Menu
Menu
Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
\"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
\"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
According to the chamber, some 21% of respondents intended to increase their manufacturing in China, while another 12% intended to decrease it. Only 1% of respondents to the study said they intended to completely shift production outside of China. The lobby group stated in a report that accompanied the survey that the results came \"at a time when the global business environment is becoming increasingly politicized, and companies are having to make some very tough decisions about how, or in some cases if, they can continue to engage with the Chinese market.\" According to the research, businesses' attention is now \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience,\" and the Chinese market has grown \"less predictable, reliable, and efficient.\" Recent years have brought a number of difficulties for foreign businesses operating in China, including sluggish economic development, extremely stringent COVID rules, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and national security crackdowns. Beijing has made an effort to reassure companies that the nation is still open for business in the wake of the outbreak, but in the meanwhile, authorities have reinforced anti-espionage and state secrets legislation, limited cross-border data exchange, and conducted high-profile raids on foreign consulting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
According to the chamber, some 21% of respondents intended to increase their manufacturing in China, while another 12% intended to decrease it. Only 1% of respondents to the study said they intended to completely shift production outside of China. The lobby group stated in a report that accompanied the survey that the results came \"at a time when the global business environment is becoming increasingly politicized, and companies are having to make some very tough decisions about how, or in some cases if, they can continue to engage with the Chinese market.\" According to the research, businesses' attention is now \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience,\" and the Chinese market has grown \"less predictable, reliable, and efficient.\" Recent years have brought a number of difficulties for foreign businesses operating in China, including sluggish economic development, extremely stringent COVID rules, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and national security crackdowns. Beijing has made an effort to reassure companies that the nation is still open for business in the wake of the outbreak, but in the meanwhile, authorities have reinforced anti-espionage and state secrets legislation, limited cross-border data exchange, and conducted high-profile raids on foreign consulting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
A European business lobby group issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that European companies operating in China are too preoccupied with risk management rather than expanding their market share, which is undermining innovation and efficiency and driving up consumer prices. In its de-risking report, the European Chamber of Commerce stated that the COVID epidemic, the world economic downturn, the conflict in Ukraine, and the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China had \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience\" among businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the chamber, some 21% of respondents intended to increase their manufacturing in China, while another 12% intended to decrease it. Only 1% of respondents to the study said they intended to completely shift production outside of China. The lobby group stated in a report that accompanied the survey that the results came \"at a time when the global business environment is becoming increasingly politicized, and companies are having to make some very tough decisions about how, or in some cases if, they can continue to engage with the Chinese market.\" According to the research, businesses' attention is now \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience,\" and the Chinese market has grown \"less predictable, reliable, and efficient.\" Recent years have brought a number of difficulties for foreign businesses operating in China, including sluggish economic development, extremely stringent COVID rules, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and national security crackdowns. Beijing has made an effort to reassure companies that the nation is still open for business in the wake of the outbreak, but in the meanwhile, authorities have reinforced anti-espionage and state secrets legislation, limited cross-border data exchange, and conducted high-profile raids on foreign consulting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
The EU commission plans to monitor investment flows in four key sectors among the 27 member states and will follow up with a risk assessment report.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Investment screening plan of the European Union faces a lot of criticism ","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"investment-screening-plan-of-the-european-union-faces-a-lot-of-criticism","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7136","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7103,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_content":"\n A European business lobby group issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that European companies operating in China are too preoccupied with risk management rather than expanding their market share, which is undermining innovation and efficiency and driving up consumer prices. In its de-risking report, the European Chamber of Commerce stated that the COVID epidemic, the world economic downturn, the conflict in Ukraine, and the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China had \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience\" among businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the chamber, some 21% of respondents intended to increase their manufacturing in China, while another 12% intended to decrease it. Only 1% of respondents to the study said they intended to completely shift production outside of China. The lobby group stated in a report that accompanied the survey that the results came \"at a time when the global business environment is becoming increasingly politicized, and companies are having to make some very tough decisions about how, or in some cases if, they can continue to engage with the Chinese market.\" According to the research, businesses' attention is now \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience,\" and the Chinese market has grown \"less predictable, reliable, and efficient.\" Recent years have brought a number of difficulties for foreign businesses operating in China, including sluggish economic development, extremely stringent COVID rules, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and national security crackdowns. Beijing has made an effort to reassure companies that the nation is still open for business in the wake of the outbreak, but in the meanwhile, authorities have reinforced anti-espionage and state secrets legislation, limited cross-border data exchange, and conducted high-profile raids on foreign consulting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
SEMI Europe, which includes ASML as a member, expressed that better coordination on export controls is crucial for Europe\u2019s economic security. They believe this is the best way to prevent critical technologies from leaking, as these controls already consider technology transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The EU commission plans to monitor investment flows in four key sectors among the 27 member states and will follow up with a risk assessment report.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Investment screening plan of the European Union faces a lot of criticism ","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"investment-screening-plan-of-the-european-union-faces-a-lot-of-criticism","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7136","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7103,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_content":"\n A European business lobby group issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that European companies operating in China are too preoccupied with risk management rather than expanding their market share, which is undermining innovation and efficiency and driving up consumer prices. In its de-risking report, the European Chamber of Commerce stated that the COVID epidemic, the world economic downturn, the conflict in Ukraine, and the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China had \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience\" among businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the chamber, some 21% of respondents intended to increase their manufacturing in China, while another 12% intended to decrease it. Only 1% of respondents to the study said they intended to completely shift production outside of China. The lobby group stated in a report that accompanied the survey that the results came \"at a time when the global business environment is becoming increasingly politicized, and companies are having to make some very tough decisions about how, or in some cases if, they can continue to engage with the Chinese market.\" According to the research, businesses' attention is now \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience,\" and the Chinese market has grown \"less predictable, reliable, and efficient.\" Recent years have brought a number of difficulties for foreign businesses operating in China, including sluggish economic development, extremely stringent COVID rules, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and national security crackdowns. Beijing has made an effort to reassure companies that the nation is still open for business in the wake of the outbreak, but in the meanwhile, authorities have reinforced anti-espionage and state secrets legislation, limited cross-border data exchange, and conducted high-profile raids on foreign consulting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
The company is pushing for the European union. They want to unify the rules across the different member states of Europe. They believe that one strong voice is making the deal with the United States more effective. So, all 27 nations should speak with one single voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SEMI Europe, which includes ASML as a member, expressed that better coordination on export controls is crucial for Europe\u2019s economic security. They believe this is the best way to prevent critical technologies from leaking, as these controls already consider technology transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The EU commission plans to monitor investment flows in four key sectors among the 27 member states and will follow up with a risk assessment report.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Investment screening plan of the European Union faces a lot of criticism ","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"investment-screening-plan-of-the-european-union-faces-a-lot-of-criticism","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7136","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7103,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_content":"\n A European business lobby group issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that European companies operating in China are too preoccupied with risk management rather than expanding their market share, which is undermining innovation and efficiency and driving up consumer prices. In its de-risking report, the European Chamber of Commerce stated that the COVID epidemic, the world economic downturn, the conflict in Ukraine, and the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China had \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience\" among businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the chamber, some 21% of respondents intended to increase their manufacturing in China, while another 12% intended to decrease it. Only 1% of respondents to the study said they intended to completely shift production outside of China. The lobby group stated in a report that accompanied the survey that the results came \"at a time when the global business environment is becoming increasingly politicized, and companies are having to make some very tough decisions about how, or in some cases if, they can continue to engage with the Chinese market.\" According to the research, businesses' attention is now \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience,\" and the Chinese market has grown \"less predictable, reliable, and efficient.\" Recent years have brought a number of difficulties for foreign businesses operating in China, including sluggish economic development, extremely stringent COVID rules, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and national security crackdowns. Beijing has made an effort to reassure companies that the nation is still open for business in the wake of the outbreak, but in the meanwhile, authorities have reinforced anti-espionage and state secrets legislation, limited cross-border data exchange, and conducted high-profile raids on foreign consulting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
A report showed that European investments in key sectors in China are small, mostly led by German companies. Some EU countries think that if they establish a unified export control system, it would reduce the need for this new policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company is pushing for the European union. They want to unify the rules across the different member states of Europe. They believe that one strong voice is making the deal with the United States more effective. So, all 27 nations should speak with one single voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SEMI Europe, which includes ASML as a member, expressed that better coordination on export controls is crucial for Europe\u2019s economic security. They believe this is the best way to prevent critical technologies from leaking, as these controls already consider technology transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The EU commission plans to monitor investment flows in four key sectors among the 27 member states and will follow up with a risk assessment report.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Investment screening plan of the European Union faces a lot of criticism ","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"investment-screening-plan-of-the-european-union-faces-a-lot-of-criticism","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7136","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7103,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_content":"\n A European business lobby group issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that European companies operating in China are too preoccupied with risk management rather than expanding their market share, which is undermining innovation and efficiency and driving up consumer prices. In its de-risking report, the European Chamber of Commerce stated that the COVID epidemic, the world economic downturn, the conflict in Ukraine, and the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China had \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience\" among businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the chamber, some 21% of respondents intended to increase their manufacturing in China, while another 12% intended to decrease it. Only 1% of respondents to the study said they intended to completely shift production outside of China. The lobby group stated in a report that accompanied the survey that the results came \"at a time when the global business environment is becoming increasingly politicized, and companies are having to make some very tough decisions about how, or in some cases if, they can continue to engage with the Chinese market.\" According to the research, businesses' attention is now \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience,\" and the Chinese market has grown \"less predictable, reliable, and efficient.\" Recent years have brought a number of difficulties for foreign businesses operating in China, including sluggish economic development, extremely stringent COVID rules, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and national security crackdowns. Beijing has made an effort to reassure companies that the nation is still open for business in the wake of the outbreak, but in the meanwhile, authorities have reinforced anti-espionage and state secrets legislation, limited cross-border data exchange, and conducted high-profile raids on foreign consulting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
There isn\u2019t much interest within the EU to move this policy forward, but keeping the discussions alive could be beneficial for future political negotiations. During the EU\u2019s consultations, only three government ministries, from Austria, Czechia, and Sweden, participated. Two of these ministries admitted they lacked knowledge about the potential risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A report showed that European investments in key sectors in China are small, mostly led by German companies. Some EU countries think that if they establish a unified export control system, it would reduce the need for this new policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company is pushing for the European union. They want to unify the rules across the different member states of Europe. They believe that one strong voice is making the deal with the United States more effective. So, all 27 nations should speak with one single voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SEMI Europe, which includes ASML as a member, expressed that better coordination on export controls is crucial for Europe\u2019s economic security. They believe this is the best way to prevent critical technologies from leaking, as these controls already consider technology transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The EU commission plans to monitor investment flows in four key sectors among the 27 member states and will follow up with a risk assessment report.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Investment screening plan of the European Union faces a lot of criticism ","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"investment-screening-plan-of-the-european-union-faces-a-lot-of-criticism","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7136","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7103,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_content":"\n A European business lobby group issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that European companies operating in China are too preoccupied with risk management rather than expanding their market share, which is undermining innovation and efficiency and driving up consumer prices. In its de-risking report, the European Chamber of Commerce stated that the COVID epidemic, the world economic downturn, the conflict in Ukraine, and the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China had \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience\" among businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the chamber, some 21% of respondents intended to increase their manufacturing in China, while another 12% intended to decrease it. Only 1% of respondents to the study said they intended to completely shift production outside of China. The lobby group stated in a report that accompanied the survey that the results came \"at a time when the global business environment is becoming increasingly politicized, and companies are having to make some very tough decisions about how, or in some cases if, they can continue to engage with the Chinese market.\" According to the research, businesses' attention is now \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience,\" and the Chinese market has grown \"less predictable, reliable, and efficient.\" Recent years have brought a number of difficulties for foreign businesses operating in China, including sluggish economic development, extremely stringent COVID rules, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and national security crackdowns. Beijing has made an effort to reassure companies that the nation is still open for business in the wake of the outbreak, but in the meanwhile, authorities have reinforced anti-espionage and state secrets legislation, limited cross-border data exchange, and conducted high-profile raids on foreign consulting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
An expert of geoeconomics, Tobias Gehrke, strongly believes that dealing with the United States is very important. This is the only way that von der Leyen\u2019s best securing support for a new EU investment policy. He explains that the United States plays an important role in this plan. As monitoring investments leaving the EU to prevent technology leaks, is closely connected to US interests. Gehrke also argues that success of this policy strongly depends upon the political relations between the United States and Europe than on actual evidence of harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There isn\u2019t much interest within the EU to move this policy forward, but keeping the discussions alive could be beneficial for future political negotiations. During the EU\u2019s consultations, only three government ministries, from Austria, Czechia, and Sweden, participated. Two of these ministries admitted they lacked knowledge about the potential risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A report showed that European investments in key sectors in China are small, mostly led by German companies. Some EU countries think that if they establish a unified export control system, it would reduce the need for this new policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company is pushing for the European union. They want to unify the rules across the different member states of Europe. They believe that one strong voice is making the deal with the United States more effective. So, all 27 nations should speak with one single voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SEMI Europe, which includes ASML as a member, expressed that better coordination on export controls is crucial for Europe\u2019s economic security. They believe this is the best way to prevent critical technologies from leaking, as these controls already consider technology transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The EU commission plans to monitor investment flows in four key sectors among the 27 member states and will follow up with a risk assessment report.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Investment screening plan of the European Union faces a lot of criticism ","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"investment-screening-plan-of-the-european-union-faces-a-lot-of-criticism","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7136","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7103,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_content":"\n A European business lobby group issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that European companies operating in China are too preoccupied with risk management rather than expanding their market share, which is undermining innovation and efficiency and driving up consumer prices. In its de-risking report, the European Chamber of Commerce stated that the COVID epidemic, the world economic downturn, the conflict in Ukraine, and the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China had \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience\" among businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the chamber, some 21% of respondents intended to increase their manufacturing in China, while another 12% intended to decrease it. Only 1% of respondents to the study said they intended to completely shift production outside of China. The lobby group stated in a report that accompanied the survey that the results came \"at a time when the global business environment is becoming increasingly politicized, and companies are having to make some very tough decisions about how, or in some cases if, they can continue to engage with the Chinese market.\" According to the research, businesses' attention is now \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience,\" and the Chinese market has grown \"less predictable, reliable, and efficient.\" Recent years have brought a number of difficulties for foreign businesses operating in China, including sluggish economic development, extremely stringent COVID rules, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and national security crackdowns. Beijing has made an effort to reassure companies that the nation is still open for business in the wake of the outbreak, but in the meanwhile, authorities have reinforced anti-espionage and state secrets legislation, limited cross-border data exchange, and conducted high-profile raids on foreign consulting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Many countries are doubtful about the plan. It includes the Netherlands and Sweden. One country that strongly supports the idea is Lithuania. Other EU countries wonder if it's necessary, especially since EU investments in these Chinese sectors are low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An expert of geoeconomics, Tobias Gehrke, strongly believes that dealing with the United States is very important. This is the only way that von der Leyen\u2019s best securing support for a new EU investment policy. He explains that the United States plays an important role in this plan. As monitoring investments leaving the EU to prevent technology leaks, is closely connected to US interests. Gehrke also argues that success of this policy strongly depends upon the political relations between the United States and Europe than on actual evidence of harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There isn\u2019t much interest within the EU to move this policy forward, but keeping the discussions alive could be beneficial for future political negotiations. During the EU\u2019s consultations, only three government ministries, from Austria, Czechia, and Sweden, participated. Two of these ministries admitted they lacked knowledge about the potential risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A report showed that European investments in key sectors in China are small, mostly led by German companies. Some EU countries think that if they establish a unified export control system, it would reduce the need for this new policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company is pushing for the European union. They want to unify the rules across the different member states of Europe. They believe that one strong voice is making the deal with the United States more effective. So, all 27 nations should speak with one single voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SEMI Europe, which includes ASML as a member, expressed that better coordination on export controls is crucial for Europe\u2019s economic security. They believe this is the best way to prevent critical technologies from leaking, as these controls already consider technology transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The EU commission plans to monitor investment flows in four key sectors among the 27 member states and will follow up with a risk assessment report.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Investment screening plan of the European Union faces a lot of criticism ","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"investment-screening-plan-of-the-european-union-faces-a-lot-of-criticism","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7136","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7103,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_content":"\n A European business lobby group issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that European companies operating in China are too preoccupied with risk management rather than expanding their market share, which is undermining innovation and efficiency and driving up consumer prices. In its de-risking report, the European Chamber of Commerce stated that the COVID epidemic, the world economic downturn, the conflict in Ukraine, and the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China had \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience\" among businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the chamber, some 21% of respondents intended to increase their manufacturing in China, while another 12% intended to decrease it. Only 1% of respondents to the study said they intended to completely shift production outside of China. The lobby group stated in a report that accompanied the survey that the results came \"at a time when the global business environment is becoming increasingly politicized, and companies are having to make some very tough decisions about how, or in some cases if, they can continue to engage with the Chinese market.\" According to the research, businesses' attention is now \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience,\" and the Chinese market has grown \"less predictable, reliable, and efficient.\" Recent years have brought a number of difficulties for foreign businesses operating in China, including sluggish economic development, extremely stringent COVID rules, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and national security crackdowns. Beijing has made an effort to reassure companies that the nation is still open for business in the wake of the outbreak, but in the meanwhile, authorities have reinforced anti-espionage and state secrets legislation, limited cross-border data exchange, and conducted high-profile raids on foreign consulting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
