European Union, member states and Agencies

[SolarisKenzo]

As a result of the tragic 2015 European migrant crisis, the European Union decided to create its first Standing Corp: The European Border and Coast Guard Agency, also known as Frontex ( wich was the name of the previous agency that was replaced ).

Frontex | European Union Agency

Frontex promotes, coordinates and develops European border management in line with the EU fundamental rights charter applying the concept of Integrated Border Management.

frontex.europa.eu

Frontex is de iure and de facto a Federal Agency, with its own standing corp and officers.

Its HQ is in Warsaw.

While being almost unknown outside of the EU, Frontex is the fastest growing European agency, and will grow by 1000 new officers every year, to reach a standing force of 10 000 officers in 2027.

The first two classes of European officers already completed their training in various Police schools of the EU, wearing the European Union uniform.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1603790004328796163

FRONTEX is also equipped with its own vehicles, planes and UAV.



FRONTEX is also at the center of heavy allegations, ranging from alleged crimes against migrants to being unable to regulate migration flows.

The Agency is now being deployed mainly in the Mediterranean area to counter illegal immigration from Africa ( with little success, actuall ) and at the eastern flank of the EU, to help regulate the flow of refugees from Ukraine, but also to patrol the borders with Belarus and Russia.

All pics Frontex.eu

 

[SolarisKenzo]

Frontex released the EU annual border recap

EU’s external borders in 2022: Number of irregular border crossings highest since 2016

More than 330 000 illegal border crossings estimated in 2022, with the vast majority from the western and eastern Balkans.
Being countries surrounded by the EU, the western balkans are a very complicated region. They are basically " inside " the Union and have many railways, roads and Borders shared with the Union.

Of course, not every illegal border crossing means an illegal person living in the EU.
Most of the crossings from western balkans are estimated to be cheap workforce, seasonal workers, relatives of people already living in the EU.

The situation of the african front Is quite different.
Almost every crossing equals to a new migrant in the EU.

 

[SolarisKenzo]

Last report made by the EU Commission on the Ukrainian refugees currently inside the Union.



4 millions ukrainians are currently displaced in the EU, the vast majority of them being women and children.

Refugees are gradually being distributed inside the Union to better integrate them and avoid concentrations.

Eastern states still hosts the majority of them.
More than 730 000 Ukrainian children have already been integrated in member states school system.

Migration management: Welcoming refugees from Ukraine

Following Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, the EU responded rapidly and showed solidarity in action by helping people in need. This included direct humanitarian aid, emergency civil protection assistance, as well as granting protection to those fleeing the war.

home-affairs.ec.europa.eu

 

[SolarisKenzo]

On the 1st of February the Quirinal Treaty has entered into force, binding Italy-France relations for an indefinite time.

Some of the main points of the Treaty, which now binds two of the biggest EU states, are:
- Geopolitical and Military cooperation at the highest level, with joint procurement and joint decision making. Italian and French defence ministers and military leaders will meet every week to share the strategic view.
- Industrial, economical and digital cooperation at a strategic level. Both countries aim is to create a EU strategic autonomy.
- Common approach on Space, research and development matters.

Practically, this will mean that:
- Countries will hold joint council of ministers and government.
- Joint military procurement and training. Joint operations and missions.
- Industrial cooperation and companies merging.

The Quirinal Treaty: How France and Italy can promote environmental action and European sovereignty

More structured dialogue between France and Italy could prove useful to both countries – and to the wider European project.

ecfr.eu

 

[SolarisKenzo]

The European Union is currently going through what is considered by many both the most difficult and most important phase of its life.
After the fall of the Soviet Union, the EU saw two-decades of giant steps forward, starting from the Maastricht Treaty in 1992 ( That created the EU as it is today ) to the Lisbon Treaty in 2007-2009 that enhanced the powers and competences of the EU institutions.
From the original Rome Treaty in 1957, that created the EEC ( European Economic Community ), many things changed.

But European history didnt always go forward.
After the economic crisis in 2008 - 2014, the rise of nationalists and populists movements slowed down the integration process started by the EU and the Union itself saw many risks to its stability.
The peak was reached in 2016, when the british people voted to leave the EU, in what was called BREXIT.
The Pandemic could have been the end of the european integration process, it could have been the fatal hit.
Instead, the EU was able to use this tragic event to launch a new wave of EU reforms and to unite the european people again.
And then came the war, for the first time in 70, a war of aggression on european soil.

What I'd like to explain in this post, to all of those viewers and members that are not European and cannot fully understand what is the EU going thru right now, is how is the European Union quietly but seriously preparing for a final phase of integration that will eventually lead to an EU supremacy on its member states.

These are, in no particular order, the acts and proposals ( some already effective, some approved but not effective yet, some only proposed ) that the EU is working on right now.

