The concept of “economic hitman-esque” debt-traps (unrepayable infrastructure loans, with the lender countries industrial sector netting the actual building contracts), that had been remodeled by the chinese into gifting infrastructure outright, and then granting themselves operating rights, if certain conditions aren’t met according to a predefined contract, has now morphed into *pause*
“The Global Gateway Strategy”
“[…] smart investments in quality infrastructure, respecting the highest social and environmental standards, in line with the EU’s democratic values”
“[So] Europe can build more resilient connections with the world.”
Environmental? Resilient? Yes, because it’s mostly targeting data and healthcare infrastructure, if the debter country chooses, out of their own volition, to use the funds in that way. Europe would only be suggesting as much. At a third of the volume China is investing in belt and road, only a decade later. Partly using already preallocated funds.
DW has their youngest Brussels correspondent on the case right now. (See video.)
The strategy is “of particular importance in Southeast Asia,” where the EU has been a strong partner for the region, said Igor Driesmans, the EU ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc.
Driesmans said the Global Gateway will build on a strategy for cooperation with countries in the region, including the 2018 EU-Asia connectivity strategy.
There is also the potential for the EU’s Global Gateway to partner with the United States’ global investment proposal, Build Back Better World.
src: click
To get more information on Build Back Better World in Gaza/Westbank, for example, please read: click