For example, SEMI Europe, representing electronics companies, thinks controlling European companies' investments abroad isn't the right way to ensure economic security. BusinessEurope, a group representing businesses across EU countries, is also cautious, saying this could hurt research, innovation, and global operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many countries are doubtful about the plan. It includes the Netherlands and Sweden. One country that strongly supports the idea is Lithuania. Other EU countries wonder if it's necessary, especially since EU investments in these Chinese sectors are low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An expert of geoeconomics, Tobias Gehrke, strongly believes that dealing with the United States is very important. This is the only way that von der Leyen\u2019s best securing support for a new EU investment policy. He explains that the United States plays an important role in this plan. As monitoring investments leaving the EU to prevent technology leaks, is closely connected to US interests. Gehrke also argues that success of this policy strongly depends upon the political relations between the United States and Europe than on actual evidence of harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There isn\u2019t much interest within the EU to move this policy forward, but keeping the discussions alive could be beneficial for future political negotiations. During the EU\u2019s consultations, only three government ministries, from Austria, Czechia, and Sweden, participated. Two of these ministries admitted they lacked knowledge about the potential risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A report showed that European investments in key sectors in China are small, mostly led by German companies. Some EU countries think that if they establish a unified export control system, it would reduce the need for this new policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company is pushing for the European union. They want to unify the rules across the different member states of Europe. They believe that one strong voice is making the deal with the United States more effective. So, all 27 nations should speak with one single voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SEMI Europe, which includes ASML as a member, expressed that better coordination on export controls is crucial for Europe\u2019s economic security. They believe this is the best way to prevent critical technologies from leaking, as these controls already consider technology transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The EU commission plans to monitor investment flows in four key sectors among the 27 member states and will follow up with a risk assessment report.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Investment screening plan of the European Union faces a lot of criticism ","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"investment-screening-plan-of-the-european-union-faces-a-lot-of-criticism","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7136","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7103,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_content":"\n A European business lobby group issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that European companies operating in China are too preoccupied with risk management rather than expanding their market share, which is undermining innovation and efficiency and driving up consumer prices. In its de-risking report, the European Chamber of Commerce stated that the COVID epidemic, the world economic downturn, the conflict in Ukraine, and the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China had \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience\" among businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the chamber, some 21% of respondents intended to increase their manufacturing in China, while another 12% intended to decrease it. Only 1% of respondents to the study said they intended to completely shift production outside of China. The lobby group stated in a report that accompanied the survey that the results came \"at a time when the global business environment is becoming increasingly politicized, and companies are having to make some very tough decisions about how, or in some cases if, they can continue to engage with the Chinese market.\" According to the research, businesses' attention is now \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience,\" and the Chinese market has grown \"less predictable, reliable, and efficient.\" Recent years have brought a number of difficulties for foreign businesses operating in China, including sluggish economic development, extremely stringent COVID rules, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and national security crackdowns. Beijing has made an effort to reassure companies that the nation is still open for business in the wake of the outbreak, but in the meanwhile, authorities have reinforced anti-espionage and state secrets legislation, limited cross-border data exchange, and conducted high-profile raids on foreign consulting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
According to the plan the investment is measured in top 4 areas. It includes semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing. However, they also plan to add more areas later on. However, Europe is facing many controversies due to the idea of controlling investment. As this strategy would interfere with business special decisions and also harm the international laws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, SEMI Europe, representing electronics companies, thinks controlling European companies' investments abroad isn't the right way to ensure economic security. BusinessEurope, a group representing businesses across EU countries, is also cautious, saying this could hurt research, innovation, and global operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many countries are doubtful about the plan. It includes the Netherlands and Sweden. One country that strongly supports the idea is Lithuania. Other EU countries wonder if it's necessary, especially since EU investments in these Chinese sectors are low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An expert of geoeconomics, Tobias Gehrke, strongly believes that dealing with the United States is very important. This is the only way that von der Leyen\u2019s best securing support for a new EU investment policy. He explains that the United States plays an important role in this plan. As monitoring investments leaving the EU to prevent technology leaks, is closely connected to US interests. Gehrke also argues that success of this policy strongly depends upon the political relations between the United States and Europe than on actual evidence of harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There isn\u2019t much interest within the EU to move this policy forward, but keeping the discussions alive could be beneficial for future political negotiations. During the EU\u2019s consultations, only three government ministries, from Austria, Czechia, and Sweden, participated. Two of these ministries admitted they lacked knowledge about the potential risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A report showed that European investments in key sectors in China are small, mostly led by German companies. Some EU countries think that if they establish a unified export control system, it would reduce the need for this new policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company is pushing for the European union. They want to unify the rules across the different member states of Europe. They believe that one strong voice is making the deal with the United States more effective. So, all 27 nations should speak with one single voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SEMI Europe, which includes ASML as a member, expressed that better coordination on export controls is crucial for Europe\u2019s economic security. They believe this is the best way to prevent critical technologies from leaking, as these controls already consider technology transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The EU commission plans to monitor investment flows in four key sectors among the 27 member states and will follow up with a risk assessment report.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Investment screening plan of the European Union faces a lot of criticism ","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"investment-screening-plan-of-the-european-union-faces-a-lot-of-criticism","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7136","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7103,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_content":"\n A European business lobby group issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that European companies operating in China are too preoccupied with risk management rather than expanding their market share, which is undermining innovation and efficiency and driving up consumer prices. In its de-risking report, the European Chamber of Commerce stated that the COVID epidemic, the world economic downturn, the conflict in Ukraine, and the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China had \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience\" among businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the chamber, some 21% of respondents intended to increase their manufacturing in China, while another 12% intended to decrease it. Only 1% of respondents to the study said they intended to completely shift production outside of China. The lobby group stated in a report that accompanied the survey that the results came \"at a time when the global business environment is becoming increasingly politicized, and companies are having to make some very tough decisions about how, or in some cases if, they can continue to engage with the Chinese market.\" According to the research, businesses' attention is now \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience,\" and the Chinese market has grown \"less predictable, reliable, and efficient.\" Recent years have brought a number of difficulties for foreign businesses operating in China, including sluggish economic development, extremely stringent COVID rules, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and national security crackdowns. Beijing has made an effort to reassure companies that the nation is still open for business in the wake of the outbreak, but in the meanwhile, authorities have reinforced anti-espionage and state secrets legislation, limited cross-border data exchange, and conducted high-profile raids on foreign consulting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Brussel is worried that the Chinese military might utilize the advanced technology. The main point of concern is that it is not clear which buyers are directly linked to the Chinese defense sector. In order to address this issue, Brussel os collaborate with the United States. This is the nation that already has measures to stop investments in some Chinese industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the plan the investment is measured in top 4 areas. It includes semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing. However, they also plan to add more areas later on. However, Europe is facing many controversies due to the idea of controlling investment. As this strategy would interfere with business special decisions and also harm the international laws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, SEMI Europe, representing electronics companies, thinks controlling European companies' investments abroad isn't the right way to ensure economic security. BusinessEurope, a group representing businesses across EU countries, is also cautious, saying this could hurt research, innovation, and global operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many countries are doubtful about the plan. It includes the Netherlands and Sweden. One country that strongly supports the idea is Lithuania. Other EU countries wonder if it's necessary, especially since EU investments in these Chinese sectors are low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An expert of geoeconomics, Tobias Gehrke, strongly believes that dealing with the United States is very important. This is the only way that von der Leyen\u2019s best securing support for a new EU investment policy. He explains that the United States plays an important role in this plan. As monitoring investments leaving the EU to prevent technology leaks, is closely connected to US interests. Gehrke also argues that success of this policy strongly depends upon the political relations between the United States and Europe than on actual evidence of harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There isn\u2019t much interest within the EU to move this policy forward, but keeping the discussions alive could be beneficial for future political negotiations. During the EU\u2019s consultations, only three government ministries, from Austria, Czechia, and Sweden, participated. Two of these ministries admitted they lacked knowledge about the potential risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A report showed that European investments in key sectors in China are small, mostly led by German companies. Some EU countries think that if they establish a unified export control system, it would reduce the need for this new policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company is pushing for the European union. They want to unify the rules across the different member states of Europe. They believe that one strong voice is making the deal with the United States more effective. So, all 27 nations should speak with one single voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SEMI Europe, which includes ASML as a member, expressed that better coordination on export controls is crucial for Europe\u2019s economic security. They believe this is the best way to prevent critical technologies from leaking, as these controls already consider technology transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The EU commission plans to monitor investment flows in four key sectors among the 27 member states and will follow up with a risk assessment report.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Investment screening plan of the European Union faces a lot of criticism ","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"investment-screening-plan-of-the-european-union-faces-a-lot-of-criticism","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7136","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7103,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_content":"\n A European business lobby group issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that European companies operating in China are too preoccupied with risk management rather than expanding their market share, which is undermining innovation and efficiency and driving up consumer prices. In its de-risking report, the European Chamber of Commerce stated that the COVID epidemic, the world economic downturn, the conflict in Ukraine, and the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China had \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience\" among businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the chamber, some 21% of respondents intended to increase their manufacturing in China, while another 12% intended to decrease it. Only 1% of respondents to the study said they intended to completely shift production outside of China. The lobby group stated in a report that accompanied the survey that the results came \"at a time when the global business environment is becoming increasingly politicized, and companies are having to make some very tough decisions about how, or in some cases if, they can continue to engage with the Chinese market.\" According to the research, businesses' attention is now \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience,\" and the Chinese market has grown \"less predictable, reliable, and efficient.\" Recent years have brought a number of difficulties for foreign businesses operating in China, including sluggish economic development, extremely stringent COVID rules, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and national security crackdowns. Beijing has made an effort to reassure companies that the nation is still open for business in the wake of the outbreak, but in the meanwhile, authorities have reinforced anti-espionage and state secrets legislation, limited cross-border data exchange, and conducted high-profile raids on foreign consulting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
However, the strong pushback suggests that this plan might struggle to be implemented effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brussel is worried that the Chinese military might utilize the advanced technology. The main point of concern is that it is not clear which buyers are directly linked to the Chinese defense sector. In order to address this issue, Brussel os collaborate with the United States. This is the nation that already has measures to stop investments in some Chinese industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the plan the investment is measured in top 4 areas. It includes semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing. However, they also plan to add more areas later on. However, Europe is facing many controversies due to the idea of controlling investment. As this strategy would interfere with business special decisions and also harm the international laws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, SEMI Europe, representing electronics companies, thinks controlling European companies' investments abroad isn't the right way to ensure economic security. BusinessEurope, a group representing businesses across EU countries, is also cautious, saying this could hurt research, innovation, and global operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many countries are doubtful about the plan. It includes the Netherlands and Sweden. One country that strongly supports the idea is Lithuania. Other EU countries wonder if it's necessary, especially since EU investments in these Chinese sectors are low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An expert of geoeconomics, Tobias Gehrke, strongly believes that dealing with the United States is very important. This is the only way that von der Leyen\u2019s best securing support for a new EU investment policy. He explains that the United States plays an important role in this plan. As monitoring investments leaving the EU to prevent technology leaks, is closely connected to US interests. Gehrke also argues that success of this policy strongly depends upon the political relations between the United States and Europe than on actual evidence of harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There isn\u2019t much interest within the EU to move this policy forward, but keeping the discussions alive could be beneficial for future political negotiations. During the EU\u2019s consultations, only three government ministries, from Austria, Czechia, and Sweden, participated. Two of these ministries admitted they lacked knowledge about the potential risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A report showed that European investments in key sectors in China are small, mostly led by German companies. Some EU countries think that if they establish a unified export control system, it would reduce the need for this new policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company is pushing for the European union. They want to unify the rules across the different member states of Europe. They believe that one strong voice is making the deal with the United States more effective. So, all 27 nations should speak with one single voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SEMI Europe, which includes ASML as a member, expressed that better coordination on export controls is crucial for Europe\u2019s economic security. They believe this is the best way to prevent critical technologies from leaking, as these controls already consider technology transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The EU commission plans to monitor investment flows in four key sectors among the 27 member states and will follow up with a risk assessment report.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Investment screening plan of the European Union faces a lot of criticism ","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"investment-screening-plan-of-the-european-union-faces-a-lot-of-criticism","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7136","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7103,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_content":"\n A European business lobby group issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that European companies operating in China are too preoccupied with risk management rather than expanding their market share, which is undermining innovation and efficiency and driving up consumer prices. In its de-risking report, the European Chamber of Commerce stated that the COVID epidemic, the world economic downturn, the conflict in Ukraine, and the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China had \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience\" among businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the chamber, some 21% of respondents intended to increase their manufacturing in China, while another 12% intended to decrease it. Only 1% of respondents to the study said they intended to completely shift production outside of China. The lobby group stated in a report that accompanied the survey that the results came \"at a time when the global business environment is becoming increasingly politicized, and companies are having to make some very tough decisions about how, or in some cases if, they can continue to engage with the Chinese market.\" According to the research, businesses' attention is now \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience,\" and the Chinese market has grown \"less predictable, reliable, and efficient.