THE EUROPEAN SOVEREIGNTY FUND
The EU is working on a sovereign fund, that will finally make the Union itself able to finance unional and member states program, which will lead to the member states losing part of their economical and financial autonomy, that is already limited.
Press corner

THE INTEROPERABLE EUROPE ACT
The Interoperable Europe Act proposes to introduced a structured and co-owned EU cooperation framework for public administrations with these pillars: An interoperable EU board, mandatory interoperable and integrated services and assessments, common regulation.
Interoperable Europe Act Proposal

THE EUROPEAN DIGITAL IDENTITY AND DRIVING LICENSE
The EU already has a european ID and driving licenses, but great autonomy is given to member states. This will be fixed and an-EU agency will control how IDs and licenses are released and managed.
European Digital Identity
European Commission proposes updated requirements for driving licences and better cross-border enforcement of road traffic rules

THE DIGITAL SERVICES ACT
The DSA aims to create a safe and EU-managed digital world, where companies that provides services are required to meet many european-laws criteria if they want to operate in the european market. This includes, for example, direct EU control on stored datas, mandatory reports on the companies revenues and on their customers accounts.

The Digital Services Act package

The Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act aim to create a safer digital space where the fundamental rights of users are protected and to establish a level playing field for businesses.

digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu

THE FOREIGN SUBSIDIES REGULATION
Thanks to the FSR, or Foreign Subsidies Regulation, the European Commission will have wide and direct power over financial contributions granted by non-EU entities, so that the EU will be able to have more direct control over the member states activities.

Foreign Subsidies Regulation

Foreign subsidies

competition-policy.ec.europa.eu

THE STRATEGIC COMPASS
The EU approved its Strategic Compass, a paper that defines EUs strategic ambitions and the need for a wide and fast military and strategic integration and autonomy.

The Strategic Compass of the European Union, what it means for EU and non-EU Entities

Explore the Strategic Compass of the European Union and its impact on both EU and non-EU firms, including security, defense, and strategic collaboration.

www.strategic-compass-european-union.com

I know many of you probably are not interested, and you have all the reasons, being the situation in the Indo-Pacific particularly complex.
But I hope this could clarify some mistakes that are often made when trying to understand what we mean when we say " European Union".
Much more has to be done before the EU can play the role of a real Political Power, but they are trying to start this process, even after all the difficulties.

Thanks.

 

[Redshift]

The European Union is currently going through what is considered by many both the most difficult and most important phase of its life.
After the fall of the Soviet Union, the EU saw two-decades of giant steps forward, starting from the Maastricht Treaty in 1992 ( That created the EU as it is today ) to the Lisbon Treaty in 2007-2009 that enhanced the powers and competences of the EU institutions.
From the original Rome Treaty in 1957, that created the EEC ( European Economic Community ), many things changed.

But European history didnt always go forward.
After the economic crisis in 2008 - 2014, the rise of nationalists and populists movements slowed down the integration process started by the EU and the Union itself saw many risks to its stability.
The peak was reached in 2016, when the british people voted to leave the EU, in what was called BREXIT.
The Pandemic could have been the end of the european integration process, it could have been the fatal hit.
Instead, the EU was able to use this tragic event to launch a new wave of EU reforms and to unite the european people again.
And then came the war, for the first time in 70, a war of aggression on european soil.

What I'd like to explain in this post, to all of those viewers and members that are not European and cannot fully understand what is the EU going thru right now, is how is the European Union quietly but seriously preparing for a final phase of integration that will eventually lead to an EU supremacy on its member states.

These are, in no particular order, the acts and proposals ( some already effective, some approved but not effective yet, some only proposed ) that the EU is working on right now.

THE EUROPEAN SOVEREIGNTY FUND
The EU is working on a sovereign fund, that will finally make the Union itself able to finance unional and member states program, which will lead to the member states losing part of their economical and financial autonomy, that is already limited.
Press corner

THE INTEROPERABLE EUROPE ACT
The Interoperable Europe Act proposes to introduced a structured and co-owned EU cooperation framework for public administrations with these pillars: An interoperable EU board, mandatory interoperable and integrated services and assessments, common regulation.
Interoperable Europe Act Proposal

THE EUROPEAN DIGITAL IDENTITY AND DRIVING LICENSE
The EU already has a european ID and driving licenses, but great autonomy is given to member states. This will be fixed and an-EU agency will control how IDs and licenses are released and managed.
European Digital Identity
European Commission proposes updated requirements for driving licences and better cross-border enforcement of road traffic rules

THE DIGITAL SERVICES ACT
The DSA aims to create a safe and EU-managed digital world, where companies that provides services are required to meet many european-laws criteria if they want to operate in the european market. This includes, for example, direct EU control on stored datas, mandatory reports on the companies revenues and on their customers accounts.

