Latest news with #GlobalGateway
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
African Union and European Union join hands to promote and invest in Circular Economy and Sustainable Growth
The African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) officially announced the launch of the Continental Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) for Africa (2024–2034) today. Introduced by Moses Vilakati, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment, and Jessika Roswall, EU Commissioner Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, the plan is designed to advance sustainability, drive economic growth, and enhance resource efficiency across Africa over the next decade. The CEAP focuses on transitioning African economies to a circular model by reducing waste, promoting resource reuse, and encouraging recycling. As a key component of the African Union's Agenda 2063, the initiative was developed with co-financing and technical support from the European Union. The CEAP offers a strategic framework for sustainable investments aligned with the Europe-Africa Global Gateway Investment Package and international partnerships. The CEAP will focus on priority sectors including agriculture, packaging, energy, construction, manufacturing, electronics, technology, as well as the fashion and textiles industries. Following a comprehensive approach, the CEAP will: Foster Circular Economy Across Sectors: The plan seeks to promote sustainable practices in key areas such as agriculture, industry, and energy by transforming waste into resources and encouraging innovation in resource management. Improve Waste Management: CEAP will enhance waste management systems and recycling infrastructure, particularly through the application of green technologies and local innovations. Create Green Jobs: The initiative aims to generate millions of green jobs and foster sustainable entrepreneurship, particularly among young and women. Enhance Regional Cooperation: The plan will facilitate cross-border collaboration to share best practices, align policies, and create a collective impact across the continent. Build Climate Resilience: By reducing consumption and promoting sustainable production, CEAP will help mitigate climate change and support biodiversity conservation. AU Commissioner Moses Vilakati said "The launch of the Continental Circular Economy Action Plan is a pivotal moment for Africa's sustainable development. Through this collaboration with the EU, we are setting the stage for a green, inclusive, and resilient future. This plan represents a unique opportunity for Africa to lead in the global circular economy and tackle the challenges of climate change head-on." EU Commissioner Jessika Roswall added "The CEAP is a landmark initiative that builds on the strong partnership between the EU and AU. It is an opportunity to drive economic growth, create jobs, and reduce environmental impact. By adopting circular economy principles, we can achieve sustainable development and build a stronger future for both Africa and Europe." The launch of CEAP reflects the joint commitment of the African Union and the European Union to tackle global environmental challenges and advance sustainable development. Both unions are actively supporting its implementation by providing financial assistance, technical expertise, and capacity-building resources to ensure its success across all African countries. The overarching goal, however, is for the CEAP to serve as a transformative driver of sustainable economic growth throughout the continent. To achieve this, the AU is seeking additional support from international partners, including development banks and the private sector. The CEAP was launched on the sidelines of the African Ministerial Conference on Environment, with attendance from African Ministers of Environment, representatives from Regional Economic Communities, UN Agencies, the private sector, and Micro, Small and Medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), who showcased their circular economy initiatives. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Delegation of the European Union to Kenya.
JAMnews
14-07-2025
- Business
- JAMnews
EU investments in Armenia to reach €2.5 billion: meeting in Brussels
EU investments in Armenia Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is on a working visit to Brussels. He has already met with President of the European Council António Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. According to the communiqué adopted following the meeting, the EU and Armenia 'reaffirmed their deepening partnership.' Within this framework, EU investments in Armenia are expected to reach up to €2.5 billion. This concerns Armenia's participation in the 'Global Gateway' strategy. In addition, the joint statement notes that 'to support Armenia's information ecosystem,' the EU will allocate €1.5 million to strengthen independent media. Pashinyan commented on the meeting on social media. On his Facebook page, he wrote that a 'productive and substantive discussion' took place with his European colleagues. Everything known about the negotiations in Brussels, as well as commentary from the chair of the European Party of Armenia, Tigran Khzmalyan. He believes that the EU expects more decisive steps from the Armenian authorities towards the West. The new EU-Armenia partnership agenda is welcomed 'President Costa and President von der Leyen welcomed Armenia's ambitious reform agenda and expressed their support for Armenia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and democratic reforms. The leaders welcomed the recent political agreement on the text of the EU-Armenia New Partnership Agenda, a key milestone in their shared commitment to deepening ties,' the communiqué states. The participants also noted progress in the visa liberalisation process. The statement 'welcomes' the Armenian parliament's adoption of the law 'On initiating the process of the Republic of Armenia's accession to the EU.' EU will continue to provide financial support to Armenia The EUR 270 million Resilience and Growth Plan, announced in April 2024, boosted EU funding to Armenia by 50%. With EUR 200 million in grant assistance and EUR 70 million in grant funding to leverage investments, it continues to support Armenia's socio-economic reform agenda, closer sectoral cooperation, and investments in energy, transport, and the private sector,' European partners stated. They reaffirmed their commitment to support Armenia's resilience and development 'through substantial financial and technical assistance.' 