Summary of the Article: Europe’s Global Gateway Strategy – A Focus on Delivery
This article argues that Europe’s “global Gateway” initiative, intended to counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), needs a fundamental shift in focus. Instead of competing on funding (“dollars”), Europe should prioritize reliable delivery of high-quality infrastructure and tangible benefits for partner countries. Here’s a breakdown of the key arguments and recommendations:
The Core Problem:
* Partner countries are pragmatic: They will choose the best option – Chinese projects if timely, EU projects if reliable – but won’t accept “values premiums” (paying more for European involvement) without concrete local benefits like jobs, technology transfer, and long-term maintenance.
* Europe’s current approach is flawed: A sprawling list of projects, bureaucratic processes, and a focus on inputs rather than outcomes hinder effective implementation.
How Europe Can Win (Focus on Delivery):
- Prioritization: Focus on a shortlist of transformational, corridor-based investments (interconnectors, rail, fiber optics) with clear public benefits. Be obvious about why projects are rejected.
- Risk Mitigation: Target guarantees to address specific deal-breakers (currency risk, political instability, fragile tariffs) with pre-negotiated terms and a streamlined guarantee process. Ensure private sector involvement and demonstrate additionality (projects wouldn’t happen without EU support).
- Speed of Delivery: Streamline processes – time-bound reviews, parallel environmental/social assessments, pre-qualified contractors – without compromising safeguards. Focus on predictability.
- outcome-Based Measurement: Track results that matter to people (megawatts, transit times, broadband speed, job training, funded maintenance) and use independent audits for transparency.
- Allied Alignment: Leverage the G7 infrastructure partnership, but move beyond a general umbrella. Establish clear leads, interoperable risk instruments, and a unified communication strategy. The Global Gateway should be Europe’s coordinating force within this framework.
Geopolitical Implications:
* economic Security: Successful implementation can de-risk supply chains for critical resources and offer partners a fair deal – quality infrastructure in exchange for open standards and trust.
* Reputation: Failure will undermine advancement efforts and reinforce a perception of bureaucratic inefficiency.
Realistic Expectations:
* Don’t try to match BRI’s scale: Focus on quality and sustainability over sheer volume. Delivering functional, long-lasting infrastructure is more valuable than building “stranded assets.”
In essence, the article advocates for a pragmatic, results-oriented approach to infrastructure development, emphasizing tangible benefits for partner countries and a commitment to long-term sustainability over symbolic gestures or political posturing.