\" Recent years have brought a number of difficulties for foreign businesses operating in China, including sluggish economic development, extremely stringent COVID rules, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and national security crackdowns. Beijing has made an effort to reassure companies that the nation is still open for business in the wake of the outbreak, but in the meanwhile, authorities have reinforced anti-espionage and state secrets legislation, limited cross-border data exchange, and conducted high-profile raids on foreign consulting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Although China isn\u2019t directly mentioned, the plan clearly targets concerns about it. Von der Leyen insists on reviewing investment policies to better manage the EU\u2019s relationship<\/a> with China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the strong pushback suggests that this plan might struggle to be implemented effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brussel is worried that the Chinese military might utilize the advanced technology. The main point of concern is that it is not clear which buyers are directly linked to the Chinese defense sector. In order to address this issue, Brussel os collaborate with the United States. This is the nation that already has measures to stop investments in some Chinese industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the plan the investment is measured in top 4 areas. It includes semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing. However, they also plan to add more areas later on. However, Europe is facing many controversies due to the idea of controlling investment. As this strategy would interfere with business special decisions and also harm the international laws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, SEMI Europe, representing electronics companies, thinks controlling European companies' investments abroad isn't the right way to ensure economic security. BusinessEurope, a group representing businesses across EU countries, is also cautious, saying this could hurt research, innovation, and global operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many countries are doubtful about the plan. It includes the Netherlands and Sweden. One country that strongly supports the idea is Lithuania. Other EU countries wonder if it's necessary, especially since EU investments in these Chinese sectors are low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An expert of geoeconomics, Tobias Gehrke, strongly believes that dealing with the United States is very important. This is the only way that von der Leyen\u2019s best securing support for a new EU investment policy. He explains that the United States plays an important role in this plan. As monitoring investments leaving the EU to prevent technology leaks, is closely connected to US interests. Gehrke also argues that success of this policy strongly depends upon the political relations between the United States and Europe than on actual evidence of harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There isn\u2019t much interest within the EU to move this policy forward, but keeping the discussions alive could be beneficial for future political negotiations. During the EU\u2019s consultations, only three government ministries, from Austria, Czechia, and Sweden, participated. Two of these ministries admitted they lacked knowledge about the potential risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A report showed that European investments in key sectors in China are small, mostly led by German companies. Some EU countries think that if they establish a unified export control system, it would reduce the need for this new policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company is pushing for the European union. They want to unify the rules across the different member states of Europe. They believe that one strong voice is making the deal with the United States more effective. So, all 27 nations should speak with one single voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SEMI Europe, which includes ASML as a member, expressed that better coordination on export controls is crucial for Europe\u2019s economic security. They believe this is the best way to prevent critical technologies from leaking, as these controls already consider technology transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The EU commission plans to monitor investment flows in four key sectors among the 27 member states and will follow up with a risk assessment report.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Investment screening plan of the European Union faces a lot of criticism ","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"investment-screening-plan-of-the-european-union-faces-a-lot-of-criticism","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7136","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7103,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_content":"\n A European business lobby group issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that European companies operating in China are too preoccupied with risk management rather than expanding their market share, which is undermining innovation and efficiency and driving up consumer prices. In its de-risking report, the European Chamber of Commerce stated that the COVID epidemic, the world economic downturn, the conflict in Ukraine, and the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China had \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience\" among businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the chamber, some 21% of respondents intended to increase their manufacturing in China, while another 12% intended to decrease it. Only 1% of respondents to the study said they intended to completely shift production outside of China. The lobby group stated in a report that accompanied the survey that the results came \"at a time when the global business environment is becoming increasingly politicized, and companies are having to make some very tough decisions about how, or in some cases if, they can continue to engage with the Chinese market.\" According to the research, businesses' attention is now \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience,\" and the Chinese market has grown \"less predictable, reliable, and efficient.\" Recent years have brought a number of difficulties for foreign businesses operating in China, including sluggish economic development, extremely stringent COVID rules, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and national security crackdowns. Beijing has made an effort to reassure companies that the nation is still open for business in the wake of the outbreak, but in the meanwhile, authorities have reinforced anti-espionage and state secrets legislation, limited cross-border data exchange, and conducted high-profile raids on foreign consulting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Last year, the president of the EU Commision, Ursula von der Leyen introduced the idea of screening. Also it is part of a broader strategy to save Europe\u2019s economic security. China was the central focus point for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although China isn\u2019t directly mentioned, the plan clearly targets concerns about it. Von der Leyen insists on reviewing investment policies to better manage the EU\u2019s relationship<\/a> with China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the strong pushback suggests that this plan might struggle to be implemented effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brussel is worried that the Chinese military might utilize the advanced technology. The main point of concern is that it is not clear which buyers are directly linked to the Chinese defense sector. In order to address this issue, Brussel os collaborate with the United States. This is the nation that already has measures to stop investments in some Chinese industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the plan the investment is measured in top 4 areas. It includes semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing. However, they also plan to add more areas later on. However, Europe is facing many controversies due to the idea of controlling investment. As this strategy would interfere with business special decisions and also harm the international laws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, SEMI Europe, representing electronics companies, thinks controlling European companies' investments abroad isn't the right way to ensure economic security. BusinessEurope, a group representing businesses across EU countries, is also cautious, saying this could hurt research, innovation, and global operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many countries are doubtful about the plan. It includes the Netherlands and Sweden. One country that strongly supports the idea is Lithuania. Other EU countries wonder if it's necessary, especially since EU investments in these Chinese sectors are low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An expert of geoeconomics, Tobias Gehrke, strongly believes that dealing with the United States is very important. This is the only way that von der Leyen\u2019s best securing support for a new EU investment policy. He explains that the United States plays an important role in this plan. As monitoring investments leaving the EU to prevent technology leaks, is closely connected to US interests. Gehrke also argues that success of this policy strongly depends upon the political relations between the United States and Europe than on actual evidence of harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There isn\u2019t much interest within the EU to move this policy forward, but keeping the discussions alive could be beneficial for future political negotiations. During the EU\u2019s consultations, only three government ministries, from Austria, Czechia, and Sweden, participated. Two of these ministries admitted they lacked knowledge about the potential risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A report showed that European investments in key sectors in China are small, mostly led by German companies. Some EU countries think that if they establish a unified export control system, it would reduce the need for this new policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company is pushing for the European union. They want to unify the rules across the different member states of Europe. They believe that one strong voice is making the deal with the United States more effective. So, all 27 nations should speak with one single voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SEMI Europe, which includes ASML as a member, expressed that better coordination on export controls is crucial for Europe\u2019s economic security. They believe this is the best way to prevent critical technologies from leaking, as these controls already consider technology transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The EU commission plans to monitor investment flows in four key sectors among the 27 member states and will follow up with a risk assessment report.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Investment screening plan of the European Union faces a lot of criticism ","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"investment-screening-plan-of-the-european-union-faces-a-lot-of-criticism","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7136","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7103,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_content":"\n A European business lobby group issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that European companies operating in China are too preoccupied with risk management rather than expanding their market share, which is undermining innovation and efficiency and driving up consumer prices. In its de-risking report, the European Chamber of Commerce stated that the COVID epidemic, the world economic downturn, the conflict in Ukraine, and the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China had \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience\" among businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the chamber, some 21% of respondents intended to increase their manufacturing in China, while another 12% intended to decrease it. Only 1% of respondents to the study said they intended to completely shift production outside of China. The lobby group stated in a report that accompanied the survey that the results came \"at a time when the global business environment is becoming increasingly politicized, and companies are having to make some very tough decisions about how, or in some cases if, they can continue to engage with the Chinese market.\" According to the research, businesses' attention is now \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience,\" and the Chinese market has grown \"less predictable, reliable, and efficient.\" Recent years have brought a number of difficulties for foreign businesses operating in China, including sluggish economic development, extremely stringent COVID rules, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and national security crackdowns. Beijing has made an effort to reassure companies that the nation is still open for business in the wake of the outbreak, but in the meanwhile, authorities have reinforced anti-espionage and state secrets legislation, limited cross-border data exchange, and conducted high-profile raids on foreign consulting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Many European businesses and governments strongly criticized the European Union plan. They decided to monitor the investments into China. Many companies believe that this decision would hurt international investment and it would interfere too much in company decisions. Recently the Federation of German Industries(BDI) argued that foreign investments proved very beneficial for the growth of German companies. They support the economy and also secure jobs for the new generation. Additionally they strongly stand against any new rule that would control these investments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Last year, the president of the EU Commision, Ursula von der Leyen introduced the idea of screening. Also it is part of a broader strategy to save Europe\u2019s economic security. China was the central focus point for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although China isn\u2019t directly mentioned, the plan clearly targets concerns about it. Von der Leyen insists on reviewing investment policies to better manage the EU\u2019s relationship<\/a> with China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the strong pushback suggests that this plan might struggle to be implemented effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brussel is worried that the Chinese military might utilize the advanced technology. The main point of concern is that it is not clear which buyers are directly linked to the Chinese defense sector. In order to address this issue, Brussel os collaborate with the United States. This is the nation that already has measures to stop investments in some Chinese industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the plan the investment is measured in top 4 areas. It includes semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing. However, they also plan to add more areas later on. However, Europe is facing many controversies due to the idea of controlling investment. As this strategy would interfere with business special decisions and also harm the international laws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, SEMI Europe, representing electronics companies, thinks controlling European companies' investments abroad isn't the right way to ensure economic security. BusinessEurope, a group representing businesses across EU countries, is also cautious, saying this could hurt research, innovation, and global operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many countries are doubtful about the plan. It includes the Netherlands and Sweden. One country that strongly supports the idea is Lithuania. Other EU countries wonder if it's necessary, especially since EU investments in these Chinese sectors are low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An expert of geoeconomics, Tobias Gehrke, strongly believes that dealing with the United States is very important. This is the only way that von der Leyen\u2019s best securing support for a new EU investment policy. He explains that the United States plays an important role in this plan. As monitoring investments leaving the EU to prevent technology leaks, is closely connected to US interests. Gehrke also argues that success of this policy strongly depends upon the political relations between the United States and Europe than on actual evidence of harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There isn\u2019t much interest within the EU to move this policy forward, but keeping the discussions alive could be beneficial for future political negotiations. During the EU\u2019s consultations, only three government ministries, from Austria, Czechia, and Sweden, participated. Two of these ministries admitted they lacked knowledge about the potential risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A report showed that European investments in key sectors in China are small, mostly led by German companies. Some EU countries think that if they establish a unified export control system, it would reduce the need for this new policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company is pushing for the European union. They want to unify the rules across the different member states of Europe. They believe that one strong voice is making the deal with the United States more effective. So, all 27 nations should speak with one single voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SEMI Europe, which includes ASML as a member, expressed that better coordination on export controls is crucial for Europe\u2019s economic security. They believe this is the best way to prevent critical technologies from leaking, as these controls already consider technology transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The EU commission plans to monitor investment flows in four key sectors among the 27 member states and will follow up with a risk assessment report.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Investment screening plan of the European Union faces a lot of criticism ","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"investment-screening-plan-of-the-european-union-faces-a-lot-of-criticism","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7136","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7103,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_content":"\n A European business lobby group issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that European companies operating in China are too preoccupied with risk management rather than expanding their market share, which is undermining innovation and efficiency and driving up consumer prices. In its de-risking report, the European Chamber of Commerce stated that the COVID epidemic, the world economic downturn, the conflict in Ukraine, and the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China had \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience\" among businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the chamber, some 21% of respondents intended to increase their manufacturing in China, while another 12% intended to decrease it. Only 1% of respondents to the study said they intended to completely shift production outside of China. The lobby group stated in a report that accompanied the survey that the results came \"at a time when the global business environment is becoming increasingly politicized, and companies are having to make some very tough decisions about how, or in some cases if, they can continue to engage with the Chinese market.\" According to the research, businesses' attention is now \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience,\" and the Chinese market has grown \"less predictable, reliable, and efficient.\" Recent years have brought a number of difficulties for foreign businesses operating in China, including sluggish economic development, extremely stringent COVID rules, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and national security crackdowns. Beijing has made an effort to reassure companies that the nation is still open for business in the wake of the outbreak, but in the meanwhile, authorities have reinforced anti-espionage and state secrets legislation, limited cross-border data exchange, and conducted high-profile raids on foreign consulting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Krisztina Toth from Transport & Environment says that for the last 25 years, non-CO2 emissions have been the main climate problem. According to her, this new rule is the first step to better understand aviation's full climate impact. However, she opposed some traditional airlines that were trying to refuse this proposal. Their useless efforts could stop the EU from fully understanding the situation and finding a solution.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Airline Lobbying Efforts: EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air refuse it","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"airline-lobbying-efforts-easyjet-ryanair-and-wizz-air-refuse-it","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7156","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7136,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-08-26 17:18:09","post_date_gmt":"2024-08-26 17:18:09","post_content":"\n Many European businesses and governments strongly criticized the European Union plan. They decided to monitor the investments into China. Many companies believe that this decision would hurt international investment and it would interfere too much in company decisions. Recently the Federation of German Industries(BDI) argued that foreign investments proved very beneficial for the growth of German companies. They support the economy and also secure jobs for the new generation. Additionally they strongly stand against any new rule that would control these investments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Last year, the president of the EU Commision, Ursula von der Leyen introduced the idea of screening. Also it is part of a broader strategy to save Europe\u2019s economic security. China was the central focus point for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although China isn\u2019t directly mentioned, the plan clearly targets concerns about it. Von der Leyen insists on reviewing investment policies to better manage the EU\u2019s relationship<\/a> with China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the strong pushback suggests that this plan might struggle to be implemented effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brussel is worried that the Chinese military might utilize the advanced technology. The main point of concern is that it is not clear which buyers are directly linked to the Chinese defense sector. In order to address this issue, Brussel os collaborate with the United States. This is the nation that already has measures to stop investments in some Chinese industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the plan the investment is measured in top 4 areas. It includes semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing. However, they also plan to add more areas later on. However, Europe is facing many controversies due to the idea of controlling investment. As this strategy would interfere with business special decisions and also harm the international laws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, SEMI Europe, representing electronics companies, thinks controlling European companies' investments abroad isn't the right way to ensure economic security. BusinessEurope, a group representing businesses across EU countries, is also cautious, saying this could hurt research, innovation, and global operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many countries are doubtful about the plan. It includes the Netherlands and Sweden. One country that strongly supports the idea is Lithuania. Other EU countries wonder if it's necessary, especially since EU investments in these Chinese sectors are low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An expert of geoeconomics, Tobias Gehrke, strongly believes that dealing with the United States is very important. This is the only way that von der Leyen\u2019s best securing support for a new EU investment policy. He explains that the United States plays an important role in this plan. As monitoring investments leaving the EU to prevent technology leaks, is closely connected to US interests. Gehrke also argues that success of this policy strongly depends upon the political relations between the United States and Europe than on actual evidence of harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There isn\u2019t much interest within the EU to move this policy forward, but keeping the discussions alive could be beneficial for future political negotiations. During the EU\u2019s consultations, only three government ministries, from Austria, Czechia, and Sweden, participated. Two of these ministries admitted they lacked knowledge about the potential risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A report showed that European investments in key sectors in China are small, mostly led by German companies. Some EU countries think that if they establish a unified export control system, it would reduce the need for this new policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company is pushing for the European union. They want to unify the rules across the different member states of Europe. They believe that one strong voice is making the deal with the United States more effective. So, all 27 nations should speak with one single voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SEMI Europe, which includes ASML as a member, expressed that better coordination on export controls is crucial for Europe\u2019s economic security. They believe this is the best way to prevent critical technologies from leaking, as these controls already consider technology transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The EU commission plans to monitor investment flows in four key sectors among the 27 member states and will follow up with a risk assessment report.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Investment screening plan of the European Union faces a lot of criticism ","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"investment-screening-plan-of-the-european-union-faces-a-lot-of-criticism","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7136","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7103,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_content":"\n A European business lobby group issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that European companies operating in China are too preoccupied with risk management rather than expanding their market share, which is undermining innovation and efficiency and driving up consumer prices. In its de-risking report, the European Chamber of Commerce stated that the COVID epidemic, the world economic downturn, the conflict in Ukraine, and the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China had \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience\" among businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the chamber, some 21% of respondents intended to increase their manufacturing in China, while another 12% intended to decrease it. Only 1% of respondents to the study said they intended to completely shift production outside of China. The lobby group stated in a report that accompanied the survey that the results came \"at a time when the global business environment is becoming increasingly politicized, and companies are having to make some very tough decisions about how, or in some cases if, they can continue to engage with the Chinese market.\" According to the research, businesses' attention is now \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience,\" and the Chinese market has grown \"less predictable, reliable, and efficient.\" Recent years have brought a number of difficulties for foreign businesses operating in China, including sluggish economic development, extremely stringent COVID rules, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and national security crackdowns. Beijing has made an effort to reassure companies that the nation is still open for business in the wake of the outbreak, but in the meanwhile, authorities have reinforced anti-espionage and state secrets legislation, limited cross-border data exchange, and conducted high-profile raids on foreign consulting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
