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Euractiv
15-07-2025
- Business
- Euractiv
Europe's quiet power blocs: The new relevance of Visegrád and the Baltic Triangle
Angelo Valerio Toma is a geopolitical analyst focusing on digital sovereignty, infrastructure politics, and emerging technologies. As war, migration, and geopolitical fragmentation test the European Union's unity, the centre of gravity is shifting eastward. The EU's next chapter might not be written in Brussels – but in Vilnius, Tallinn, or Warsaw. Regional blocs like the Baltic Triangle and the Visegrád Group are already stress-testing the kinds of solutions the Union urgently needs – on energy security, digital infrastructure, and defence. What they lack in formal authority, they increasingly make up for in legitimacy, agility, and focus. The Baltic states are no longer sidelined to Europe's periphery – they have become its geopolitical frontier. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have forged one of the EU's most integrated regional defence ecosystems – from coordinated air policing to joint procurement. Their frontline exposure to Russia has forced strategic innovation. Lithuania's LNG terminal in Klaipėda ended the country's energy dependence on Moscow years before Brussels could act. Estonia, having suffered a landmark cyberattack in 2007, went on to become a cybersecurity pioneer – hosting the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence and influencing the Union's digital policy architecture. In Central Europe, the Visegrád Group – Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary – remains a political anomaly: often internally divided, yet functionally coherent on key regional issues. While Hungary's alignment with Russia remains a source of tension, the bloc has coordinated policies on border control, energy infrastructure, and regional rail connectivity. Visegrád may lack unity in rhetoric, but it retains operational value in execution – particularly on migration and logistics. These alliances are not symbolic – they are building the physical and digital foundations of European resilience. Rail Baltica, the high-speed corridor linking Tallinn to Warsaw, is more than a transport project; it's a geopolitical spine binding the eastern flank to the EU core. It has received major EU funding, yet still faces cost overruns and strategic urgency. The Three Seas Initiative – linking thirteen countries between the Baltic, Black, and Adriatic Seas – is investing billions into cross-border energy, transport, and digital infrastructure. It's also seen as a tool to reduce dependence on Russian energy and a strategic space for new partnerships. Yet Brussels often treats regional groupings as distractions – parallel bureaucracies, political irritants, or signs of centrifugal force. But this view misjudges their potential. Regional blocs are not threats to the Union's cohesion; they are accelerators of its strategic capacity. Their great strength is speed: while EU-wide policymaking is slowed by consensus-building and institutional complexity, these coalitions move faster, piloting what could eventually scale up to Union-wide initiatives. The real risk is not duplication – it's inertia. Europe's political centre should not fear the growing strategic agency of its edges. These coalitions are not rejecting the EU project; they are compensating for its blind spots. In some domains, they are already outperforming Brussels in both implementation and vision. If the EU wants to be geopolitically credible, it must invest in the laboratories of resilience forming on its eastern flank. That means targeted funding, regulatory flexibility, and political backing – not only for pan-European programs but for the subregional alliances that are delivering results. Brussels should formalize coordination channels, incentivize cross-bloc innovation, and treat these groupings as early warning systems for what works. Europe's centre of resilience is no longer at the centre. It lies in the coalitions quietly building strength at the edges—where urgency meets action, and where Europe's future may already be underway.