The Digital Services Act package

The Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act aim to create a safer digital space where the fundamental rights of users are protected and to establish a level playing field for businesses.

digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu

THE FOREIGN SUBSIDIES REGULATION
Thanks to the FSR, or Foreign Subsidies Regulation, the European Commission will have wide and direct power over financial contributions granted by non-EU entities, so that the EU will be able to have more direct control over the member states activities.

Foreign Subsidies Regulation

Foreign subsidies

competition-policy.ec.europa.eu

THE STRATEGIC COMPASS
The EU approved its Strategic Compass, a paper that defines EUs strategic ambitions and the need for a wide and fast military and strategic integration and autonomy.

The Strategic Compass of the European Union, what it means for EU and non-EU Entities

Explore the Strategic Compass of the European Union and its impact on both EU and non-EU firms, including security, defense, and strategic collaboration.

www.strategic-compass-european-union.com

I know many of you probably are not interested, and you have all the reasons, being the situation in the Indo-Pacific particularly complex.
But I hope this could clarify some mistakes that are often made when trying to understand what we mean when we say " European Union".
Much more has to be done before the EU can play the role of a real Political Power, but they are trying to start this process, even after all the difficulties.

Thanks.

Sadly it will be easier for the EU to act now that my country has left.

The UK was never going to support the closer political ties needed for the EU to function properly in this manner.

So many politicians on the right, and our frothy right wing tabloid press hated the entire EU institution.

 

[SolarisKenzo]

Sadly it will be easier for the EU to act now that my country has left.

The UK was never going to support the closer political ties needed for the EU to function properly in this manner.

So many politicians on the right, and our frothy right wing tabloid press hated the entire EU institution.

I do agree that without the UK and with the EU now being basically a Continental Europe block, it will be probably easier to get things done...

 

[ngatimozart]

Sir Humphrey sums up the UK - EU situation brilliantly.

 

[Ananda]

To sum it up Brexit really against British interest as Sir Humphrey already put eloquently: " We must be inside to mess it up".

 

[Redshift]

To sum it up Brexit really against British interest as Sir Humphrey already put eloquently: " We must be inside to mess it up".

It is a totally awful result for the UK.

 

[Meriv90]

Sir Humphrey sums up the UK - EU situation brilliantly.

Worked so well that during Berlusconi presidency before Germans got Schröder reforms, in place of pushing towards an unified Europe, thus changing things like the dublin treaty, pushed for more integration in fiscal policy etc... etc....
....we allied with the UK.... completely wasting the opportunity when Germany was still the "sick man of Europe".
In early 2000s it was Belgium that used to receive ten of thousands of Afghans we could have already leveraged this to change Dublin treaty that is so problematic right now.
Chapeau on the British divide and conquer they are the masters of it.

 

[SolarisKenzo]

New proposal and reforms to be discussed this year:
Common regulation on patents

Europe: Commission’s proposal for a Regulation on Standard Essential Patents (SEP) (COM (2023) 232 final)

On 27 April 2023, the European Commission published its long-awaited reform proposals arising out of the IP Action Plan, which launched in November…

www.lexology.com

New Pharma reform

EC announces EU pharma reform that cuts market exclusivity - Pharmaceutical Technology

The Commission has released its long-awaited plans for pharmaceutical reform in the bloc, including shorter approval times.

www.pharmaceutical-technology.com

New member states debt rules, to be approved within this year

New EU debt rules welcome, but tensions simmer on Germany’s new ‘benchmarks’

A large majority of EU countries and political groups agree the Stability & Growth Pact (SGP) badly needed revamping but the European Commission's latest tweak to the rules met with mixed reception.

www.euractiv.com

ESM is now closer to enter into force, only Italy still refuses to ratify the European Stability Mechanism, saying that " finalizing the banking union is more important".
My guess is that Italy will eventualy ratifiy the ESM in exchange for some economic flexibility.
Lets see.

Member states did eventually approved the first embryo of EU army.
Too small, too late, too little.
Still important and significant tho.

EU’s rapid response force of at least 5,000 troops - putting the Union’s strategic autonomy on track! | Socialists & Democrats

Under the leadership of the Socialists and Democrats, the European Parliament is set today to support a strong EU rapid response force known as the EU Rapid Deployment

www.socialistsanddemocrats.eu

 

[SolarisKenzo]

Yesterday was an historic day for the Union.
The 27 home affairs minister, led by the EU internal affair commissioner, reached a deal on migrants relocation inside the EU.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1666909642968952832

The member states will now have to follow EU mandatory border procedure rules, recognize Frontex as the leader Agency and comply with EU policies in terms of migrants relocation.

EU ministers reach 'historic' deal on migrant relocation

EU home affairs ministers reached a migration deal described as ‘historic’ by officials that would see EU states pay €20,000 for each migrant that they refuse to host.

www.euractiv.com

EU Parliament also approved the ASAP act, to boost european defence industry by making a complete screening of eu's arms manufacturers and by creating a common platform to buy and produce ammunitions ( shells and missiles ).