With all of this, contrails are also becoming a major concern. They are made from humid air and contribute to about 35% of aviation emissions worldwide. According to recent studies, up to 10% of the skies above the North Atlantic could be covered by contrail clouds, mostly from long-haul flights. So, it is important to focus on every point to find the major culprit that increases the climate crisis. The only possible solution for it is to revise the climate policies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Krisztina Toth from Transport & Environment says that for the last 25 years, non-CO2 emissions have been the main climate problem. According to her, this new rule is the first step to better understand aviation's full climate impact. However, she opposed some traditional airlines that were trying to refuse this proposal. Their useless efforts could stop the EU from fully understanding the situation and finding a solution.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Airline Lobbying Efforts: EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air refuse it","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"airline-lobbying-efforts-easyjet-ryanair-and-wizz-air-refuse-it","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7156","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7136,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-08-26 17:18:09","post_date_gmt":"2024-08-26 17:18:09","post_content":"\n Many European businesses and governments strongly criticized the European Union plan. They decided to monitor the investments into China. Many companies believe that this decision would hurt international investment and it would interfere too much in company decisions. Recently the Federation of German Industries(BDI) argued that foreign investments proved very beneficial for the growth of German companies. They support the economy and also secure jobs for the new generation. Additionally they strongly stand against any new rule that would control these investments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Last year, the president of the EU Commision, Ursula von der Leyen introduced the idea of screening. Also it is part of a broader strategy to save Europe\u2019s economic security. China was the central focus point for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although China isn\u2019t directly mentioned, the plan clearly targets concerns about it. Von der Leyen insists on reviewing investment policies to better manage the EU\u2019s relationship<\/a> with China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the strong pushback suggests that this plan might struggle to be implemented effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brussel is worried that the Chinese military might utilize the advanced technology. The main point of concern is that it is not clear which buyers are directly linked to the Chinese defense sector. In order to address this issue, Brussel os collaborate with the United States. This is the nation that already has measures to stop investments in some Chinese industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the plan the investment is measured in top 4 areas. It includes semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing. However, they also plan to add more areas later on. However, Europe is facing many controversies due to the idea of controlling investment. As this strategy would interfere with business special decisions and also harm the international laws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, SEMI Europe, representing electronics companies, thinks controlling European companies' investments abroad isn't the right way to ensure economic security. BusinessEurope, a group representing businesses across EU countries, is also cautious, saying this could hurt research, innovation, and global operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many countries are doubtful about the plan. It includes the Netherlands and Sweden. One country that strongly supports the idea is Lithuania. Other EU countries wonder if it's necessary, especially since EU investments in these Chinese sectors are low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An expert of geoeconomics, Tobias Gehrke, strongly believes that dealing with the United States is very important. This is the only way that von der Leyen\u2019s best securing support for a new EU investment policy. He explains that the United States plays an important role in this plan. As monitoring investments leaving the EU to prevent technology leaks, is closely connected to US interests. Gehrke also argues that success of this policy strongly depends upon the political relations between the United States and Europe than on actual evidence of harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There isn\u2019t much interest within the EU to move this policy forward, but keeping the discussions alive could be beneficial for future political negotiations. During the EU\u2019s consultations, only three government ministries, from Austria, Czechia, and Sweden, participated. Two of these ministries admitted they lacked knowledge about the potential risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A report showed that European investments in key sectors in China are small, mostly led by German companies. Some EU countries think that if they establish a unified export control system, it would reduce the need for this new policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company is pushing for the European union. They want to unify the rules across the different member states of Europe. They believe that one strong voice is making the deal with the United States more effective. So, all 27 nations should speak with one single voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SEMI Europe, which includes ASML as a member, expressed that better coordination on export controls is crucial for Europe\u2019s economic security. They believe this is the best way to prevent critical technologies from leaking, as these controls already consider technology transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The EU commission plans to monitor investment flows in four key sectors among the 27 member states and will follow up with a risk assessment report.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Investment screening plan of the European Union faces a lot of criticism ","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"investment-screening-plan-of-the-european-union-faces-a-lot-of-criticism","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7136","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7103,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_content":"\n A European business lobby group issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that European companies operating in China are too preoccupied with risk management rather than expanding their market share, which is undermining innovation and efficiency and driving up consumer prices. In its de-risking report, the European Chamber of Commerce stated that the COVID epidemic, the world economic downturn, the conflict in Ukraine, and the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China had \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience\" among businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the chamber, some 21% of respondents intended to increase their manufacturing in China, while another 12% intended to decrease it. Only 1% of respondents to the study said they intended to completely shift production outside of China. The lobby group stated in a report that accompanied the survey that the results came \"at a time when the global business environment is becoming increasingly politicized, and companies are having to make some very tough decisions about how, or in some cases if, they can continue to engage with the Chinese market.\" According to the research, businesses' attention is now \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience,\" and the Chinese market has grown \"less predictable, reliable, and efficient.\" Recent years have brought a number of difficulties for foreign businesses operating in China, including sluggish economic development, extremely stringent COVID rules, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and national security crackdowns. Beijing has made an effort to reassure companies that the nation is still open for business in the wake of the outbreak, but in the meanwhile, authorities have reinforced anti-espionage and state secrets legislation, limited cross-border data exchange, and conducted high-profile raids on foreign consulting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Especially their non-CO2 effects, which could be even greater due to when and where the flights occur. The airline industry argues that it is the responsibility of the European Union to address this gap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With all of this, contrails are also becoming a major concern. They are made from humid air and contribute to about 35% of aviation emissions worldwide. According to recent studies, up to 10% of the skies above the North Atlantic could be covered by contrail clouds, mostly from long-haul flights. So, it is important to focus on every point to find the major culprit that increases the climate crisis. The only possible solution for it is to revise the climate policies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Krisztina Toth from Transport & Environment says that for the last 25 years, non-CO2 emissions have been the main climate problem. According to her, this new rule is the first step to better understand aviation's full climate impact. However, she opposed some traditional airlines that were trying to refuse this proposal. Their useless efforts could stop the EU from fully understanding the situation and finding a solution.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Airline Lobbying Efforts: EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air refuse it","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"airline-lobbying-efforts-easyjet-ryanair-and-wizz-air-refuse-it","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7156","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7136,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-08-26 17:18:09","post_date_gmt":"2024-08-26 17:18:09","post_content":"\n Many European businesses and governments strongly criticized the European Union plan. They decided to monitor the investments into China. Many companies believe that this decision would hurt international investment and it would interfere too much in company decisions. Recently the Federation of German Industries(BDI) argued that foreign investments proved very beneficial for the growth of German companies. They support the economy and also secure jobs for the new generation. Additionally they strongly stand against any new rule that would control these investments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Last year, the president of the EU Commision, Ursula von der Leyen introduced the idea of screening. Also it is part of a broader strategy to save Europe\u2019s economic security. China was the central focus point for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although China isn\u2019t directly mentioned, the plan clearly targets concerns about it. Von der Leyen insists on reviewing investment policies to better manage the EU\u2019s relationship<\/a> with China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the strong pushback suggests that this plan might struggle to be implemented effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brussel is worried that the Chinese military might utilize the advanced technology. The main point of concern is that it is not clear which buyers are directly linked to the Chinese defense sector. In order to address this issue, Brussel os collaborate with the United States. This is the nation that already has measures to stop investments in some Chinese industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the plan the investment is measured in top 4 areas. It includes semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing. However, they also plan to add more areas later on. However, Europe is facing many controversies due to the idea of controlling investment. As this strategy would interfere with business special decisions and also harm the international laws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, SEMI Europe, representing electronics companies, thinks controlling European companies' investments abroad isn't the right way to ensure economic security. BusinessEurope, a group representing businesses across EU countries, is also cautious, saying this could hurt research, innovation, and global operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many countries are doubtful about the plan. It includes the Netherlands and Sweden. One country that strongly supports the idea is Lithuania. Other EU countries wonder if it's necessary, especially since EU investments in these Chinese sectors are low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An expert of geoeconomics, Tobias Gehrke, strongly believes that dealing with the United States is very important. This is the only way that von der Leyen\u2019s best securing support for a new EU investment policy. He explains that the United States plays an important role in this plan. As monitoring investments leaving the EU to prevent technology leaks, is closely connected to US interests. Gehrke also argues that success of this policy strongly depends upon the political relations between the United States and Europe than on actual evidence of harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There isn\u2019t much interest within the EU to move this policy forward, but keeping the discussions alive could be beneficial for future political negotiations. During the EU\u2019s consultations, only three government ministries, from Austria, Czechia, and Sweden, participated. Two of these ministries admitted they lacked knowledge about the potential risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A report showed that European investments in key sectors in China are small, mostly led by German companies. Some EU countries think that if they establish a unified export control system, it would reduce the need for this new policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company is pushing for the European union. They want to unify the rules across the different member states of Europe. They believe that one strong voice is making the deal with the United States more effective. So, all 27 nations should speak with one single voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SEMI Europe, which includes ASML as a member, expressed that better coordination on export controls is crucial for Europe\u2019s economic security. They believe this is the best way to prevent critical technologies from leaking, as these controls already consider technology transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The EU commission plans to monitor investment flows in four key sectors among the 27 member states and will follow up with a risk assessment report.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Investment screening plan of the European Union faces a lot of criticism ","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"investment-screening-plan-of-the-european-union-faces-a-lot-of-criticism","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7136","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7103,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_content":"\n A European business lobby group issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that European companies operating in China are too preoccupied with risk management rather than expanding their market share, which is undermining innovation and efficiency and driving up consumer prices. In its de-risking report, the European Chamber of Commerce stated that the COVID epidemic, the world economic downturn, the conflict in Ukraine, and the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China had \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience\" among businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the chamber, some 21% of respondents intended to increase their manufacturing in China, while another 12% intended to decrease it. Only 1% of respondents to the study said they intended to completely shift production outside of China. The lobby group stated in a report that accompanied the survey that the results came \"at a time when the global business environment is becoming increasingly politicized, and companies are having to make some very tough decisions about how, or in some cases if, they can continue to engage with the Chinese market.\" According to the research, businesses' attention is now \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience,\" and the Chinese market has grown \"less predictable, reliable, and efficient.\" Recent years have brought a number of difficulties for foreign businesses operating in China, including sluggish economic development, extremely stringent COVID rules, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and national security crackdowns. Beijing has made an effort to reassure companies that the nation is still open for business in the wake of the outbreak, but in the meanwhile, authorities have reinforced anti-espionage and state secrets legislation, limited cross-border data exchange, and conducted high-profile raids on foreign consulting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Intercontinental flights that makeup 6% of all flights from Europe are responsible for 52% of the carbon emissions from aviation. This is the main problem because EU policies don\u2019t yet figure out the full environmental impact of these flights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Especially their non-CO2 effects, which could be even greater due to when and where the flights occur. The airline industry argues that it is the responsibility of the European Union to address this gap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With all of this, contrails are also becoming a major concern. They are made from humid air and contribute to about 35% of aviation emissions worldwide. According to recent studies, up to 10% of the skies above the North Atlantic could be covered by contrail clouds, mostly from long-haul flights. So, it is important to focus on every point to find the major culprit that increases the climate crisis. The only possible solution for it is to revise the climate policies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Krisztina Toth from Transport & Environment says that for the last 25 years, non-CO2 emissions have been the main climate problem. According to her, this new rule is the first step to better understand aviation's full climate impact. However, she opposed some traditional airlines that were trying to refuse this proposal. Their useless efforts could stop the EU from fully understanding the situation and finding a solution.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Airline Lobbying Efforts: EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air refuse it","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"airline-lobbying-efforts-easyjet-ryanair-and-wizz-air-refuse-it","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7156","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7136,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-08-26 17:18:09","post_date_gmt":"2024-08-26 17:18:09","post_content":"\n Many European businesses and governments strongly criticized the European Union plan. They decided to monitor the investments into China. Many companies believe that this decision would hurt international investment and it would interfere too much in company decisions. Recently the Federation of German Industries(BDI) argued that foreign investments proved very beneficial for the growth of German companies. They support the economy and also secure jobs for the new generation. Additionally they strongly stand against any new rule that would control these investments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Last year, the president of the EU Commision, Ursula von der Leyen introduced the idea of screening. Also it is part of a broader strategy to save Europe\u2019s economic security. China was the central focus point for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although China isn\u2019t directly mentioned, the plan clearly targets concerns about it. Von der Leyen insists on reviewing investment policies to better manage the EU\u2019s relationship<\/a> with China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the strong pushback suggests that this plan might struggle to be implemented effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brussel is worried that the Chinese military might utilize the advanced technology. The main point of concern is that it is not clear which buyers are directly linked to the Chinese defense sector. In order to address this issue, Brussel os collaborate with the United States. This is the nation that already has measures to stop investments in some Chinese industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the plan the investment is measured in top 4 areas. It includes semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing. However, they also plan to add more areas later on. However, Europe is facing many controversies due to the idea of controlling investment. As this strategy would interfere with business special decisions and also harm the international laws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, SEMI Europe, representing electronics companies, thinks controlling European companies' investments abroad isn't the right way to ensure economic security. BusinessEurope, a group representing businesses across EU countries, is also cautious, saying this could hurt research, innovation, and global operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many countries are doubtful about the plan. It includes the Netherlands and Sweden. One country that strongly supports the idea is Lithuania. Other EU countries wonder if it's necessary, especially since EU investments in these Chinese sectors are low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An expert of geoeconomics, Tobias Gehrke, strongly believes that dealing with the United States is very important. This is the only way that von der Leyen\u2019s best securing support for a new EU investment policy. He explains that the United States plays an important role in this plan. As monitoring investments leaving the EU to prevent technology leaks, is closely connected to US interests. Gehrke also argues that success of this policy strongly depends upon the political relations between the United States and Europe than on actual evidence of harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There isn\u2019t much interest within the EU to move this policy forward, but keeping the discussions alive could be beneficial for future political negotiations. During the EU\u2019s consultations, only three government ministries, from Austria, Czechia, and Sweden, participated. Two of these ministries admitted they lacked knowledge about the potential risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A report showed that European investments in key sectors in China are small, mostly led by German companies. Some EU countries think that if they establish a unified export control system, it would reduce the need for this new policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company is pushing for the European union. They want to unify the rules across the different member states of Europe. They believe that one strong voice is making the deal with the United States more effective. So, all 27 nations should speak with one single voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SEMI Europe, which includes ASML as a member, expressed that better coordination on export controls is crucial for Europe\u2019s economic security. They believe this is the best way to prevent critical technologies from leaking, as these controls already consider technology transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The EU commission plans to monitor investment flows in four key sectors among the 27 member states and will follow up with a risk assessment report.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Investment screening plan of the European Union faces a lot of criticism ","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"investment-screening-plan-of-the-european-union-faces-a-lot-of-criticism","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7136","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7103,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_content":"\n A European business lobby group issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that European companies operating in China are too preoccupied with risk management rather than expanding their market share, which is undermining innovation and efficiency and driving up consumer prices. In its de-risking report, the European Chamber of Commerce stated that the COVID epidemic, the world economic downturn, the conflict in Ukraine, and the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China had \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience\" among businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the chamber, some 21% of respondents intended to increase their manufacturing in China, while another 12% intended to decrease it. Only 1% of respondents to the study said they intended to completely shift production outside of China. The lobby group stated in a report that accompanied the survey that the results came \"at a time when the global business environment is becoming increasingly politicized, and companies are having to make some very tough decisions about how, or in some cases if, they can continue to engage with the Chinese market.\" According to the research, businesses' attention is now \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience,\" and the Chinese market has grown \"less predictable, reliable, and efficient.\" Recent years have brought a number of difficulties for foreign businesses operating in China, including sluggish economic development, extremely stringent COVID rules, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and national security crackdowns. Beijing has made an effort to reassure companies that the nation is still open for business in the wake of the outbreak, but in the meanwhile, authorities have reinforced anti-espionage and state secrets legislation, limited cross-border data exchange, and conducted high-profile raids on foreign consulting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