India Gazette
19-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
"Today, India stands at vanguard of global progress": Croatian PM Andrej Plenkovic hails PM Modi's leadership
Zagreb [Croatia], June 19 (ANI): Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic praised India's growing global leadership, citing its bold and inclusive vision for development, sustainability, and technical innovation. He lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India's successful hosting of the 2023 G20 summit and the upcoming Global Artificial Intelligence Summit, showcasing its global leadership. He emphasised India's emergence as a strong advocate for the Global South and a powerful voice on the international stage. 'Today, India stands at the vanguard of global progress, guided by a bold and inclusive vision for development, sustainability, and technical innovation. Under your dynamic leadership, India has emerged as a strong advocate for the Global South and a powerful voice on the international stage. Your successful hosting of the 2023 G20 summit, as well as the upcoming Global Artificial Intelligence Summit, which is due in February next year, are shining examples of this global leadership,' said the Croatian PM. Plenkovic emphasised that India's vision for a dynamic future resonates with Croatia's own aspirations, highlighting the potential for cooperation and mutual benefit. 'Croatia commends your enduring efforts to promote peace, foster cooperation, and advance human progress within India and beyond your borders. Your vision of a dynamic future ahead with India deeply resonates with Croatia's own aspirations,' he added. Plenkovic highlighted that as a member of the European Union and NATO, Croatia is well-positioned to strengthen strategic connectivity between the regions, particularly through the Three Seas Initiative. 'As a member of the European Union and NATO and a country committed to innovation, stability and constructive global dialogue, and as the most natural Mediterranean gateway to Central Europe, Croatia is uniquely positioned to play a meaningful role in connecting the Three Seas Initiative, which we will preside over... This connection offers a valuable opportunity to further strengthen strategic connectivity between our regions,' he added. The Three Seas Initiative was born out of a shared interest in developing the transport, energy and digital connections on the European Union's north-south axis to increase the economic growth and resilience of the region. The 3SI format was conceived by the President of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic and the President of Poland Andrzej Duda in 2015. The first Three Seas Summit was held in 2016 in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The Summit initiated annual Three Seas Summits on a presidential level. The Three Seas Initiative (3SI) is a regional cooperation format that brings together 13 European Union member states located between the Adriatic Sea, the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. The initiative's strategic partners are the United States, Germany, the European Commission and Japan. Regional partners are Ukraine and Moldova. The initiative is designed to promote cooperation in order to contribute to economic growth and energy security, as well as to boost cohesion and unity in Europe. Plenkovic noted the potential for deepening cooperation between Croatia and India in areas such as trade, technology, science, and education. He also highlighted the importance of cooperation in mobility, defense, culture, and tourism. 'During your visit, we have identified numerous avenues to deepen cooperation between our two countries, from trade, technology, science and education to mobility, defence, culture and tourism...,' he added. Plenkovic warmly welcomed PM Modi to Croatia, emphasiSing the enduring friendship and shared commitment to mutual respect, genuine partnership, and common purpose between the two nations. Plenkovic highlighted the historical ties between Croatia and India, mentioning Marco Polo, the legendary explorer born on the Croatian island of Korcula, who introduced India's wonders to the European imagination. 'This evening we are not only celebrating the enduring friendship between Croatia and India, but also reaffirming our shared commitment to a future built on mutual respect, genuine partnership and a deep sense of common purpose... While our diplomatic relations were formally established in 1992, the ties between our peoples reach much further back in time... Through his journey and writings, Marco Polo, the legendary explorer born on the Croatian island of Korcula, helped unveil the wonders of India to the European imagination...,' said the Croatian PM. He noted the significant contribution of Croatian scholar Philip Bezdigi, who authored the first printed grammar of Sanskrit in the 18th century, facilitating Europe's academic engagement with India's linguistic and philosophical traditions. 'As early as the 18th century, Philip Bezdigi, a Croatian scholar and missionary, authored the first printed grammar of Sanskrit, laying the groundwork for Europe's earliest academic engagement with India's profound linguistic and philosophical traditions. At the University of Zagreb, the study of Sanskrit began in 1876, establishing a foundation for cultural dialogue and scholarly exchange that continues to this day,' said Plenkovic. Plenkovic also mentioned Stepan Radic, a Croatian leader inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's teachings and philosophy. 'One of Croatia's most influential political leaders, Stepan Radic, found lasting inspiration from the teachings and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi...,' he added. Plenkovic concluded with a toast, celebrating the enduring friendship between Croatia and India and expressing hope for a future built on trust, mutual respect, and shared emphasized the importance of continued learning, inspiration, and cooperation between the two nations, walking together on the path of innovation, understanding, and peace. 'As we raise our glasses this evening, let us celebrate the enduring friendship between Croatia and India. May our partnership continue to flourish, rooted in trust, mutual respect and shared ambition. May our peoples continue to learn from one another, to inspire one another, and to walk together on the path of innovation, understanding and peace. And may the future we build togetherthe art shared success. To the help of Prime Minister Modi. To the friendship between Croatia and India. And to the bright road ahead. Jai Hind...,' said Plenkovic. (ANI)
The Sun
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia, Poland eye stronger ASEAN-EU partnership, economic ties