'Crossroads of peace' and regional cooperation EU representatives also addressed the Armenian government's proposal to unblock regional communications: 'EU reaffirmed its support for Armenia's Crossroads of Peace initiative, to promote regional connectivity and reconciliation.' António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen particularly highlighted Armenia's efforts to establish stability in the South Caucasus. They welcomed the Armenian government's readiness for peace talks with Azerbaijan and the normalisation of relations with Turkey. 'The leaders also underlined the importance of the possibility to include Armenia's in the European Union's regional and economic initiatives, particularly within the framework of the Black Sea Strategy,' the communiqué said. European partners thanked Armenia for its close cooperation and the steps it has taken to prevent sanctions circumvention. They agreed with the Armenian prime minister to continue joint efforts in this direction. Armenia-EU security cooperation Security cooperation was also discussed during the Brussels meeting. Participants welcomed the launch of EU-Armenia consultations on security and defence matters, stressing their 'shared commitment to peace, stability, and democratic resilience'. 'Addressing a range of security concerns, including foreign information manipulation and interference, disinformation, and cyber threats, the EU proposed to work together with Armenia to assess its needs, identify priority areas for cooperation, and leverage available EU instruments,' the joint statement said. EU Commissioner for Enlargement to visit Armenia soon Prime Minister Pashinyan also met with EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. According to the prime minister's office, they discussed programmes being implemented in Armenia using EU financial tools. Pashinyan underlined the importance of EU support for: Armenia's economic diversification, transport and infrastructure development, expanding the capabilities of small and medium-sized businesses, introducing EU standards. 'Reference was made to the programs implemented by the Armenian Government to address the social problems of people forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh. Prime Minister Pashinyan highlighted the importance of the international community's continued support in this direction,' read a post-meeting statement shared with media. Marta Kos expressed the EU's support for Armenia's ambitious democratic reform agenda and stated her intention to visit Armenia soon 'for more detailed discussions on joint programmes and initiatives'. Comment Chairman of the European Party of Armenia, Tigran Khzmalyan, believes that 'the EU is trying to get answers from Pashinyan' — which, in his view, was the main purpose behind the Armenian prime minister's visit to Brussels: 'Aliyev is backed by Turkey, the entire Islamic world, the Arab world, and Pakistan, whereas Armenia is backed by no one. Armenia has lost its former allies [referring to Russia and members of the CSTO], who turned out not to be allies at all, but enemies. And over these 7 years, it hasn't acquired any new ones. That is precisely why Europe is calling on Armenia. The logic is simple — almost like a law of physics: when something disappears from a space, something else fills it. Which country is filling this region in Russia's absence? Turkey. Why have we [pro-Western political forces] insisted for years that Armenia should become a member of the EU? Because we know that, just as it was 100 years ago, Russia will inevitably be pushed out as a result of geopolitical processes. Who can fill that vacuum in terms of power, economy, military, and political-military presence? Obviously, Turkey will be the primary candidate — unless Armenia joins the Euro-Atlantic alliance. And that is what's happening now. But a hundred days after the law [on initiating Armenia's EU accession process] was passed by the National Assembly, Armenian authorities declared their intention to join not the EU, but the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen invited Pashinyan to clarify: we sent Kaja Kallas [the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy]. You welcomed her warmly. But two days later, your foreign minister travelled to Beijing and spoke about Armenia joining the Shanghai bloc. Now you want to talk to Turkey and Azerbaijan only in a bilateral format. Who will support you? What makes you so sure you won't be wiped out? That question is in the air. And even if European diplomats don't ask it openly, we [local pro-Western political forces] are obligated to.' Follow us – Twitter | Facebook | Instagram EU investments in Armenia
Express Tribune
11-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
EU, Pakistan sign €20m grant to support SMEs
Listen to article The government of Pakistan and the European Union (EU) signed a €20 million grant agreement on Thursday for launching the "Better Governance and Business Environment" initiative, reaffirming their shared commitment to sustainable and inclusive economic development. The agreement was signed by EU Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Riina Kionka and Economic Affairs Division Secretary Dr Kazim Niaz. Funded under the EU's Multi-annual Indicative Programme 2021-2027, the initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness of Pakistan's private sector, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including those led by or benefiting women. The programme will strengthen SME-related legislation, support the green transition of export-oriented firms, facilitate targeted green investments and promote public-private dialogue. It aligns with the EU's Global Gateway strategy, GSP+ commitments and the EU Green Deal, promoting smart, sustainable investment and resilient value chains. Speaking on the occasion, Kazim Niaz expressed appreciation for the EU's continued support and partnership. He emphasised the timely nature of the intervention, highlighting its strong alignment with Uraan Pakistan's goals for private sector development and institutional reforms to attract responsible investment. Ambassador Riina Kionka stated, "This agreement underscores the EU's commitment to supporting Pakistan in building a resilient, inclusive and competitive economy. We are investing in green innovation, women-led businesses and public-private partnerships to ensure a more sustainable future for all Pakistanis."