To better address the environmental impact, it\u2019s important to include data from a wider range of flights, not just those within the EU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Intercontinental flights that makeup 6% of all flights from Europe are responsible for 52% of the carbon emissions from aviation. This is the main problem because EU policies don\u2019t yet figure out the full environmental impact of these flights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Especially their non-CO2 effects, which could be even greater due to when and where the flights occur. The airline industry argues that it is the responsibility of the European Union to address this gap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With all of this, contrails are also becoming a major concern. They are made from humid air and contribute to about 35% of aviation emissions worldwide. According to recent studies, up to 10% of the skies above the North Atlantic could be covered by contrail clouds, mostly from long-haul flights. So, it is important to focus on every point to find the major culprit that increases the climate crisis. The only possible solution for it is to revise the climate policies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Krisztina Toth from Transport & Environment says that for the last 25 years, non-CO2 emissions have been the main climate problem. According to her, this new rule is the first step to better understand aviation's full climate impact. However, she opposed some traditional airlines that were trying to refuse this proposal. Their useless efforts could stop the EU from fully understanding the situation and finding a solution.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Airline Lobbying Efforts: EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air refuse it","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"airline-lobbying-efforts-easyjet-ryanair-and-wizz-air-refuse-it","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7156","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7136,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-08-26 17:18:09","post_date_gmt":"2024-08-26 17:18:09","post_content":"\n Many European businesses and governments strongly criticized the European Union plan. They decided to monitor the investments into China. Many companies believe that this decision would hurt international investment and it would interfere too much in company decisions. Recently the Federation of German Industries(BDI) argued that foreign investments proved very beneficial for the growth of German companies. They support the economy and also secure jobs for the new generation. Additionally they strongly stand against any new rule that would control these investments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Last year, the president of the EU Commision, Ursula von der Leyen introduced the idea of screening. Also it is part of a broader strategy to save Europe\u2019s economic security. China was the central focus point for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although China isn\u2019t directly mentioned, the plan clearly targets concerns about it. Von der Leyen insists on reviewing investment policies to better manage the EU\u2019s relationship<\/a> with China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the strong pushback suggests that this plan might struggle to be implemented effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brussel is worried that the Chinese military might utilize the advanced technology. The main point of concern is that it is not clear which buyers are directly linked to the Chinese defense sector. In order to address this issue, Brussel os collaborate with the United States. This is the nation that already has measures to stop investments in some Chinese industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the plan the investment is measured in top 4 areas. It includes semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing. However, they also plan to add more areas later on. However, Europe is facing many controversies due to the idea of controlling investment. As this strategy would interfere with business special decisions and also harm the international laws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, SEMI Europe, representing electronics companies, thinks controlling European companies' investments abroad isn't the right way to ensure economic security. BusinessEurope, a group representing businesses across EU countries, is also cautious, saying this could hurt research, innovation, and global operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many countries are doubtful about the plan. It includes the Netherlands and Sweden. One country that strongly supports the idea is Lithuania. Other EU countries wonder if it's necessary, especially since EU investments in these Chinese sectors are low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An expert of geoeconomics, Tobias Gehrke, strongly believes that dealing with the United States is very important. This is the only way that von der Leyen\u2019s best securing support for a new EU investment policy. He explains that the United States plays an important role in this plan. As monitoring investments leaving the EU to prevent technology leaks, is closely connected to US interests. Gehrke also argues that success of this policy strongly depends upon the political relations between the United States and Europe than on actual evidence of harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There isn\u2019t much interest within the EU to move this policy forward, but keeping the discussions alive could be beneficial for future political negotiations. During the EU\u2019s consultations, only three government ministries, from Austria, Czechia, and Sweden, participated. Two of these ministries admitted they lacked knowledge about the potential risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A report showed that European investments in key sectors in China are small, mostly led by German companies. Some EU countries think that if they establish a unified export control system, it would reduce the need for this new policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company is pushing for the European union. They want to unify the rules across the different member states of Europe. They believe that one strong voice is making the deal with the United States more effective. So, all 27 nations should speak with one single voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SEMI Europe, which includes ASML as a member, expressed that better coordination on export controls is crucial for Europe\u2019s economic security. They believe this is the best way to prevent critical technologies from leaking, as these controls already consider technology transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The EU commission plans to monitor investment flows in four key sectors among the 27 member states and will follow up with a risk assessment report.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Investment screening plan of the European Union faces a lot of criticism ","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"investment-screening-plan-of-the-european-union-faces-a-lot-of-criticism","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7136","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7103,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_content":"\n A European business lobby group issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that European companies operating in China are too preoccupied with risk management rather than expanding their market share, which is undermining innovation and efficiency and driving up consumer prices. In its de-risking report, the European Chamber of Commerce stated that the COVID epidemic, the world economic downturn, the conflict in Ukraine, and the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China had \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience\" among businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the chamber, some 21% of respondents intended to increase their manufacturing in China, while another 12% intended to decrease it. Only 1% of respondents to the study said they intended to completely shift production outside of China. The lobby group stated in a report that accompanied the survey that the results came \"at a time when the global business environment is becoming increasingly politicized, and companies are having to make some very tough decisions about how, or in some cases if, they can continue to engage with the Chinese market.\" According to the research, businesses' attention is now \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience,\" and the Chinese market has grown \"less predictable, reliable, and efficient.\" Recent years have brought a number of difficulties for foreign businesses operating in China, including sluggish economic development, extremely stringent COVID rules, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and national security crackdowns. Beijing has made an effort to reassure companies that the nation is still open for business in the wake of the outbreak, but in the meanwhile, authorities have reinforced anti-espionage and state secrets legislation, limited cross-border data exchange, and conducted high-profile raids on foreign consulting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Despite stricter rules on carbon emissions for the aviation industry,there is no any data about the effects of things like contrails, nitrogen oxide, and sulfur. The letter says that the MRV scheme could be better given the scientific reason for the problems and also assist in making good policies that control the situation. If the scheme is only applicable in Europe then it might be possible to miss the important information that helps to find the root cause for the problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To better address the environmental impact, it\u2019s important to include data from a wider range of flights, not just those within the EU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Intercontinental flights that makeup 6% of all flights from Europe are responsible for 52% of the carbon emissions from aviation. This is the main problem because EU policies don\u2019t yet figure out the full environmental impact of these flights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Especially their non-CO2 effects, which could be even greater due to when and where the flights occur. The airline industry argues that it is the responsibility of the European Union to address this gap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With all of this, contrails are also becoming a major concern. They are made from humid air and contribute to about 35% of aviation emissions worldwide. According to recent studies, up to 10% of the skies above the North Atlantic could be covered by contrail clouds, mostly from long-haul flights. So, it is important to focus on every point to find the major culprit that increases the climate crisis. The only possible solution for it is to revise the climate policies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Krisztina Toth from Transport & Environment says that for the last 25 years, non-CO2 emissions have been the main climate problem. According to her, this new rule is the first step to better understand aviation's full climate impact. However, she opposed some traditional airlines that were trying to refuse this proposal. Their useless efforts could stop the EU from fully understanding the situation and finding a solution.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Airline Lobbying Efforts: EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air refuse it","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"airline-lobbying-efforts-easyjet-ryanair-and-wizz-air-refuse-it","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7156","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7136,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-08-26 17:18:09","post_date_gmt":"2024-08-26 17:18:09","post_content":"\n Many European businesses and governments strongly criticized the European Union plan. They decided to monitor the investments into China. Many companies believe that this decision would hurt international investment and it would interfere too much in company decisions. Recently the Federation of German Industries(BDI) argued that foreign investments proved very beneficial for the growth of German companies. They support the economy and also secure jobs for the new generation. Additionally they strongly stand against any new rule that would control these investments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Last year, the president of the EU Commision, Ursula von der Leyen introduced the idea of screening. Also it is part of a broader strategy to save Europe\u2019s economic security. China was the central focus point for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although China isn\u2019t directly mentioned, the plan clearly targets concerns about it. Von der Leyen insists on reviewing investment policies to better manage the EU\u2019s relationship<\/a> with China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the strong pushback suggests that this plan might struggle to be implemented effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brussel is worried that the Chinese military might utilize the advanced technology. The main point of concern is that it is not clear which buyers are directly linked to the Chinese defense sector. In order to address this issue, Brussel os collaborate with the United States. This is the nation that already has measures to stop investments in some Chinese industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the plan the investment is measured in top 4 areas. It includes semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing. However, they also plan to add more areas later on. However, Europe is facing many controversies due to the idea of controlling investment. As this strategy would interfere with business special decisions and also harm the international laws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, SEMI Europe, representing electronics companies, thinks controlling European companies' investments abroad isn't the right way to ensure economic security. BusinessEurope, a group representing businesses across EU countries, is also cautious, saying this could hurt research, innovation, and global operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many countries are doubtful about the plan. It includes the Netherlands and Sweden. One country that strongly supports the idea is Lithuania. Other EU countries wonder if it's necessary, especially since EU investments in these Chinese sectors are low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An expert of geoeconomics, Tobias Gehrke, strongly believes that dealing with the United States is very important. This is the only way that von der Leyen\u2019s best securing support for a new EU investment policy. He explains that the United States plays an important role in this plan. As monitoring investments leaving the EU to prevent technology leaks, is closely connected to US interests. Gehrke also argues that success of this policy strongly depends upon the political relations between the United States and Europe than on actual evidence of harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There isn\u2019t much interest within the EU to move this policy forward, but keeping the discussions alive could be beneficial for future political negotiations. During the EU\u2019s consultations, only three government ministries, from Austria, Czechia, and Sweden, participated. Two of these ministries admitted they lacked knowledge about the potential risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A report showed that European investments in key sectors in China are small, mostly led by German companies. Some EU countries think that if they establish a unified export control system, it would reduce the need for this new policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company is pushing for the European union. They want to unify the rules across the different member states of Europe. They believe that one strong voice is making the deal with the United States more effective. So, all 27 nations should speak with one single voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SEMI Europe, which includes ASML as a member, expressed that better coordination on export controls is crucial for Europe\u2019s economic security. They believe this is the best way to prevent critical technologies from leaking, as these controls already consider technology transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The EU commission plans to monitor investment flows in four key sectors among the 27 member states and will follow up with a risk assessment report.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Investment screening plan of the European Union faces a lot of criticism ","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"investment-screening-plan-of-the-european-union-faces-a-lot-of-criticism","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7136","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7103,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_content":"\n A European business lobby group issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that European companies operating in China are too preoccupied with risk management rather than expanding their market share, which is undermining innovation and efficiency and driving up consumer prices. In its de-risking report, the European Chamber of Commerce stated that the COVID epidemic, the world economic downturn, the conflict in Ukraine, and the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China had \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience\" among businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the chamber, some 21% of respondents intended to increase their manufacturing in China, while another 12% intended to decrease it. Only 1% of respondents to the study said they intended to completely shift production outside of China. The lobby group stated in a report that accompanied the survey that the results came \"at a time when the global business environment is becoming increasingly politicized, and companies are having to make some very tough decisions about how, or in some cases if, they can continue to engage with the Chinese market.\" According to the research, businesses' attention is now \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience,\" and the Chinese market has grown \"less predictable, reliable, and efficient.\" Recent years have brought a number of difficulties for foreign businesses operating in China, including sluggish economic development, extremely stringent COVID rules, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and national security crackdowns. Beijing has made an effort to reassure companies that the nation is still open for business in the wake of the outbreak, but in the meanwhile, authorities have reinforced anti-espionage and state secrets legislation, limited cross-border data exchange, and conducted high-profile raids on foreign consulting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Limiting the MRV scheme to only flights within Europe is not a good idea. In this way, much important information would be excluded and one can not find the exact issue. In order to understand the complexity it is important for all nations to follow this rule. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite stricter rules on carbon emissions for the aviation industry,there is no any data about the effects of things like contrails, nitrogen oxide, and sulfur. The letter says that the MRV scheme could be better given the scientific reason for the problems and also assist in making good policies that control the situation. If the scheme is only applicable in Europe then it might be possible to miss the important information that helps to find the root cause for the problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To better address the environmental impact, it\u2019s important to include data from a wider range of flights, not just those within the EU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Intercontinental flights that makeup 6% of all flights from Europe are responsible for 52% of the carbon emissions from aviation. This is the main problem because EU policies don\u2019t yet figure out the full environmental impact of these flights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Especially their non-CO2 effects, which could be even greater due to when and where the flights occur. The airline industry argues that it is the responsibility of the European Union to address this gap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With all of this, contrails are also becoming a major concern. They are made from humid air and contribute to about 35% of aviation emissions worldwide. According to recent studies, up to 10% of the skies above the North Atlantic could be covered by contrail clouds, mostly from long-haul flights. So, it is important to focus on every point to find the major culprit that increases the climate crisis. The only possible solution for it is to revise the climate policies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Krisztina Toth from Transport & Environment says that for the last 25 years, non-CO2 emissions have been the main climate problem. According to her, this new rule is the first step to better understand aviation's full climate impact. However, she opposed some traditional airlines that were trying to refuse this proposal. Their useless efforts could stop the EU from fully understanding the situation and finding a solution.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Airline Lobbying Efforts: EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air refuse it","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"airline-lobbying-efforts-easyjet-ryanair-and-wizz-air-refuse-it","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7156","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7136,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-08-26 17:18:09","post_date_gmt":"2024-08-26 17:18:09","post_content":"\n Many European businesses and governments strongly criticized the European Union plan. They decided to monitor the investments into China. Many companies believe that this decision would hurt international investment and it would interfere too much in company decisions. Recently the Federation of German Industries(BDI) argued that foreign investments proved very beneficial for the growth of German companies. They support the economy and also secure jobs for the new generation. Additionally they strongly stand against any new rule that would control these investments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Last year, the president of the EU Commision, Ursula von der Leyen introduced the idea of screening. Also it is part of a broader strategy to save Europe\u2019s economic security. China was the central focus point for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although China isn\u2019t directly mentioned, the plan clearly targets concerns about it. Von der Leyen insists on reviewing investment policies to better manage the EU\u2019s relationship<\/a> with China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the strong pushback suggests that this plan might struggle to be implemented effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brussel is worried that the Chinese military might utilize the advanced technology. The main point of concern is that it is not clear which buyers are directly linked to the Chinese defense sector. In order to address this issue, Brussel os collaborate with the United States. This is the nation that already has measures to stop investments in some Chinese industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the plan the investment is measured in top 4 areas. It includes semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing. However, they also plan to add more areas later on. However, Europe is facing many controversies due to the idea of controlling investment. As this strategy would interfere with business special decisions and also harm the international laws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, SEMI Europe, representing electronics companies, thinks controlling European companies' investments abroad isn't the right way to ensure economic security. BusinessEurope, a group representing businesses across EU countries, is also cautious, saying this could hurt research, innovation, and global operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many countries are doubtful about the plan. It includes the Netherlands and Sweden. One country that strongly supports the idea is Lithuania. Other EU countries wonder if it's necessary, especially since EU investments in these Chinese sectors are low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An expert of geoeconomics, Tobias Gehrke, strongly believes that dealing with the United States is very important. This is the only way that von der Leyen\u2019s best securing support for a new EU investment policy. He explains that the United States plays an important role in this plan. As monitoring investments leaving the EU to prevent technology leaks, is closely connected to US interests. Gehrke also argues that success of this policy strongly depends upon the political relations between the United States and Europe than on actual evidence of harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There isn\u2019t much interest within the EU to move this policy forward, but keeping the discussions alive could be beneficial for future political negotiations. During the EU\u2019s consultations, only three government ministries, from Austria, Czechia, and Sweden, participated. Two of these ministries admitted they lacked knowledge about the potential risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A report showed that European investments in key sectors in China are small, mostly led by German companies. Some EU countries think that if they establish a unified export control system, it would reduce the need for this new policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company is pushing for the European union. They want to unify the rules across the different member states of Europe. They believe that one strong voice is making the deal with the United States more effective. So, all 27 nations should speak with one single voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SEMI Europe, which includes ASML as a member, expressed that better coordination on export controls is crucial for Europe\u2019s economic security. They believe this is the best way to prevent critical technologies from leaking, as these controls already consider technology transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The EU commission plans to monitor investment flows in four key sectors among the 27 member states and will follow up with a risk assessment report.