Photo by Rhys Moult on Unsplash
In a speech at an event entitled ‘The Future via Carpathia-Caucasian Road Corridor,’ held on March 19th in the European Parliament in Brussels, Ryszard Czarnecki, a Member of the European Parliament, emphasised the critical importance of prioritising trans-regional trade corridors for the economic development and security of the European Union (EU) and its member states.
Mr. Czarnecki started his speech by expressing gratitude to his colleague, Mr. Poreba, for organising the debate. He expressed confidence that the gathering would facilitate meaningful dialogue and concrete actions to address pressing issues surrounding global trade in the modern era.
Drawing attention to the evolving landscape of global trade, Mr. Czarnecki underscored the necessity of redefining logistics and trade routes in response to major events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the War in Ukraine, and recent escalations in the Red Sea. These events, he pointed out, have exposed the fragility of the global trade route architecture, necessitating the exploration of options and alternatives to safeguard bilateral and global trade as imperative national and EU security concerns.
Highlighting the pivotal role of trade routes through the Caucasus region, Mr. Czarnecki emphasised their role in fostering interconnectivity and providing access to emerging markets in the Caucasus and Central Asia. He articulated his belief that such interconnectivity not only promotes peace and stability among regional neighbours but also fuels increased prosperity, thus reinforcing stability in the region.
Central to Mr. Czarnecki’s discourse was the significance of the Via Carpatia, traversing the North-South axis between the Baltic, Aegean, Black, and Adriatic Seas. He emphasised how this corridor contributes to the advancement of economic and territorial cohesion within the EU while driving social and economic development in Central and Southern Europe. Recognising the indispensable roles of countries like Turkey and Azerbaijan in transforming these corridors from conceptual projects to tangible realities, Mr. Czarnecki called for continued EU investment and leadership in trans-regional trade corridor initiatives.
Mr. Czarnecki praised the recognition of Via Carpatia by Turkey and Azerbaijan, stressing its pivotal importance for Europe’s economic development. He expressed optimism regarding the vast potential of Via Carpatia and regional road networks to spur economic growth and prosperity across the continent.
In conclusion, Mr. Czarnecki reiterated his commitment as a member of the European Parliament to support initiatives aimed at advancing trans-regional trade corridors and enhancing European competitiveness.The views expressed in his address resonated with attendees, highlighting the pressing need for collaborative efforts to fortify trade infrastructure and promote economic resilience in the face of evolving global challenges.
