As Europe navigates the high-stakes geopolitical chess game, it finds itself at a critical juncture between the strategic moves of the US and China. In my recent opinion piece, I argue that Europe, once a queen, now resembles a cautious pawn. But there’s hope on the horizon!
The upcoming European Commission and Parliament offer a chance to transform Europe’s position.
Key to this transformation is controlling our destiny – investing in defense, critical infrastructure, and green energy.
With bold moves focused on competitiveness, less red tape and more innovation, Europe can regain momentum on the global stage. Read more below.
UK Government, new Home Secretary Yvette Coope, launches a new Border Security Command to manage the border.
Rapid recruitment for an exceptional leader used to working in complex and challenging environments, for example, at senior levels of policing, intelligence or the military, will kick off tomorrow (Monday 8 July), with the new recruit expected to take up their post in the coming weeks.
Reporting directly to the Home Secretary, the Border Security Commander will provide strategic direction to work across agencies, drawing together the work of the National Crime Agency (NCA), intelligence agencies, police, Immigration Enforcement and Border Force, to better protect our borders and go after the smuggling gangs facilitating small boat crossings.
Following the Home Secretary’s instruction, a core team in the Home Office is establishing the remit, governance and strategic direction of the new command.
New legislation and resources will be deployed.
The Home Secretary in her announcement stressed the need to break the business model of the criminal smuggling gangs, going after their ability to communicate, move people across Europe and their profit.
Read more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/home-secretary-launches-new-border-security-command
In the margins of the 143rd/144th Sessions of the WCO Council, held from 27 to 29 June 2024, the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Mr. Ian Saunders, and the Chairman of the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Shahin Baghirov, signed a Grant Agreement to establish the Azerbaijan Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF Azerbaijan). This fund aims to bolster Customs cooperation and capacity building along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor.
In recent years, the WCO has received numerous requests from countries in the sub-region to provide capacity-building support to enhance Customs connectivity along the Middle Corridor. These requests highlight the corridor’s importance as a critical trade route and the need for robust Customs procedures to facilitate efficient and secure trade flows. The establishment of CCF Azerbaijan will address these demands and the challenges faced by Customs administrations due to the globalization of trade.
CCF Azerbaijan will support a range of activities, including the training of Customs officials, and the organization of seminars, workshops and meetings for the beneficiary Customs administrations. These activities are designed to promote trade facilitation, improve compliance and enforcement, enhance Customs modernization, and build the competencies and capacities of Customs officials.
This initiative aligns with the WCO’s strategic vision of fostering regional cooperation. By enhancing the connectivity along the Middle Corridor, CCF Azerbaijan aims to create a seamless and efficient trade network that boosts economic activities, strengthens regional ties, and fosters sustainable development.
The WCO welcomes this initiative, which underscores the ongoing cooperation with Azerbaijan Customs, and looks forward to further supporting Members through the new CCF Azerbaijan.
You must be logged in to post a comment.