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Investment screening plan of the European Union faces a lot of criticism ","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"investment-screening-plan-of-the-european-union-faces-a-lot-of-criticism","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7136","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7103,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_content":"\n A European business lobby group issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that European companies operating in China are too preoccupied with risk management rather than expanding their market share, which is undermining innovation and efficiency and driving up consumer prices. In its de-risking report, the European Chamber of Commerce stated that the COVID epidemic, the world economic downturn, the conflict in Ukraine, and the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China had \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience\" among businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the chamber, some 21% of respondents intended to increase their manufacturing in China, while another 12% intended to decrease it. Only 1% of respondents to the study said they intended to completely shift production outside of China. The lobby group stated in a report that accompanied the survey that the results came \"at a time when the global business environment is becoming increasingly politicized, and companies are having to make some very tough decisions about how, or in some cases if, they can continue to engage with the Chinese market.\" According to the research, businesses' attention is now \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience,\" and the Chinese market has grown \"less predictable, reliable, and efficient.\" Recent years have brought a number of difficulties for foreign businesses operating in China, including sluggish economic development, extremely stringent COVID rules, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and national security crackdowns. Beijing has made an effort to reassure companies that the nation is still open for business in the wake of the outbreak, but in the meanwhile, authorities have reinforced anti-espionage and state secrets legislation, limited cross-border data exchange, and conducted high-profile raids on foreign consulting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Limiting the MRV scheme to only flights within Europe is not a good idea. In this way, much important information would be excluded and one can not find the exact issue. In order to understand the complexity it is important for all nations to follow this rule. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite stricter rules on carbon emissions for the aviation industry,there is no any data about the effects of things like contrails, nitrogen oxide, and sulfur. The letter says that the MRV scheme could be better given the scientific reason for the problems and also assist in making good policies that control the situation. If the scheme is only applicable in Europe then it might be possible to miss the important information that helps to find the root cause for the problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To better address the environmental impact, it\u2019s important to include data from a wider range of flights, not just those within the EU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Intercontinental flights that makeup 6% of all flights from Europe are responsible for 52% of the carbon emissions from aviation. This is the main problem because EU policies don\u2019t yet figure out the full environmental impact of these flights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Especially their non-CO2 effects, which could be even greater due to when and where the flights occur. The airline industry argues that it is the responsibility of the European Union to address this gap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With all of this, contrails are also becoming a major concern. They are made from humid air and contribute to about 35% of aviation emissions worldwide. According to recent studies, up to 10% of the skies above the North Atlantic could be covered by contrail clouds, mostly from long-haul flights. So, it is important to focus on every point to find the major culprit that increases the climate crisis. The only possible solution for it is to revise the climate policies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Krisztina Toth from Transport & Environment says that for the last 25 years, non-CO2 emissions have been the main climate problem. According to her, this new rule is the first step to better understand aviation's full climate impact. However, she opposed some traditional airlines that were trying to refuse this proposal. Their useless efforts could stop the EU from fully understanding the situation and finding a solution.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Airline Lobbying Efforts: EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air refuse it","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"airline-lobbying-efforts-easyjet-ryanair-and-wizz-air-refuse-it","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7156","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7136,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-08-26 17:18:09","post_date_gmt":"2024-08-26 17:18:09","post_content":"\n Many European businesses and governments strongly criticized the European Union plan. They decided to monitor the investments into China. Many companies believe that this decision would hurt international investment and it would interfere too much in company decisions. Recently the Federation of German Industries(BDI) argued that foreign investments proved very beneficial for the growth of German companies. They support the economy and also secure jobs for the new generation. Additionally they strongly stand against any new rule that would control these investments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Last year, the president of the EU Commision, Ursula von der Leyen introduced the idea of screening. Also it is part of a broader strategy to save Europe\u2019s economic security. China was the central focus point for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although China isn\u2019t directly mentioned, the plan clearly targets concerns about it. Von der Leyen insists on reviewing investment policies to better manage the EU\u2019s relationship<\/a> with China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the strong pushback suggests that this plan might struggle to be implemented effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brussel is worried that the Chinese military might utilize the advanced technology. The main point of concern is that it is not clear which buyers are directly linked to the Chinese defense sector. In order to address this issue, Brussel os collaborate with the United States. This is the nation that already has measures to stop investments in some Chinese industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the plan the investment is measured in top 4 areas. It includes semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing. However, they also plan to add more areas later on. However, Europe is facing many controversies due to the idea of controlling investment. As this strategy would interfere with business special decisions and also harm the international laws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, SEMI Europe, representing electronics companies, thinks controlling European companies' investments abroad isn't the right way to ensure economic security. BusinessEurope, a group representing businesses across EU countries, is also cautious, saying this could hurt research, innovation, and global operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many countries are doubtful about the plan. It includes the Netherlands and Sweden. One country that strongly supports the idea is Lithuania. Other EU countries wonder if it's necessary, especially since EU investments in these Chinese sectors are low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An expert of geoeconomics, Tobias Gehrke, strongly believes that dealing with the United States is very important. This is the only way that von der Leyen\u2019s best securing support for a new EU investment policy. He explains that the United States plays an important role in this plan. As monitoring investments leaving the EU to prevent technology leaks, is closely connected to US interests. Gehrke also argues that success of this policy strongly depends upon the political relations between the United States and Europe than on actual evidence of harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There isn\u2019t much interest within the EU to move this policy forward, but keeping the discussions alive could be beneficial for future political negotiations. During the EU\u2019s consultations, only three government ministries, from Austria, Czechia, and Sweden, participated. Two of these ministries admitted they lacked knowledge about the potential risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A report showed that European investments in key sectors in China are small, mostly led by German companies. Some EU countries think that if they establish a unified export control system, it would reduce the need for this new policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company is pushing for the European union. They want to unify the rules across the different member states of Europe. They believe that one strong voice is making the deal with the United States more effective. So, all 27 nations should speak with one single voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SEMI Europe, which includes ASML as a member, expressed that better coordination on export controls is crucial for Europe\u2019s economic security. They believe this is the best way to prevent critical technologies from leaking, as these controls already consider technology transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The EU commission plans to monitor investment flows in four key sectors among the 27 member states and will follow up with a risk assessment report.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Investment screening plan of the European Union faces a lot of criticism ","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"investment-screening-plan-of-the-european-union-faces-a-lot-of-criticism","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7136","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7103,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_content":"\n A European business lobby group issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that European companies operating in China are too preoccupied with risk management rather than expanding their market share, which is undermining innovation and efficiency and driving up consumer prices. In its de-risking report, the European Chamber of Commerce stated that the COVID epidemic, the world economic downturn, the conflict in Ukraine, and the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China had \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience\" among businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the chamber, some 21% of respondents intended to increase their manufacturing in China, while another 12% intended to decrease it. Only 1% of respondents to the study said they intended to completely shift production outside of China. The lobby group stated in a report that accompanied the survey that the results came \"at a time when the global business environment is becoming increasingly politicized, and companies are having to make some very tough decisions about how, or in some cases if, they can continue to engage with the Chinese market.\" According to the research, businesses' attention is now \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience,\" and the Chinese market has grown \"less predictable, reliable, and efficient.\" Recent years have brought a number of difficulties for foreign businesses operating in China, including sluggish economic development, extremely stringent COVID rules, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and national security crackdowns. Beijing has made an effort to reassure companies that the nation is still open for business in the wake of the outbreak, but in the meanwhile, authorities have reinforced anti-espionage and state secrets legislation, limited cross-border data exchange, and conducted high-profile raids on foreign consulting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
They question why some parts of the industry are reluctant to explore the science behind non-CO2<\/a> environmental impacts. The airlines argue that IATA\u2019s stance does not reflect the views of most of Europe\u2019s largest carriers. They believe understanding the effects of non-CO2 emissions is vital for advancing the industry\u2019s environmental goals and are troubled by the resistance to this critical scientific inquiry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Limiting the MRV scheme to only flights within Europe is not a good idea. In this way, much important information would be excluded and one can not find the exact issue. In order to understand the complexity it is important for all nations to follow this rule. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite stricter rules on carbon emissions for the aviation industry,there is no any data about the effects of things like contrails, nitrogen oxide, and sulfur. The letter says that the MRV scheme could be better given the scientific reason for the problems and also assist in making good policies that control the situation. If the scheme is only applicable in Europe then it might be possible to miss the important information that helps to find the root cause for the problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To better address the environmental impact, it\u2019s important to include data from a wider range of flights, not just those within the EU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Intercontinental flights that makeup 6% of all flights from Europe are responsible for 52% of the carbon emissions from aviation. This is the main problem because EU policies don\u2019t yet figure out the full environmental impact of these flights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Especially their non-CO2 effects, which could be even greater due to when and where the flights occur. The airline industry argues that it is the responsibility of the European Union to address this gap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With all of this, contrails are also becoming a major concern. They are made from humid air and contribute to about 35% of aviation emissions worldwide. According to recent studies, up to 10% of the skies above the North Atlantic could be covered by contrail clouds, mostly from long-haul flights. So, it is important to focus on every point to find the major culprit that increases the climate crisis. The only possible solution for it is to revise the climate policies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Krisztina Toth from Transport & Environment says that for the last 25 years, non-CO2 emissions have been the main climate problem. According to her, this new rule is the first step to better understand aviation's full climate impact. However, she opposed some traditional airlines that were trying to refuse this proposal. Their useless efforts could stop the EU from fully understanding the situation and finding a solution.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Airline Lobbying Efforts: EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air refuse it","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"airline-lobbying-efforts-easyjet-ryanair-and-wizz-air-refuse-it","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7156","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7136,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-08-26 17:18:09","post_date_gmt":"2024-08-26 17:18:09","post_content":"\n Many European businesses and governments strongly criticized the European Union plan. They decided to monitor the investments into China. Many companies believe that this decision would hurt international investment and it would interfere too much in company decisions. Recently the Federation of German Industries(BDI) argued that foreign investments proved very beneficial for the growth of German companies. They support the economy and also secure jobs for the new generation. Additionally they strongly stand against any new rule that would control these investments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Last year, the president of the EU Commision, Ursula von der Leyen introduced the idea of screening. Also it is part of a broader strategy to save Europe\u2019s economic security. China was the central focus point for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although China isn\u2019t directly mentioned, the plan clearly targets concerns about it. Von der Leyen insists on reviewing investment policies to better manage the EU\u2019s relationship<\/a> with China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the strong pushback suggests that this plan might struggle to be implemented effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brussel is worried that the Chinese military might utilize the advanced technology. The main point of concern is that it is not clear which buyers are directly linked to the Chinese defense sector. In order to address this issue, Brussel os collaborate with the United States. This is the nation that already has measures to stop investments in some Chinese industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the plan the investment is measured in top 4 areas. It includes semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing. However, they also plan to add more areas later on. However, Europe is facing many controversies due to the idea of controlling investment. As this strategy would interfere with business special decisions and also harm the international laws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, SEMI Europe, representing electronics companies, thinks controlling European companies' investments abroad isn't the right way to ensure economic security. BusinessEurope, a group representing businesses across EU countries, is also cautious, saying this could hurt research, innovation, and global operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many countries are doubtful about the plan. It includes the Netherlands and Sweden. One country that strongly supports the idea is Lithuania. Other EU countries wonder if it's necessary, especially since EU investments in these Chinese sectors are low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An expert of geoeconomics, Tobias Gehrke, strongly believes that dealing with the United States is very important. This is the only way that von der Leyen\u2019s best securing support for a new EU investment policy. He explains that the United States plays an important role in this plan. As monitoring investments leaving the EU to prevent technology leaks, is closely connected to US interests. Gehrke also argues that success of this policy strongly depends upon the political relations between the United States and Europe than on actual evidence of harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There isn\u2019t much interest within the EU to move this policy forward, but keeping the discussions alive could be beneficial for future political negotiations. During the EU\u2019s consultations, only three government ministries, from Austria, Czechia, and Sweden, participated. Two of these ministries admitted they lacked knowledge about the potential risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A report showed that European investments in key sectors in China are small, mostly led by German companies. Some EU countries think that if they establish a unified export control system, it would reduce the need for this new policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company is pushing for the European union. They want to unify the rules across the different member states of Europe. They believe that one strong voice is making the deal with the United States more effective. So, all 27 nations should speak with one single voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SEMI Europe, which includes ASML as a member, expressed that better coordination on export controls is crucial for Europe\u2019s economic security. They believe this is the best way to prevent critical technologies from leaking, as these controls already consider technology transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The EU commission plans to monitor investment flows in four key sectors among the 27 member states and will follow up with a risk assessment report.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Investment screening plan of the European Union faces a lot of criticism ","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"investment-screening-plan-of-the-european-union-faces-a-lot-of-criticism","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7136","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7103,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_content":"\n A European business lobby group issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that European companies operating in China are too preoccupied with risk management rather than expanding their market share, which is undermining innovation and efficiency and driving up consumer prices. In its de-risking report, the European Chamber of Commerce stated that the COVID epidemic, the world economic downturn, the conflict in Ukraine, and the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China had \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience\" among businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the chamber, some 21% of respondents intended to increase their manufacturing in China, while another 12% intended to decrease it. Only 1% of respondents to the study said they intended to completely shift production outside of China. The lobby group stated in a report that accompanied the survey that the results came \"at a time when the global business environment is becoming increasingly politicized, and companies are having to make some very tough decisions about how, or in some cases if, they can continue to engage with the Chinese market.\" According to the research, businesses' attention is now \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience,\" and the Chinese market has grown \"less predictable, reliable, and efficient.\" Recent years have brought a number of difficulties for foreign businesses operating in China, including sluggish economic development, extremely stringent COVID rules, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and national security crackdowns. Beijing has made an effort to reassure companies that the nation is still open for business in the wake of the outbreak, but in the meanwhile, authorities have reinforced anti-espionage and state secrets legislation, limited cross-border data exchange, and conducted high-profile raids on foreign consulting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