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1664218001682452482

 

[SolarisKenzo]

Last night the EU reached an agreement on EDIRPA, aka "European defence industry reinforcement through common procurement act (EDIRPA)"
These are the main points of the EDIRPA regulation:
On 28 June the Council reached a provisional agreement with the European Parliament on the the regulation.

The agreement reached sets out a number of clear conditions for contractors, sub-contractors and defence products to be eligible, as well as conditions with which projects must comply in order to be eligible for funding:

• as a principle, contractors involved in the common procurement should be established in and have their executive management structures in the EU or an associated country (Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway)
• by default, contractors must use facilities and resources that are located in the EU or in an associated third country
• member states may only procure products that do not carry any restrictions by a non-associated third country limiting their ability to use them

Links:

https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/european-defence-industry/?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=20230627-defence-industry-edirpa&utm_content=visual-carousel

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1673927011201429504

 

[swerve]

...

• as a principle, contractors involved in the common procurement should be established in and have their executive management structures in the EU or an associated country (Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway)
• member states may only procure products that do not carry any restrictions by a non-associated third country limiting their ability to use them

...

The USA might not be happy with that, since it's not one of the three named associated countries, & it's rather keen to control how weapons it supplies are used.

 

[SolarisKenzo]

The USA might not be happy with that, since it's not one of the three named associated countries, & it's rather keen to control how weapons it supplies are used.

US already reported to Commissioner Breton they are absolutely unhappy with EDF, ASAP, EDIRPA and PESCO, since all these regulations are closed to american companies.

From what I was able to understand from the documents currently available, the EDIRPA will work in symbiosis with other regulations to start a progressive decoupling from foreign made equipment, stimulating EU companies merge towards the so-called "Paneuropean Strategic Autonomy".
While many always laughs at that, saying that it is impossible, to me it looks like they are going pretty fast towards that objective.

Anyway, I dont think in the short term it will affect the purchase of american equipment, since a country can currently still buy american ( probably paying some sort of tax to the EU).
Also I think undergoing programs ( such as the F35 one ) wont be affected.

Thats anyway a huge regulation and step towards a real integrated EU defense.

 

[John Fedup]

It will be interesting to see if EU members and EU defence manufacturing will fully commit to an integrated defence. As for American companies being locked out, probably unlikely unless military kit production is really ramped up along with solid R&D. if the US wants long term future EU business it will have to do what the US makes EU vendors do, make the stuff locally.

 

[Stuart M]

To sum it up Brexit really against British interest as Sir Humphrey already put eloquently: " We must be inside to mess it up".

They got it partly right. The purpose of the UK being in the EU was for multiple reasons; for the Conservatives it was an economically right of centre Europe and for Labour a socialist Europe, but primarily it was to absolve UK politicians of the responsibility of office whilst retaining the baubles of office. Naturally the public interest really had nothing to do with it.

The only question for the UK and the other soon to be former nations is what the final nature of the future 'USof'E is, that there would be a final 'unified' destination was never in doubt.

One can see this rather clearly when former UK minister Ken Clarke famously said in International Currency Review Vol 23 No 4, 1996, that "I look forward to the day when the Westminster Parliament is just a council chamber in Europe."

And this is the primary reason why a slim majority of the UK voted to leave, oddly enough they were keen for government to be directly accountable to the public.

Which of course leads to this, and for the purposes of this forum, this will have some interesting implications; when the EU has direct responsibility for the raising of forces, their equipment, training and doctrine, how will it do this when populations are decreasing, but more importantly by what mandate will this occur and by what mandate will these forces go to war?

 

[Stuart M]

It will be interesting to see if EU members and EU defence manufacturing will fully commit to an integrated defence. As for American companies being locked out, probably unlikely unless military kit production is really ramped up along with solid R&D. if the US wants long term future EU business it will have to do what the US makes EU vendors do, make the stuff locally.

They already have committed to it, that is part and parcel of what 'ever closer union' means, and this is what they embarked upon in the 50's. Eventually there will be 'European' recruiting and they already have the basis for a unified European command structure. EUMC Mtg Doc 27/1/08 REV 1 - EU Concept for Military Command and Control (europa.eu) and indeed, that is part of what PESCO is about PESCO | Member States Driven (europa.eu)

Of course, by point of comparison, 'Ever Closer Union' is expressed in the economic sphere by the single market and customs union.

So naturally the US will be locked out of the EU market, unless of course the US commits to its companies basing in the EU and abiding by EU law.

 

[Stuart M]

It is a totally awful result for the UK.

Well it is for UK politicians, they are now on the hook for the success and failure of actual policies and they never signed up for that!