Dr. İlke TOYGÜR’s Post

I would like to share with you a co-authored published article on cross-border regionalism in Europe and Southeast Asia Cross-border regionalism in the EU and ASEAN: another dimension of the “varieties of regionalism” https://lnkd.in/d4mSgxCG Perhaps it is of some interest for your own work.

Kasym-Jomart #Tokayev held talks with Italian President Sergio #Mattarella The official visit of the Head of State to #Italy began with a meeting with President Sergio Mattarella. Emphasizing that this was his first visit to Italy as President of #Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev thanked Sergio Mattarella for his #hospitality. The Head of State noted the long and mutually beneficial nature of relations with the Italian Republic - a reliable #partner of Kazakhstan in the #europeanunion. - Today I would like to discuss issues of mutual #interest, including the development of economic ties and strengthening of #relations aimed at the prosperity of the two countries, as well as ways to solve pressing international problems," said Kasym-Jomart Tokayev. As the #President further informed, Italy is one of Kazakhstan's key trading partners in #Europe. - The volume of mutual trade has exceeded 14.5 #billion dollars. We expect the trade turnover between our countries to reach 20 billion dollars in the foreseeable future. Italy is one of the main investors in Kazakhstan's economy. About 300 Italian companies operate in our market, including #Eni, which is a flagship company. We very much appreciate the results of our bilateral #relations. We intend to continue to create favorable conditions for their work. At the same time, it is necessary to give additional impetus to the development of cooperation not only in the economic sphere, but also in many other areas, such as #culture and #tourism. I am confident that cooperation between Kazakhstan and Italy will be very fruitful," the head of state said. #Documents signed: 1. #Agreement on the status of burial sites of servicemen who died during the #secondworldwar between the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Government of the Italian Republic; 2. #Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation between the #Ministry of #Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Italy; 3. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of #Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Culture of the Italian Republic; 4. Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of #Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Universities and Research of the Italian Republic; 5. Memorandum of Understanding between the #Academy of #Public #Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the National School of Public Administration of the Italian Rep.; 6. #Agreement between Kazakhstan Fund "Samruk-Kazyna" and Italian group of companies #Cassa #Depositi e #Prestiti on the establishment of a joint investment fund and investment in the areas of manufacturing industry; 7. #Joint final investment decision between Kazakhstan's national company #KazMunaiGas and Italian company #ENI on the implementation of a joint project for the construction of a hybrid power plant with a total capacity of 247 MW.

Grateful for the opportunity to have participated in the event on European Competitiveness, organized by the Embassy of Sweden in Rome and Europe Unlocked, and thanks to the Students Diplomatic Association (LUSDA) of Luiss University for making it possible. The discussions, held on Monday in the stunning venue of Sala delle Colonne at Luiss Viale Pola, were enlightening. Opening remarks by Professor Raffaele Marchetti and H.E. Jan Björklund set the stage for a deep dive into the topic. The panel discussion moderated by Giovanna Pancheri, featuring Christian Danielsson, Marco Canaparo, Anna Stellinger and Matteo Borsani, highlighted the need for the next College of EU Commissioners to prioritize economic opportunities, particularly focusing on boosting the growth of SMEs operating within the Single Market. Much emphasis was put on the recent report by Enrico Letta on the Future of the Single Market, which underscores the urgency of addressing Europe’s lower economic productivity levels to ensure competitiveness on a global scale. It is clear that the next EU mandate will play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges and creating a more competitive and further integrated market. Excited to see how these discussions shape the agenda moving forward. #EuropeanCompetitiveness #EUCommission #EconomicGrowth #EuropeUnlocked

New report! 📝 This China Observers in Central and Eastern Europe (CHOICE) paper authored by Head of the LIIA Asia Research Programme Dr. Una Aleksandra Bērziņa-Čerenkova, seeks to answer the question of how Central and Eastern European countries can use their experience and unique perspectives on relations with #China to contribute to a more unified, competent, and self-confident European policy towards Beijing.🇪🇺🇨🇳

