Spotlight on the EU–Asia relationship
Strong EU relations with Asia, a diverse and dynamic region, have been of major importance to both the European Union and Asian countries. The two parties have already developed ties in a number of areas, from political dialogue, security, transport, environment, trade, investment and research to cooperation in community building. These ties are likely to increase in the coming years.
In September 2018, the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy adopted a joint communication entitled ‘Connecting Europe and Asia - Building blocks for an EU strategy’. This sets out the EU's vision for a new and comprehensive strategy to better connect Europe and Asia. Shortly after, the Council of the European Union adopted the conclusions of the joint communication and the proposals contributed to discussions at the 12th ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Summit that took place on 18-19 October in Brussels. As a deliverable of the summit, the European Commission presented the ASEM Sustainable Connectivity Portal.
Find out more about EU-Asia relations in this month’s newsletter along with some of the most interesting EU publications on several other topics, including research.
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Building blocks for an EU strategy
This publication sets out the vision of a new and comprehensive strategy for sustainable connectivity between Europe and Asia. It is the Joint Communication which was adopted by the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
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Study
This report assesses the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, setting an ambitious framework to further liberalise and organise trade. Given its depth and breadth, and the fact that it is unprecedented in including provisions on corporate governance, small and medium-sized enterprises, and climate change, it is set to become a benchmark for future trade agreements. Joining two open economies with high income levels and regulatory standards, it is expected to generate benefits by boosting trade within sectors, minimising sectoral relocation and negative employment effects.
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The EU's quiet diplomacy in Asia
This report examines the EU's role as a preventive diplomacy actor and explores how in pursuing this strategy it can contribute positively to security in the Indo-Pacific region. Preventive diplomacy, or the resolution of disputes by peaceful means, has been one of the foundations of the EU’s foreign and security policy in Asia and beyond and is an expression of a rules-based international order.
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The regional context
Central Asia, straddling the borders of some of the world’s most sensitive areas, offers economic opportunities but also remains insecure and troublesome. In these circumstances, what should the EU regional approach be? What are the shared interests and divergent objectives of the actors present there? What options does the EU have to strengthen its position in the region from a regional and geopolitical perspective? All of these questions, among many others, are addressed in this publication.
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Implications for the global economy and the euro area
This paper documents China’s heavy reliance on investment and credit as drivers of growth, which has created vulnerabilities in a number of sectors and has been accompanied by increased complexity and leverage in the financial system. China’s size, trade openness, dominant position as consumer of commodities and growing financial integration mean that its transition to sustainable growth is crucial for the global economic outlook.
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This publication presents the international cooperation and development policy of the European Union. Ending poverty has always been the main aim of the EU's development cooperation with partner countries around the world. However, an additional objective is to ensure that progress made to meet today's needs does not come at the expense of future generations' needs.
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Inputs for a strategic approach to biodiversity conservation in Asia: regional reports
This report highlights Asia's great natural capital and provides valuable information and analysis in support of a strategic approach to halting environmental degradation and biodiversity loss in the region. Vanishing species are important components of complex natural ecosystems that provide water and food, regulate climate, process waste products, pollinate crops, and support a growing tourism industry. Some of these services can only be replaced at a significant cost, while others are simply irreplaceable
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Every year in September, the President of the European Commission delivers his State of the Union address before the European Parliament, taking stock of the achievements of the past year and presenting priorities for the year ahead. This kick-starts the dialogue with the European Parliament and the Council to prepare the Commission work programme for the following year. This year's speech came in the lead-up to the 2019 European elections and the ongoing debate about the future of the European Union at 27.
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The year in review
The Court of Justice of the European Union is the judicial authority of the European Union. Its task is to ensure compliance with European law by overseeing the uniform interpretation and application of the treaties. It contributes to the preservation of the values of the European Union and, through its case-law, works towards the building of the EU. Its annual report presents key figures of its function and the most important judgements, as well as its important events and administrational highlights.
Available in all the official languages of the EU except Irish |
Research |
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This first special section of the newly revamped Research*eu magazine, raises awareness of mental health disorders and the individuals who struggle with them on a daily basis. It does this by showcasing some of the innovative EU-funded projects that have dedicated themselves to developing solutions (medical, technological and regulatory) to tackle the mental health crisis in Europe and worldwide.
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(Individual article also available in French, German, Italian, Polish and Spanish on the CORDIS website) |
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This report contains the annual summary of the 2017 fire season with official figures provided by 33 contributing countries for the number of fires, burnt areas and fire prevention efforts, and the analysis of fire danger and areas mapped in the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS). If you want to find out more about forest fire risks, you can also look at the extensive data sets made available by the Joint Research Centre.
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The European Data Protection Supervisor, through this innovative, entertaining and easy-to-assimilate publication, introduces digital ethics. A useful read for users, consumers, business administrators and anyone who wants some entertaining information on this topic.
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The EU is collectively the biggest donor in the world, providing over €50 billion a year to help overcoming poverty and advance global development. It is committed to spending these funds as effectively as possible and to being accountable to EU citizens. The EU Aid Explorer application provides easy access to complete and accurate data on donor activities around the world. By making project information easily accessible, countries, beneficiaries, EU citizens and implementing partners can examine the use of donor funds, and donors themselves can improve coordination and planning.
Available in English
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