Event report

Participants agreed that the “Global Gateway” initiative is worthy in itself and needs not be seen or promoted simply as a counter to China’s “Belt and Road Initiative”. Whilst there were many different opinions aired during the meeting, and differences on some of the approaches going forward, it was still possible to draw some conclusions and recommendations: 1) The world is different, and we have to do different. In a changing, more competitive world, the EU needs to promote its interests whilst remaining loyal to its values. “Global Gateway” is going to be a big test as to whether the EU is able to balance and manage this process. At every stage of the process therefore, EU citizens have to be well informed of what is going on and why. 2) In delivering the “Global Gateway” initiative efficiently, the European Commission has to ensure joined-up decision making and co-ordinated and timely execution. The Directorate Generals that control the funds and are responsible for the delivery of the actual projects need to be fully involved, and in the long run, fully held to account for the success or otherwise of “Global Gateway”. 3) The EU has been good at developing infrastructure within its borders; doing the same beyond its borders in far flung parts of the world is a different preposition. Participants voiced concerns about the timely delivery of projects and of the need to reconcile good practice and due diligence with the necessity to deliver in an efficient and timely manner. 4) The EU has to find a better way on engaging with think-tanks, universities, business groups and civil society to make sure that the extensive knowledge existing in these quarters, and particular area expertise, can be best galvanised in support of the “Global Gateway” initiative. 5) Strategic investments in infrastructure could also contribute to reducing the carbon footprint; identifying opportunities to do so is considered hugely important. 6) Many reasons were mentioned why Central Asia needed to be given due importance in the delivery of the “Global Gateway” initiative. The Central Asia countries are at an important crossroads in their own political and economic development, and this gives the EU an opportunity to engage that was hitherto absent. Participants called for more people-to-people contacts and multitiered frameworks for dialogue and exchanges.