This article explores the historical and cultural differences between Spain and Portugal, two neighbouring countries that share the Iberian Peninsula but have diverged in many aspects over the centuries. The article argues that Spain and Portugal have developed distinct identities, languages, political systems, and international alliances, and that they have often been rivals or indifferent to each other. However, I think that history will not write the future, as Spain and Portugal are now very close friends and partners. Spain and Portugal have overcome their past conflicts and misunderstandings, and have built a strong and fruitful relationship based on mutual respect, cooperation, and solidarity. Spain and Portugal are both members of the European Union, the Eurozone, the Schengen Area, NATO, and the Ibero-American Summit, and they share common interests and values in many areas, such as democracy, human rights, social justice, and environmental protection. Spain and Portugal have also increased their bilateral ties and exchanges in various fields, such as trade, tourism, culture, education, science, and defence. Spain is Portugal's main trading partner, and Portugal is a key partner for Spain in economic and investment terms. The two countries have also signed several agreements and memoranda of understanding to enhance their cooperation in strategic sectors, such as energy, digital transition, cross-border development, and recovery and resilience. Moreover, Spain and Portugal have shown their friendship and support in times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the wildfires, or the migration flows. Therefore, I believe that Spain and Portugal have a bright and promising future together, and that they can overcome their historical and cultural differences by celebrating their diversity and complementarity. I think that Spain and Portugal are an example of how two neighbouring countries can foster a positive and constructive relationship that benefits both of them and the rest of the world. I look forward to seeing more initiatives and projects that strengthen the bonds between Spain and Portugal and their people.

Available Now: “Les 5 travaux d’Europe, Une Europe qui nous fera grandir” by Philippe-Emmanuel Partsch (french version). For over 60 years, the European project has been the catalyst for prosperity, democracy and social peace. Today, while it still inspires great hopes, it faces crucial challenges. Dive into this book and explore the challenges, opportunities and transformations which Europe is facing to discover innovative solutions that will shape its future and foster its prosperity. Read the Introducution and Browse the Table of Contents here: https://lnkd.in/eWkscvRz Available in paperback and online now: https://lnkd.in/eACs3qgT The English version will be published on the 30th April 2024. #europe #europeanpolitics #europeandemocracy #technology #europeanintegration #transformation #innovativesolutions

Excellent article by Dean Zankina. For all those interested in Italian, EU and global power and politics, very much worth the 5 min read.

The key takeaways from our last CHOICE paper on the CEE countries' contribution towards a European China policy published in The Diplomat 👇

Chilean delegation comes to Israel in a show of business solidarity. In a deep show of solidarity, a delegation of prominent members of Chile’s Jewish community and leading Chilean businesspeople came to Israel, meeting with President Isaac Herzog, other government officials, distinguished VIPs, and a senior Ministry of Economy delegation. In this series of lively sessions, a broad range of topics were discussed relating to supporting Israel’s economic recovery, including: - The economic consequences of October 7. - Gaining a better understanding of the mechanisms and the most effective ways to support Israel through investment and business. - Developing and promoting joint projects in support of Israel’s business community. - Israel and the Chilean Jewish community, and how to strengthen ties between Israel and the Jewish diaspora in Chile. The meetings were highly productive, yielding concrete plans and potential areas of cooperation to help Israel come back stronger than before. We would like to thank Mr. Herzog for honoring and hosting the delegation, as well as the other dignitaries that met with the delegation, including: Mr. Amnon Merhav, Director General of the Israel Ministry of Economy and Industry (MOEI) Mr. lior alfasi, Advisor to the Director General (MOEI) Mr. Michael Mizrahi, Hi-Tech cluster manager Program for Economic Growth Mr. Natan Zror, Director of the Americas Department of Foreign Trade (MOEI) Mrs. Ofir Amami, Americas Department of Foreign Trade (MOEI) Mr. Amit Mosley, Head of External Trade Manager (MOEI) Mr.  Leo Winovetzky, Director of the Latin American Economic Department at the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs #businesssolidarity. #visit #economy

The Swedish National China Centre at Utrikespolitiska institutet is honored to have been entrusted with the role of lead editor and publisher of this year’s report from the European Think-tank Network on China (ETNC), titled “National Perspectives on Europe’s De-risking from China.” The report has now been published!    The report examines the viewpoints of 21 EU member states and the United Kingdom on “de-risking,” as well as the practical steps they have taken towards implementing this much-discussed policy. It highlights the diversity of national approaches to Europe’s de-risking agenda, showcases countries’ internal debates (or lack thereof), highlights common concerns and risks associated with China, tracks de-risking measures adopted at the national level, and discusses potential barriers to Europe’s de-risking from China.    Access the report through the link below:  https://lnkd.in/dXmQ3Kaw