IATA is one of the leading trade organizations for the aviation industry. They are pushing the European Union to give some relaxation in its new law. According to this group, the law should be optional and only for flights within Europe. They have the firm belief that the industry would benefit from less stringent rules. At the same time, the group of low-cost airlines strongly opposed the IATA perspective. They have joined forces to challenge this idea. In a letter to the European Commission, these airlines expressed confusion over IATA\u2019s push to weaken the MRV scheme. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They question why some parts of the industry are reluctant to explore the science behind non-CO2<\/a> environmental impacts. The airlines argue that IATA\u2019s stance does not reflect the views of most of Europe\u2019s largest carriers. They believe understanding the effects of non-CO2 emissions is vital for advancing the industry\u2019s environmental goals and are troubled by the resistance to this critical scientific inquiry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Limiting the MRV scheme to only flights within Europe is not a good idea. In this way, much important information would be excluded and one can not find the exact issue. In order to understand the complexity it is important for all nations to follow this rule. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite stricter rules on carbon emissions for the aviation industry,there is no any data about the effects of things like contrails, nitrogen oxide, and sulfur. The letter says that the MRV scheme could be better given the scientific reason for the problems and also assist in making good policies that control the situation. If the scheme is only applicable in Europe then it might be possible to miss the important information that helps to find the root cause for the problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To better address the environmental impact, it\u2019s important to include data from a wider range of flights, not just those within the EU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Intercontinental flights that makeup 6% of all flights from Europe are responsible for 52% of the carbon emissions from aviation. This is the main problem because EU policies don\u2019t yet figure out the full environmental impact of these flights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Especially their non-CO2 effects, which could be even greater due to when and where the flights occur. The airline industry argues that it is the responsibility of the European Union to address this gap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With all of this, contrails are also becoming a major concern. They are made from humid air and contribute to about 35% of aviation emissions worldwide. According to recent studies, up to 10% of the skies above the North Atlantic could be covered by contrail clouds, mostly from long-haul flights. So, it is important to focus on every point to find the major culprit that increases the climate crisis. The only possible solution for it is to revise the climate policies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Krisztina Toth from Transport & Environment says that for the last 25 years, non-CO2 emissions have been the main climate problem. According to her, this new rule is the first step to better understand aviation's full climate impact. However, she opposed some traditional airlines that were trying to refuse this proposal. Their useless efforts could stop the EU from fully understanding the situation and finding a solution.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Airline Lobbying Efforts: EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air refuse it","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"airline-lobbying-efforts-easyjet-ryanair-and-wizz-air-refuse-it","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7156","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7136,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-08-26 17:18:09","post_date_gmt":"2024-08-26 17:18:09","post_content":"\n Many European businesses and governments strongly criticized the European Union plan. They decided to monitor the investments into China. Many companies believe that this decision would hurt international investment and it would interfere too much in company decisions. Recently the Federation of German Industries(BDI) argued that foreign investments proved very beneficial for the growth of German companies. They support the economy and also secure jobs for the new generation. Additionally they strongly stand against any new rule that would control these investments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Last year, the president of the EU Commision, Ursula von der Leyen introduced the idea of screening. Also it is part of a broader strategy to save Europe\u2019s economic security. China was the central focus point for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although China isn\u2019t directly mentioned, the plan clearly targets concerns about it. Von der Leyen insists on reviewing investment policies to better manage the EU\u2019s relationship<\/a> with China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the strong pushback suggests that this plan might struggle to be implemented effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brussel is worried that the Chinese military might utilize the advanced technology. The main point of concern is that it is not clear which buyers are directly linked to the Chinese defense sector. In order to address this issue, Brussel os collaborate with the United States. This is the nation that already has measures to stop investments in some Chinese industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the plan the investment is measured in top 4 areas. It includes semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing. However, they also plan to add more areas later on. However, Europe is facing many controversies due to the idea of controlling investment. As this strategy would interfere with business special decisions and also harm the international laws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, SEMI Europe, representing electronics companies, thinks controlling European companies' investments abroad isn't the right way to ensure economic security. BusinessEurope, a group representing businesses across EU countries, is also cautious, saying this could hurt research, innovation, and global operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many countries are doubtful about the plan. It includes the Netherlands and Sweden. One country that strongly supports the idea is Lithuania. Other EU countries wonder if it's necessary, especially since EU investments in these Chinese sectors are low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An expert of geoeconomics, Tobias Gehrke, strongly believes that dealing with the United States is very important. This is the only way that von der Leyen\u2019s best securing support for a new EU investment policy. He explains that the United States plays an important role in this plan. As monitoring investments leaving the EU to prevent technology leaks, is closely connected to US interests. Gehrke also argues that success of this policy strongly depends upon the political relations between the United States and Europe than on actual evidence of harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There isn\u2019t much interest within the EU to move this policy forward, but keeping the discussions alive could be beneficial for future political negotiations. During the EU\u2019s consultations, only three government ministries, from Austria, Czechia, and Sweden, participated. Two of these ministries admitted they lacked knowledge about the potential risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A report showed that European investments in key sectors in China are small, mostly led by German companies. Some EU countries think that if they establish a unified export control system, it would reduce the need for this new policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company is pushing for the European union. They want to unify the rules across the different member states of Europe. They believe that one strong voice is making the deal with the United States more effective. So, all 27 nations should speak with one single voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SEMI Europe, which includes ASML as a member, expressed that better coordination on export controls is crucial for Europe\u2019s economic security. They believe this is the best way to prevent critical technologies from leaking, as these controls already consider technology transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The EU commission plans to monitor investment flows in four key sectors among the 27 member states and will follow up with a risk assessment report.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Investment screening plan of the European Union faces a lot of criticism ","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"investment-screening-plan-of-the-european-union-faces-a-lot-of-criticism","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7136","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7103,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_content":"\n A European business lobby group issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that European companies operating in China are too preoccupied with risk management rather than expanding their market share, which is undermining innovation and efficiency and driving up consumer prices. In its de-risking report, the European Chamber of Commerce stated that the COVID epidemic, the world economic downturn, the conflict in Ukraine, and the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China had \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience\" among businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the chamber, some 21% of respondents intended to increase their manufacturing in China, while another 12% intended to decrease it. Only 1% of respondents to the study said they intended to completely shift production outside of China. The lobby group stated in a report that accompanied the survey that the results came \"at a time when the global business environment is becoming increasingly politicized, and companies are having to make some very tough decisions about how, or in some cases if, they can continue to engage with the Chinese market.\" According to the research, businesses' attention is now \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience,\" and the Chinese market has grown \"less predictable, reliable, and efficient.\" Recent years have brought a number of difficulties for foreign businesses operating in China, including sluggish economic development, extremely stringent COVID rules, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and national security crackdowns. Beijing has made an effort to reassure companies that the nation is still open for business in the wake of the outbreak, but in the meanwhile, authorities have reinforced anti-espionage and state secrets legislation, limited cross-border data exchange, and conducted high-profile raids on foreign consulting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Also, this rule manages the environmental impact of air travel more accurately. By coming together, the budget airlines are supporting the idea that all flights, whether short or long-haul, should adhere to the same environmental standards. After following this rule, it might be possible that many climate issues will be resolved and also make aviation more environmentally responsible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n IATA is one of the leading trade organizations for the aviation industry. They are pushing the European Union to give some relaxation in its new law. According to this group, the law should be optional and only for flights within Europe. They have the firm belief that the industry would benefit from less stringent rules. At the same time, the group of low-cost airlines strongly opposed the IATA perspective. They have joined forces to challenge this idea. In a letter to the European Commission, these airlines expressed confusion over IATA\u2019s push to weaken the MRV scheme. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They question why some parts of the industry are reluctant to explore the science behind non-CO2<\/a> environmental impacts. The airlines argue that IATA\u2019s stance does not reflect the views of most of Europe\u2019s largest carriers. They believe understanding the effects of non-CO2 emissions is vital for advancing the industry\u2019s environmental goals and are troubled by the resistance to this critical scientific inquiry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Limiting the MRV scheme to only flights within Europe is not a good idea. In this way, much important information would be excluded and one can not find the exact issue. In order to understand the complexity it is important for all nations to follow this rule. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite stricter rules on carbon emissions for the aviation industry,there is no any data about the effects of things like contrails, nitrogen oxide, and sulfur. The letter says that the MRV scheme could be better given the scientific reason for the problems and also assist in making good policies that control the situation. If the scheme is only applicable in Europe then it might be possible to miss the important information that helps to find the root cause for the problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To better address the environmental impact, it\u2019s important to include data from a wider range of flights, not just those within the EU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Intercontinental flights that makeup 6% of all flights from Europe are responsible for 52% of the carbon emissions from aviation. This is the main problem because EU policies don\u2019t yet figure out the full environmental impact of these flights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Especially their non-CO2 effects, which could be even greater due to when and where the flights occur. The airline industry argues that it is the responsibility of the European Union to address this gap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With all of this, contrails are also becoming a major concern. They are made from humid air and contribute to about 35% of aviation emissions worldwide. According to recent studies, up to 10% of the skies above the North Atlantic could be covered by contrail clouds, mostly from long-haul flights. So, it is important to focus on every point to find the major culprit that increases the climate crisis. The only possible solution for it is to revise the climate policies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Krisztina Toth from Transport & Environment says that for the last 25 years, non-CO2 emissions have been the main climate problem. According to her, this new rule is the first step to better understand aviation's full climate impact. However, she opposed some traditional airlines that were trying to refuse this proposal. Their useless efforts could stop the EU from fully understanding the situation and finding a solution.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Airline Lobbying Efforts: EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air refuse it","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"airline-lobbying-efforts-easyjet-ryanair-and-wizz-air-refuse-it","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7156","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7136,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-08-26 17:18:09","post_date_gmt":"2024-08-26 17:18:09","post_content":"\n Many European businesses and governments strongly criticized the European Union plan. They decided to monitor the investments into China. Many companies believe that this decision would hurt international investment and it would interfere too much in company decisions. Recently the Federation of German Industries(BDI) argued that foreign investments proved very beneficial for the growth of German companies. They support the economy and also secure jobs for the new generation. Additionally they strongly stand against any new rule that would control these investments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Last year, the president of the EU Commision, Ursula von der Leyen introduced the idea of screening. Also it is part of a broader strategy to save Europe\u2019s economic security. China was the central focus point for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although China isn\u2019t directly mentioned, the plan clearly targets concerns about it. Von der Leyen insists on reviewing investment policies to better manage the EU\u2019s relationship<\/a> with China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the strong pushback suggests that this plan might struggle to be implemented effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brussel is worried that the Chinese military might utilize the advanced technology. The main point of concern is that it is not clear which buyers are directly linked to the Chinese defense sector. In order to address this issue, Brussel os collaborate with the United States. This is the nation that already has measures to stop investments in some Chinese industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the plan the investment is measured in top 4 areas. It includes semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing. However, they also plan to add more areas later on. However, Europe is facing many controversies due to the idea of controlling investment. As this strategy would interfere with business special decisions and also harm the international laws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, SEMI Europe, representing electronics companies, thinks controlling European companies' investments abroad isn't the right way to ensure economic security. BusinessEurope, a group representing businesses across EU countries, is also cautious, saying this could hurt research, innovation, and global operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many countries are doubtful about the plan. It includes the Netherlands and Sweden. One country that strongly supports the idea is Lithuania. Other EU countries wonder if it's necessary, especially since EU investments in these Chinese sectors are low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An expert of geoeconomics, Tobias Gehrke, strongly believes that dealing with the United States is very important. This is the only way that von der Leyen\u2019s best securing support for a new EU investment policy. He explains that the United States plays an important role in this plan. As monitoring investments leaving the EU to prevent technology leaks, is closely connected to US interests. Gehrke also argues that success of this policy strongly depends upon the political relations between the United States and Europe than on actual evidence of harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There isn\u2019t much interest within the EU to move this policy forward, but keeping the discussions alive could be beneficial for future political negotiations. During the EU\u2019s consultations, only three government ministries, from Austria, Czechia, and Sweden, participated. Two of these ministries admitted they lacked knowledge about the potential risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A report showed that European investments in key sectors in China are small, mostly led by German companies. Some EU countries think that if they establish a unified export control system, it would reduce the need for this new policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company is pushing for the European union. They want to unify the rules across the different member states of Europe. They believe that one strong voice is making the deal with the United States more effective. So, all 27 nations should speak with one single voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SEMI Europe, which includes ASML as a member, expressed that better coordination on export controls is crucial for Europe\u2019s economic security. They believe this is the best way to prevent critical technologies from leaking, as these controls already consider technology transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The EU commission plans to monitor investment flows in four key sectors among the 27 member states and will follow up with a risk assessment report.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Investment screening plan of the European Union faces a lot of criticism ","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"investment-screening-plan-of-the-european-union-faces-a-lot-of-criticism","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7136","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7103,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_content":"\n A European business lobby group issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that European companies operating in China are too preoccupied with risk management rather than expanding their market share, which is undermining innovation and efficiency and driving up consumer prices. In its de-risking report, the European Chamber of Commerce stated that the COVID epidemic, the world economic downturn, the conflict in Ukraine, and the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China had \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience\" among businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the chamber, some 21% of respondents intended to increase their manufacturing in China, while another 12% intended to decrease it. Only 1% of respondents to the study said they intended to completely shift production outside of China. The lobby group stated in a report that accompanied the survey that the results came \"at a time when the global business environment is becoming increasingly politicized, and companies are having to make some very tough decisions about how, or in some cases if, they can continue to engage with the Chinese market.\" According to the research, businesses' attention is now \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience,\" and the Chinese market has grown \"less predictable, reliable, and efficient.\" Recent years have brought a number of difficulties for foreign businesses operating in China, including sluggish economic development, extremely stringent COVID rules, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and national security crackdowns. Beijing has made an effort to reassure companies that the nation is still open for business in the wake of the outbreak, but in the meanwhile, authorities have reinforced anti-espionage and state secrets legislation, limited cross-border data exchange, and conducted high-profile raids on foreign consulting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air are making efforts to challenge the new rule by long-haul airlines to limit new European Union (EU) regulations on non-CO2 emissions. The European Union has decided to implement the new rule on airlines. According to this rule, airlines have a responsibility to report non-CO2 emissions including contrails. The visible vapour trails ejected from the aeroplanes when flying in the sky are called contrails. Many officials said that the implementation of this rule is compulsory in order to track the climate record and manage the environmental crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, this rule manages the environmental impact of air travel more accurately. By coming together, the budget airlines are supporting the idea that all flights, whether short or long-haul, should adhere to the same environmental standards. After following this rule, it might be possible that many climate issues will be resolved and also make aviation more environmentally responsible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n IATA is one of the leading trade organizations for the aviation industry. They are pushing the European Union to give some relaxation in its new law. According to this group, the law should be optional and only for flights within Europe. They have the firm belief that the industry would benefit from less stringent rules. At the same time, the group of low-cost airlines strongly opposed the IATA perspective. They have joined forces to challenge this idea. In a letter to the European Commission, these airlines expressed confusion over IATA\u2019s push to weaken the MRV scheme. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They question why some parts of the industry are reluctant to explore the science behind non-CO2<\/a> environmental impacts. The airlines argue that IATA\u2019s stance does not reflect the views of most of Europe\u2019s largest carriers. They believe understanding the effects of non-CO2 emissions is vital for advancing the industry\u2019s environmental goals and are troubled by the resistance to this critical scientific inquiry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Limiting the MRV scheme to only flights within Europe is not a good idea. In this way, much important information would be excluded and one can not find the exact issue. In order to understand the complexity it is important for all nations to follow this rule. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite stricter rules on carbon emissions for the aviation industry,there is no any data about the effects of things like contrails, nitrogen oxide, and sulfur. The letter says that the MRV scheme could be better given the scientific reason for the problems and also assist in making good policies that control the situation. If the scheme is only applicable in Europe then it might be possible to miss the important information that helps to find the root cause for the problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To better address the environmental impact, it\u2019s important to include data from a wider range of flights, not just those within the EU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Intercontinental flights that makeup 6% of all flights from Europe are responsible for 52% of the carbon emissions from aviation. This is the main problem because EU policies don\u2019t yet figure out the full environmental impact of these flights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Especially their non-CO2 effects, which could be even greater due to when and where the flights occur. The airline industry argues that it is the responsibility of the European Union to address this gap. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With all of this, contrails are also becoming a major concern. They are made from humid air and contribute to about 35% of aviation emissions worldwide. According to recent studies, up to 10% of the skies above the North Atlantic could be covered by contrail clouds, mostly from long-haul flights. So, it is important to focus on every point to find the major culprit that increases the climate crisis. The only possible solution for it is to revise the climate policies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Krisztina Toth from Transport & Environment says that for the last 25 years, non-CO2 emissions have been the main climate problem. According to her, this new rule is the first step to better understand aviation's full climate impact. However, she opposed some traditional airlines that were trying to refuse this proposal. Their useless efforts could stop the EU from fully understanding the situation and finding a solution.