shared vision of a more secure and prosperous Middle East region interconnected with India and the world. They reviewed progress in talks to further consolidate the truce in Yemen and agreed to maintain regular consultations and follow up on the matters discussed throughout the day.