Al Etihad
10-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE to see enhanced trade prospects, investor optimism after removal from EU's AML/CTF list
11 July 2025 00:50 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)The European Parliament's decision to remove the UAE from its money laundering watch list is a testament to the country's regulatory progress and is expected to unlock new opportunities for trade, investment, and strategic partnerships, according to with Aletihad, Ashish Mehta, founder and managing partner of legal services firm Ashish Mehta and Associates, explained the legal implications of this delisting.'The fact that the UAE has been able to get itself delisted … shows that governments [federal and local] and their respective agencies within the UAE have been very efficient and encouragingly proactive in meeting the EU's requirements,' he foresees a shift in the way international firms will approach corporate structuring or risk assessment when establishing a presence in the UAE.'Getting delisted from the EU's watch list means that the UAE has been able to put in place the necessary legal and regulatory framework, which now complies with EU's standards. The international firms already present in the UAE, or wishing to establish a presence, should therefore expect heightened accountability norms,' he said. Turning Point in UAE-EU Relations Ehtesham Shahid, a UAE-based editor and researcher, described the delisting as 'a positive inflection point' in UAE–EU diplomatic relations.'For the EU, it signals recognition of the UAE's regulatory reforms and enforcement efforts in combating illicit financial flows. For the UAE, it's a diplomatic win that validates its compliance with international standards, particularly those aligned with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF),' he told a broader perspective, Shahid pointed out that this decision reflects increasing trust and alignment between Brussels and Abu Dhabi, potentially paving the way for more strategic cooperation in climate and energy transition, trade facilitation, security, and counterterrorism. 'It also reinforces the UAE's status as a bridge between Europe and emerging markets in Asia and Africa, aligning well with the EU's evolving Global Gateway strategy,' he added. Investor Confidence and FDI Set to Climb Experts maintain that the delisting will significantly bolster investor confidence, particularly among European institutional investors who are risk-sensitive to regulatory flags. 'When a jurisdiction is listed for money laundering concerns, it introduces reputational and operational risks. Removal from the watch list eliminates this friction and reduces compliance hurdles for cross-border financial transactions,' Shahid said.'As for FDI growth, the impact will likely be sector-specific, favouring industries where transparency and regulatory alignment are critical for capital flows,' he noted. Mehta added that this validation by the EU is bound to enhance the UAE's credibility ratings, which in turn would build investor confidence in several legitimate business sectors. 'A validation from the EU's authorities would naturally motivate global businesses to invest in the UAE with a renewed sense of interest and vigour, and with a greater sense of security and validation back home,' he said. Beyond investment, the move could revitalise bilateral trade flows between the UAE and the EU, according to Mehta. 'Even the UAE's businesses would greatly benefit as they are also likely to find greater recognition within the EU,' he said. Shahid also pointed out that the UAE's successful delisting positions it as a regional leader in financial governance. 'It positions the UAE ahead of peers who remain under scrutiny. This allows it to lead in setting regional norms on financial governance and anti-money laundering [AML] practices,' he said.
Business Recorder
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pakistan signs €20mn grant deal with EU to boost governance, business environment
Pakistan and the European Union (EU) on Thursday signed a €20 million grant agreement to launch the 'Better Governance and Business Environment' initiative, aimed at strengthening governance and improving competitiveness of the private sector, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The agreement was signed by EU Ambassador Dr. Riina Kionka and Secretary Economic Affairs Division Dr. Kazim Niaz. The programme is part of the EU's Multiannual Indicative Programme 2021-2027. According to officials, the initiative will support SME-related legislation, promote the green transition of export-oriented businesses, and encourage targeted investments aligned with the EU's Global Gateway strategy, the GSP+ framework, and the EU Green Deal. Dr. Niaz thanked the EU for its continued support, terming the programme a timely intervention aligned with the government's 'Uraan Pakistan' strategy for institutional reforms and responsible private sector growth. Ambassador Kionka said the EU is committed to helping Pakistan build a more inclusive and sustainable economy by investing in green innovation, women-led enterprises, and public-private partnerships. The EU's development cooperation with Pakistan continues to focus on climate resilience, human rights, governance, and sustainable economic growth.