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Poland have expressed readiness to deepen cooperation between ASEAN and the European Union (EU), leveraging their respective chairmanships to drive a more strategic and long-term interregional partnership. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the ongoing alignment, with Malaysia chairing ASEAN this year and Poland assuming the EU Council presidency in the first half of 2025, has created a unique diplomatic opportunity to foster closer ASEAN-EU relations, particularly in trade. 'This visit by President Andrzej Duda is very special because he currently holds the presidency of the EU Council, while Malaysia is the Chair of ASEAN. Our discussions touched on both bilateral matters and broader ASEAN-EU issues,' Anwar told a joint press conference with the Polish leader here today. He noted that talks between ASEAN and the EU, particularly on the free trade agreement (FTA), have gained new momentum after years of slow progress. 'The negotiations had been protracted, perhaps due to differing priorities in the past. But over the last year and especially in recent months, we have seen an accelerated process. I am pleased that under the EU presidency, we are witnessing this fast-tracked approach,' he said. Anwar highlighted that the EU, including Poland, remains a critical strategic and economic partner for Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region. Meanwhile, President Duda said one of the key areas of discussion was strengthening cooperation between Malaysia and Central European countries involved in the Three Seas Initiative, which includes EU member states from Central Europe. 'Poland held the presidency of both the EU Council and the Three Seas Initiative in the past half-year. I discussed with the Prime Minister how ASEAN views cooperation with the Three Seas countries, and I have extended an invitation to him to participate in future summits under this initiative,' Duda said. He explained that the Three Seas Initiative comprises only EU member states, offering a potential platform for increased economic dialogue and connectivity with ASEAN. Duda said discussions also covered global security issues, including the Middle East conflict, Russian aggression against Ukraine, and concerns over North Korean involvement in the war. -- MORE
The Sun
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Malaysia, Poland eye stronger ASEAN-EU partnership
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Poland have expressed readiness to deepen cooperation between ASEAN and the European Union (EU), leveraging their respective chairmanships to drive a more strategic and long-term interregional partnership. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the ongoing alignment, with Malaysia chairing ASEAN this year and Poland assuming the EU Council presidency in the first half of 2025, has created a unique diplomatic opportunity to foster closer ASEAN-EU relations, particularly in trade. 'This visit by President Andrzej Duda is very special because he currently holds the presidency of the EU Council, while Malaysia is the Chair of ASEAN. Our discussions touched on both bilateral matters and broader ASEAN-EU issues,' Anwar told a joint press conference with the Polish leader here today. He noted that talks between ASEAN and the EU, particularly on the free trade agreement (FTA), have gained new momentum after years of slow progress. 'The negotiations had been protracted, perhaps due to differing priorities in the past. But over the last year and especially in recent months, we have seen an accelerated process. I am pleased that under the EU presidency, we are witnessing this fast-tracked approach,' he said. Anwar highlighted that the EU, including Poland, remains a critical strategic and economic partner for Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region. Meanwhile, President Duda said one of the key areas of discussion was strengthening cooperation between Malaysia and Central European countries involved in the Three Seas Initiative, which includes EU member states from Central Europe. 'Poland held the presidency of both the EU Council and the Three Seas Initiative in the past half-year. I discussed with the Prime Minister how ASEAN views cooperation with the Three Seas countries, and I have extended an invitation to him to participate in future summits under this initiative,' Duda said. He explained that the Three Seas Initiative comprises only EU member states, offering a potential platform for increased economic dialogue and connectivity with ASEAN. Duda said discussions also covered global security issues, including the Middle East conflict, Russian aggression against Ukraine, and concerns over North Korean involvement in the war. -- MORE
New Straits Times
10-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysia, Poland eye stronger Asean-EU partnership, economic ties
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Poland have expressed readiness to deepen cooperation between Asean and the European Union (EU), leveraging their respective chairmanships to drive a more strategic and long-term interregional partnership. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the ongoing alignment, with Malaysia chairing Asean this year and Poland assuming the EU Council presidency in the first half of 2025, has created a unique diplomatic opportunity to foster closer Asean-EU relations, particularly in trade. "This visit by President Andrzej Duda is very special because he currently holds the presidency of the EU Council, while Malaysia is the Chair of Asean. Our discussions touched on both bilateral matters and broader Asean-EU issues," Anwar told a joint press conference with the Polish leader here today. He noted that talks between Asean and the EU, particularly on the free trade agreement (FTA), have gained new momentum after years of slow progress. "The negotiations had been protracted, perhaps due to differing priorities in the past. But over the last year and especially in recent months, we have seen an accelerated process. I am pleased that under the EU presidency, we are witnessing this fast-tracked approach," he said. Anwar highlighted that the EU, including Poland, remains a critical strategic and economic partner for Malaysia and the wider Asean region. Meanwhile, President Duda said one of the key areas of discussion was strengthening cooperation between Malaysia and Central European countries involved in the Three Seas Initiative, which includes EU member states from Central Europe. "Poland held the presidency of both the EU Council and the Three Seas Initiative in the past half-year. I discussed with the Prime Minister how Asean views cooperation with the Three Seas countries, and I have extended an invitation to him to participate in future summits under this initiative," Duda said. He explained that the Three Seas Initiative comprises only EU member states, offering a potential platform for increased economic dialogue and connectivity with Asean. Duda said discussions also covered global security issues, including the Middle East conflict, Russian aggression against Ukraine, and concerns over North Korean involvement in the war.
