Search

Begin New Search Political Geography Europe Publishing Institution The Polish Institute of International Affairs

51. Polish Development Cooperation: A Turning Point

Author:
Patryk Kugiel
Publication Date:
08-2011
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Polish Institute of International Affairs
Abstract:
The current Polish Development Cooperation system has been under gradual construction since 2004. Fortunately, recent reforms have raised the probability it eventually will evolve as a strong and important tool for Poland's external relations. Moreover, these positive changes are taking place at a very crucial moment in history when unprecedented turmoil in the Arab world has exposed the weaknesses of the European development policy and while Poland is holding the presidency of the EU Council. The convergence of these factors further strengthens the need for a swift finalization of improvements in its development cooperation system if Poland wants to play a more critical role internationally and prove its usefulness in assisting other countries to meet their political and economic aspirations. A development policy that is better-resourced and more balanced (geographically and thematically) would provide Poland with a credible tool of soft power and would strengthen the brand of Polish solidarity.
Topic:
Democratization, Development, and Foreign Aid
Political Geography:
Africa, Europe, and Arabia

52. Willing and (un)able. New Defence Policy Guidelines and Reorientation of the Bundeswehr

Author:
Ryszarda Formuszewicz and Marcin Terlikowski.
Publication Date:
07-2011
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The Polish Institute of International Affairs
Abstract:
On 18 May, after two and a half months in office, defence Minister Thomas de Maizière presented updated cornerstones of the ongoing Bundeswehr reform, which has been rebranded as a “reorientation” (Neujustierung). On the same day, new Defence Policy Guidelines (DPG) were published, replacing the previous document of 2003. The core message directed to internal public opinion and to international partners both disappointed and displeased with Germany's troubled record in the security policy domain is laid out in the title of the DPG: “Safeguarding National Interests – Assuming International Responsibility – Shaping Security Together.” The DPG delivered a conceptual foundation for the armed forces' transformation process, which will now be based on defined security policy assumptions—a feature lacking in the original reform announced in 2010 under the pressure of a financial consolidation plan. The document is both an outcome of the deteriorating German stance on the international security stage and an opportunity to push Berlin on the road towards assuming a new, more visible role, as a security actor.
Topic:
Security, Defense Policy, and NATO
Political Geography:
Afghanistan, Europe, and Asia

53. Technology Transfer in the Economic Relations Between the People's Republic of China and the European Union

Author:
Artur Gradziuk
Publication Date:
01-2009
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
The Polish Institute of International Affairs
Abstract:
Economic relations between the European Union and the People's Republic of China, manifesting themselves, inter alia, in the transfer of technologies, are beneficial for both parties. From the point of view of China, import of technologically advanced goods from Europe and a subsequent opening to investment by European enterprises, involving technology transfers, have been one of the major factors in the development and modernisation of the economy. For the European Union access to the huge Chinese market has offered new, attractive opportunities in terms of business interests and exploitation of its competitive advantages in the high technologies sector.
Topic:
Science and Technology
Political Geography:
China and Europe

54. Current Status of Debate in European States on the Constitutional Treaty

Author:
Adam Szymański, Leszek Jesień, Łukasz Adamski, Mateusz Gniazdowski, Emil Pietras, Rafał Tarnogórski, and Beata Wojna
Publication Date:
04-2007
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
The Polish Institute of International Affairs
Abstract:
This elaborate paper provokes a series of questions. Where are EU member states heading in their effort to reform the Community's institutions? Are there leaders of the pack among them, are there stragglers? Are the present considerations on the constitutional treaty linked to a vision of sorts? These are vital questions, to be answered probably during the forthcoming months and years, when watching the politicians' efforts to have their share in this realm of European integration.
Topic:
Regional Cooperation
Political Geography:
Europe

55. Elaboration, study and dissemination of international law. Documents of the International Law Commission and the UN Commission on International Trade Law

Publication Date:
09-2007
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
The Polish Institute of International Affairs
Abstract:
The strengthening of international law, as a comprehensive system regulating the most important spheres of international relations, takes place through its codification, progressive development and dissemination of knowledge about the law.
Topic:
International Law and Law
Political Geography:
Europe

56. The Status of the Debate on Institutional Reform in EU Member States (update - July 2007)

Publication Date:
10-2007
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
The Polish Institute of International Affairs
Abstract:
This review of the positions of European Union Member States on the institutional reform supplements the report published by the Polish Institute of International Affairs in May 2007, prior to the meeting of the European Council that was to decide on the fate of the Constitutional Treaty (Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe, TCE) and, in broader terms, on the institutional reform. This paper discusses the developments until the June meeting of the European Council although, in some interesting cases (e.g. the Czech Republic), the paper also tackles the issues that emerged following the end of the Councils session.
Topic:
Reform
Political Geography:
Europe

57. Ten years of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership - accomplishments and prospects

Author:
Agata Kołakowska
Publication Date:
10-2006
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
The Polish Institute of International Affairs
Abstract:
Ever since the European Economic Community came into being in the late 1950s, the member countries have always shared a belief that development of economic cooperation, especially through trade, is crucial to fostering good relations with Arab world nations. It was, however, essential to define the kind of cooperation that was to be pursued with countries which were then French colonies and enjoyed trade privileges. The first association agreements were concluded with the three Maghreb states in 1969. As time went by the EEC hammered out a more integrated approach to the non-member countries of the Mediterranean Basin with cooperation focussed on economic and development-related matters—a policy that chimed with the expectations of all the partners. The idea of framing a long-range plan to establish a free-trade area was grounded in a belief in the necessity of enhancing mutual relations in fields that were likely to yield the biggest benefits.
Topic:
Economics, International Trade and Finance, and Regional Cooperation
Political Geography:
Europe