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Airline Lobbying Efforts: EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air refuse it","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"airline-lobbying-efforts-easyjet-ryanair-and-wizz-air-refuse-it","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:25","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:25","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7156","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7136,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-08-26 17:18:09","post_date_gmt":"2024-08-26 17:18:09","post_content":"\n Many European businesses and governments strongly criticized the European Union plan. They decided to monitor the investments into China. Many companies believe that this decision would hurt international investment and it would interfere too much in company decisions. Recently the Federation of German Industries(BDI) argued that foreign investments proved very beneficial for the growth of German companies. They support the economy and also secure jobs for the new generation. Additionally they strongly stand against any new rule that would control these investments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Last year, the president of the EU Commision, Ursula von der Leyen introduced the idea of screening. Also it is part of a broader strategy to save Europe\u2019s economic security. China was the central focus point for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although China isn\u2019t directly mentioned, the plan clearly targets concerns about it. Von der Leyen insists on reviewing investment policies to better manage the EU\u2019s relationship<\/a> with China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the strong pushback suggests that this plan might struggle to be implemented effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brussel is worried that the Chinese military might utilize the advanced technology. The main point of concern is that it is not clear which buyers are directly linked to the Chinese defense sector. In order to address this issue, Brussel os collaborate with the United States. This is the nation that already has measures to stop investments in some Chinese industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the plan the investment is measured in top 4 areas. It includes semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and quantum computing. However, they also plan to add more areas later on. However, Europe is facing many controversies due to the idea of controlling investment. As this strategy would interfere with business special decisions and also harm the international laws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, SEMI Europe, representing electronics companies, thinks controlling European companies' investments abroad isn't the right way to ensure economic security. BusinessEurope, a group representing businesses across EU countries, is also cautious, saying this could hurt research, innovation, and global operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many countries are doubtful about the plan. It includes the Netherlands and Sweden. One country that strongly supports the idea is Lithuania. Other EU countries wonder if it's necessary, especially since EU investments in these Chinese sectors are low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An expert of geoeconomics, Tobias Gehrke, strongly believes that dealing with the United States is very important. This is the only way that von der Leyen\u2019s best securing support for a new EU investment policy. He explains that the United States plays an important role in this plan. As monitoring investments leaving the EU to prevent technology leaks, is closely connected to US interests. Gehrke also argues that success of this policy strongly depends upon the political relations between the United States and Europe than on actual evidence of harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There isn\u2019t much interest within the EU to move this policy forward, but keeping the discussions alive could be beneficial for future political negotiations. During the EU\u2019s consultations, only three government ministries, from Austria, Czechia, and Sweden, participated. Two of these ministries admitted they lacked knowledge about the potential risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A report showed that European investments in key sectors in China are small, mostly led by German companies. Some EU countries think that if they establish a unified export control system, it would reduce the need for this new policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The company is pushing for the European union. They want to unify the rules across the different member states of Europe. They believe that one strong voice is making the deal with the United States more effective. So, all 27 nations should speak with one single voice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SEMI Europe, which includes ASML as a member, expressed that better coordination on export controls is crucial for Europe\u2019s economic security. They believe this is the best way to prevent critical technologies from leaking, as these controls already consider technology transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The EU commission plans to monitor investment flows in four key sectors among the 27 member states and will follow up with a risk assessment report.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Investment screening plan of the European Union faces a lot of criticism ","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"investment-screening-plan-of-the-european-union-faces-a-lot-of-criticism","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7136","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7103,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-31 16:54:14","post_content":"\n A European business lobby group issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that European companies operating in China are too preoccupied with risk management rather than expanding their market share, which is undermining innovation and efficiency and driving up consumer prices. In its de-risking report, the European Chamber of Commerce stated that the COVID epidemic, the world economic downturn, the conflict in Ukraine, and the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China had \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience\" among businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the chamber, some 21% of respondents intended to increase their manufacturing in China, while another 12% intended to decrease it. Only 1% of respondents to the study said they intended to completely shift production outside of China. The lobby group stated in a report that accompanied the survey that the results came \"at a time when the global business environment is becoming increasingly politicized, and companies are having to make some very tough decisions about how, or in some cases if, they can continue to engage with the Chinese market.\" According to the research, businesses' attention is now \"skewed disproportionately towards risk management and building resilience,\" and the Chinese market has grown \"less predictable, reliable, and efficient.\" Recent years have brought a number of difficulties for foreign businesses operating in China, including sluggish economic development, extremely stringent COVID rules, geopolitical tensions between the US and China, and national security crackdowns. Beijing has made an effort to reassure companies that the nation is still open for business in the wake of the outbreak, but in the meanwhile, authorities have reinforced anti-espionage and state secrets legislation, limited cross-border data exchange, and conducted high-profile raids on foreign consulting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the EU Commission began looking into whether Chinese imports of state-subsidized electric vehicles are undercutting their European rivals in September, tensions with Europe have also increased. Approximately 55% of participants in the EU Chamber of Commerce study stated that the business environment in China has become more political over the past year, which has caused companies to concentrate more on de-risking their activities there. According to the research, \"as politics has permeated the business environment, the volume, complexity, and severity of the risks companies face have grown exponentially in recent years.\" The president of the chamber, Jens Eskelund, asked European businesses to reconsider unduly cautious behavior in spite of these worries in order to prevent impeding future development and innovation. Eskelund stated, \"Although it is normal for all global actors to want to protect the security of their individual economies, it should be done in a way that disrupts business as little as possible.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n \"Actions taken to strengthen economic security and manage risk should be precise, targeted, and proportionate; they should never be used as an excuse for protectionism.\" According to official figures, new foreign direct investment into China dropped to $33 billion in 2023, an 82 percent decrease from the previous year and a 30-year low.<\/a> This week, the State Council of China unveiled a new action plan aimed at attracting foreign investment, with a particular emphasis on important sectors like biopharmaceuticals and advanced semiconductors. A long-standing grievance in the international business sector was that the State Council discriminated against foreign enterprises, and it vowed to change this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A European business lobby group said on Friday that the percentage of European companies that consider China to be a top investment destination has dropped to all-time lows, and it may take years for trust in the second-largest economy in the world to rise again. In the most recent edition of its Business Confidence Survey, the European Chamber of Commerce in China reported that, with over 25% of respondents feeling pessimistic about their current growth potential and 44% optimistic about future prospects, the outlook for doing business in China was also at its lowest in the report's 20-year history. Foreign companies are feeling less welcome than previously as a result of China's economy confronting challenges and President Xi Jinping's calls for self-reliance and authorities to continue with a production-focused, debt-driven development model despite opposition from the West. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU Commission, and Emmanuel Macron, the president of France, pressed Xi on Monday to guarantee more balanced trade with Europe, but the Chinese leader did not appear to be prepared to make significant concessions while in Paris.<\/p>\n","post_title":"EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"eu-companies-in-china-prioritize-risk-management-overgrowth-says-lobby-group","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7103","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7095,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-29 13:48:49","post_content":"\n There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union\u2019s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have passed and the Assad regime remains in power. And these countries have the opinion that this is the time for changing the policy. These 8 countries include Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Slovenia. In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell, the EU\u2019s Foreign Policy chief, the foreign ministers from these nations called to rethink about more proactive and effective Syria policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They said that the European Union should focus on methods that are practical and achieve some big goals. This letter was sent just before a meeting where EU diplomats were scheduled to discuss Middle Eastern affairs. The main purpose is to make sure that the European Union approach to Syria is not only dynamic but also discusses the ongoing complexities more effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal of the policy reform from the foreign minister is one of the promising ideas. They think that this change could boost the political influence in Syria. Also it paves the way to give more humanitarian aid to Syria. There are ten specific areas that they outlined in discussion. They believed that discussion on these areas should be openly and without bias. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Euractiv, a news outlet that reviewed the original letter, the diplomats are suggesting that the EU create a special envoy position for Syria. This envoy would have the task of re-engaging with the Syrian ambassador in Brussels and working closely with various important figures both in Syria and across the wider region. <\/p>\n\n\n\n By establishing this role, the main purpose of the European Union is to make sure that aid reaches all needy areas efficiently. Overall this strategy seems to be a practical step to seriously focus on the Syria situation and also addressing the complex situation of this nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many areas in Syria that need to focus in order to improve the situation. For this purpose it is important to strengthen the partnership with Arab countries. This action can create a more coordinated and effective response. Furthermore, in order to cope with the severe situation in Syria, it is important to increase humanitarian aid. This aid will help to recover the most affected areas soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also important to focus on any negative impacts sanctions might have on people's lives in Syria. It means checking the sanction is necessary that it worked according to plan or doing more harm than good. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally it is also important to provide all those facilities that help to help citizens to safely return to their home in Syria. The foreign Minister of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg said that our Syria policy failed to work as we expect. Furthermore, since the last thirteen years it has not been working well. This is the clear reason that we need to revise the policy in order to make it more impactful and positive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Schallenberg, \u201c Bitter as it is, with the help of Iran and Russia, the Assad regime remains firmly in the saddle, the Syrian opposition is fragmented or in exile altogether \u2013 the European Union cannot turn a blind eye to this reality any longer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The plan to revise the Syria policy by the European Union has been under discussion for many years. Some EU member states are pushing for Syria to be recognized as \u201csafe\u201d despite the ongoing human rights abuses committed by the Assad regime and continued conflicts in different parts of the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They argue that the situation will get better if the EU reconsiders its approach towards Syria. It's important to remember that the European Union is enhancing sanctions against the Assad regime and all those who stand in favor of it. It simply means that a big change in Syria policy is on the way. Also EU countries are pushing for it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The view of European Union countries clearly highlights the tougher approach. Their main focus is on pressuring regimes rather than easing restrictions. This is the reason that there is some arguments regarding changing the policy.<\/p>\n","post_title":"8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"8-eu-member-states-push-for-reconsideration-of-syria-policy","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7095","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":7090,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_date_gmt":"2024-07-26 17:01:25","post_content":"\n With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's protectors of democracy, there are rising concerns that Georgia is taking another step toward authoritarianism. Georgia's administration argues that it just wants to imitate America's approach to limiting foreign influences, although a comparison of laws and political climates indicates that Georgia was more influenced by Russia. The contentious \"On Transparency of Foreign Influence\" draft bill mandates that all businesses and nonprofits that get at least 20% of their money from outside be designated as foreign agents. This would essentially encompass the whole gamut of independent media, local chapters and partners of international development and humanitarian organizations, and watchdogs on corruption, democracy, and the rule of law. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Stated differently, all those who monitor the country's democratic pledges will be labeled as foreign agents, a term that essentially refers to a foreign spy in Georgian culture. When the ruling Georgian Dream party revealed its support for the contentious law put up by People's Power, a recent offshoot of the ruling party, it did so with the intention of being transparent, according to the party. \"Georgian citizens have the right to know what vested interests and what kind of financing stand behind the entities that participate in formulating and making political decisions,\" stated Shalva Papuashvili, speaker of the parliament. The Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), a piece of 1930s American legislation, is cited by the Georgian Dream as explanation. Based on an analysis by the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law (ICNL), a Washington, DC-based advisory network that supports a legal environment that enables civil society, and its partner, the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, based in The Hague, there are significant differences between the Georgian draft and FARA. According to their analysis, one significant distinction is that FARA does not mandate registration based only on foreign money. \"Rather, one must be an agent of a foreign principal, including if one acts at the direction and control of a foreign government,\" the study states. \"Many US non-profit groups and media organizations receive foreign grants and other support, but the US has not required them to register as foreign agents under FARA.\" According to the research, just 5% of those registered under FARA are non-profit organizations, and even these are mostly overseas political party affiliates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the Georgia rule would mostly impact the country's thriving civil society, which contributors have fostered for decades, the US law concentrates on political lobbying. A string of Georgian governments has been able to contain and reveal its authoritarian tendencies thanks in part to this civic society. Georgia has worked hard to establish and defend its democracy, according to US Ambassador Kelly Degnan, who made this statement on February 27. \"These laws will undermine that progress that Georgia has spent so many years building.\" Speaker of the Parliament Papuashvili stated that concerns about the draft, both domestically and internationally, are centered on the details after speaking with a number of worried Western diplomats. In addition to denigrating non-profit organizations and the media, the ICNL study contends that the measure will jeopardize their ability to obtain money and impose onerous registration and reporting requirements, \"exposing them to unlimited government inspections and establishing harsh penalties for violations.\" <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nestan Tsetskhladze, editor-in-chief of Netgazeti, a rare independent and professional voice in Georgia's political media sector, stated, \"The goal of this law is clear: make us disappear.\" \"This is a disaster in the making, as we are headed toward a future where citizens are left in an information bubble, without critical news and hope.\" Like other independent and high-quality news content producers in Georgia, Netgazeti is supported by foreign benefactors. Foreign cash is also provided to news organizations that support opposition<\/a>. Without a doubt, Tsetskhladze believes that the bill is the precursor to an impending crackdown on the media and civil society. More than 300 news organizations and NGOs who signed a joint statement against the proposed bill share her concerns. The statement cited Russia, where such laws were passed in 2012 and were applied to intimidate and disperse journalistic organizations and human rights advocates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of the argument that Russia is the source of inspiration for the Georgian administration stems from public remarks made by Georgian Dream leaders that resemble the justifications made by the Kremlin for its foreign agent legislation. \"The draft law is far more lenient than its American version,\" Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze stated, directly quoting Russian President Vladimir Putin's 2012 support of the Russian version. FARA and the Russian statute on foreign agents were compared back in the day by ICNL. The group then emphasized a lot of the distinctions and worries it currently has with the Georgian proposal. For example, FARA is \"not limited to or directed against non-government organizations,\" according to ICNL, in contrast to the law from Russia and the planned legislation from Georgia.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"comparing-us-fara-and-georgian-foreign-agents-law-three-significant-differences","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_modified_gmt":"2025-02-02 08:34:26","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=7090","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air are making efforts to challenge the new rule by long-haul airlines to limit new European... Many European businesses and governments strongly criticized the European Union plan. They decided to monitor the investments into China. Many... A European business lobby group issued a warning on Wednesday, stating that European companies operating in China are too preoccupied... There are eight European countries that get instructions to thoroughly review the European Union’s approach to Syria. Thirteen years have... With a measure that might stigmatize and stifle media outlets and nonprofit organizations, which are largely seen as the nation's... © 2025 DCT BV | Kempenaerstraat 11B – 1051 CJ Amsterdam – Netherlands | All Rights ReservedRegistration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Challenges facing EU firms in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Challenges facing EU firms in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Challenges facing EU firms in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Challenges facing EU firms in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Challenges facing EU firms in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Challenges facing EU firms in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Challenges facing EU firms in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Challenges facing EU firms in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Challenges facing EU firms in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Challenges facing EU firms in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Challenges facing EU firms in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Challenges facing EU firms in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Challenges facing EU firms in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Challenges facing EU firms in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Challenges facing EU firms in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Challenges facing EU firms in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Challenges facing EU firms in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Challenges facing EU firms in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Challenges facing EU firms in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Challenges facing EU firms in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Challenges facing EU firms in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Challenges facing EU firms in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Challenges facing EU firms in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
What is the drawback to limit the MRV scheme within Europe<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Challenges facing EU firms in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
What is the drawback to limit the MRV scheme within Europe<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Challenges facing EU firms in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
What is the drawback to limit the MRV scheme within Europe<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Challenges facing EU firms in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
What is the drawback to limit the MRV scheme within Europe<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Challenges facing EU firms in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
What is the drawback to limit the MRV scheme within Europe<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
Challenges facing EU firms in China<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Key concerns for European companies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lobby group's insights on market conditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Future strategies for EU businesses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Introduction to foreign agents laws<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Purpose and scope of US FARA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Objective and reach of Georgian foreign agents law<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Registration requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
EU policy
Airline Lobbying Efforts: EasyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air refuse it
Investment screening plan of the European Union faces a lot of criticism
EU companies in China prioritize risk management overgrowth, says lobby group
8 EU member states push for reconsideration of Syria policy
Comparing US FARA and Georgian foreign agents law: Three significant differences