Feed aggregator

Les micro-organismes présents sur la peau, dans l'intestin et en suspension dans l'air peuvent migrer vers le tissu et former, dans certains cas, un biofilm qui altère l'aspect et enlève la brillance de la serviette.

En raison de la présence vraisemblable d’explosifs, le Ministère public de la Confédération est saisi. Le colis a été trouvé devant une fiduciaire qui a comme client la marque horlogère visée l’an dernier par des explosifs.

Donald Tusk outlined to MEPs on Wednesday his goals for Poland’s helming of the EU Council presidency and the country’s "Security, Europe!" strategy.

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Donald Tusk outlined to MEPs on Wednesday his goals for Poland’s helming of the EU Council presidency and the country’s "Security, Europe!" strategy.

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Les décideurs économiques et des personnalités de premier plan se retrouvent à Cotonou les 26 et 27 février prochain, pour l'édition 2025 du Choiseul Africa Summit. La Société d'investissement et de promotion de l'industrie (SIPI-BENIN), structure en charge de l'exploitation de la Zone industrielle de Glo-Djigbé (GDIZ), et l'Agence de promotion des investissements et des exportations (APIEx), co-organisent l'évènement avec l'institut Choiseul.

Cotonou, la capitale économique du Bénin accueille les 26 et 27 février prochain, l'édition 2025 du Choiseul Africa Summit. Il s'agit d'un grand rendez d'affaires qui réunira environ 350 décideurs économiques et personnalités de premier plan autour de thématiques clés pour la croissance économique et la coopération stratégique en Afrique de l'Ouest.
Le Sommet selon un communiqué de l'Institut Choiseul, s'inscrit dans « une dynamique de transformation portée par le Gouvernement béninois, qui mise sur des infrastructures de classe mondiale et des initiatives économiques innovantes pour redéfinir les paradigmes de croissance ». L'événement, précise le communiqué, s'articulera autour d'un objectif commun à savoir « Accélérer l'intégration économique régionale : mobiliser les compétences et les investissements pour un avenir durable ».
Selon Pascal Lorot, président de Choiseul Africa, « le Bénin incarne aujourd'hui une Afrique ambitieuse et résolument tournée vers l'avenir. « Par sa stabilité, ses infrastructures modernes et son positionnement stratégique, il se présente comme un marché d'opportunités et de savoir-faire, et un carrefour incontournable pour les échanges économiques régionaux », a-t-il précisé. Organiser le Choiseul Africa Summit à Cotonou selon lui, « c'est reconnaître le rôle central que joue le Bénin dans la dynamique de croissance et de coopération en Afrique de l'Ouest. »
Pour le ministre d'État en charge de l'économie et des finances, accueillir le Choiseul Africa Summit « est une formidable opportunité » pour mettre en lumière la vision d'un développement inclusif et durable portée par le gouvernement béninois. « Le Bénin, au cœur des échanges régionaux et internationaux, se positionne comme un moteur de croissance grâce à ses réformes et ses partenariats stratégiques. Ce sommet sera l'occasion de partager notre ambition et d'explorer de nouvelles perspectives de coopération », a déclaré Romuald Wadagni.
Des plénières interactives, des tables rondes stratégiques et des sessions de networking ciblées rythmeront les deux journées de travaux, offrant aux participants un espace privilégié pour développer des collaborations à forte valeur ajoutée.

F. A. A.

Le Directeur Général de la BRVM, Dr Edoh Kossi AMENOUNVE, a eu l'opportunité de sacrifier à la tradition établie de présenter le bilan des activités de la Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières (BRVM) à la presse ce jeudi 16 janvier 2025 au siège de l'institution à Abidjan.

Le Directeur Général de la BRVM, Dr Edoh Kossi AMENOUNVE a passé en revue les faits marquants de 2024 et partagé avec l'écosystème, la vision 2030 de la BRVM ainsi que les leviers à actionner pour sa mise en œuvre. Au titre des faits saillants, il faut noter (i) l'introduction à la BRVM de la Loterie Nationale du Bénin portant à 47 le nombre de sociétés cotées, (ii) l'augmentation de capital de 5 Banques de l'Union par le marché pour renforcer leurs fonds propres (iii) l'introduction de 29 lignes obligataires (plus de 1600 milliards) dont l'admission pour la première fois d'un instrument de la finance durable, (iv) la progression de 28,89 % de l'indice BRVM Composite (7ème meilleure performance africaine) ; (v) la capitalisation record de 10 078,68 milliards FCFA (plus de 15% du PIB de l'Union) pour le marché des actions, consolidant le positionnement de la BRVM en tant que 5ème bourse africaine.

Quant à la projection de la place boursière de l'UEMOA à l'horizon 2030, Dr AMENOUNVE a indiqué que la BRVM se voulait plus verte, digitale avec de nouveaux marchés, produits et services. A cet effet, il a révélé que la BRVM prévoit un plus fort ancrage sur la durabilité, le lancement de nouveaux produits innovants adaptés à la jeunesse (ETFs, etc.), favoriser une optimisation des rendements et la gestion des risques avec les produits dérivés, avant d'ajouter que l'institution envisage également de proposer une réponse aux besoins croissants de logements dans l'UEMOA, et de renforcer le financement des secteurs stratégiques : agriculture, énergie, et industries extractives et l'intégration des nouvelles technologies et de l'intelligence artificielle pour un marché encore plus performant.

Cette cérémonie a été rehaussée par la présence du Président de l'AMF-UMOA, du Président du Conseil d'Administration de la BRVM ainsi que des représentants d'autres Institutions de l'Union, à savoir, la BCEAO, la Commission de l'UEMOA, le DC/BR et les Associations professionnelles du marché (APSGI, ASGOP, Club des sociétés cotées, APBTCC et AASCOT-BRVM) à qui le Directeur Général de la BRVM a témoigné toute sa gratitude pour le travail abattu au quotidien pour le développement du marché financier régional.

A la session plénière du 21 janvier 2025, les députés à l'Assemblée nationale ont adopté 4 accords de ratification.

L'Assemblée nationale a pris acte de 4 accords ratifiés par le gouvernement. Il s'agit de : l'accord de prêt signé à Cotonou, le 31 juillet 2023, entre la République du Bénin et la Banque Arabe pour le développement économique en Afrique (Badea), dans le cadre du financement du Projet d'augmentation du capital de la Banque ouest africaine de développement (Boad) ; de l'accord de prêt signé à Cotonou, le 14 décembre 2023, entre la République du Bénin et le Fonds africain de développement (Fad), dans le cadre du financement de la première phase du Programme d'appui à la gouvernance économique et au développement du secteur privé (Page-Dsp) I) ; de l'accord-cadre signé à Riyad, le 03 mars 2024, entre la République du Bénin et la Banque islamique de développement (Bid), dans le cadre du financement du Projet de développement des infrastructures agricoles et de désenclavement de la Basse et moyenne vallée de l'ouémé (Pdiab-Bmvo) et de l'accord de financement signé à Cotonou, le 21 février 2024, entre la République du Bénin et le Fonds International de développement agricole (Fida), dans le cadre du Projet d'appui au développement agricole et à l'accès au marché (Padaam).

Ces 4 décrets portant ratification ont été adoptés, mardi 21 janvier 2025 lors de la session plénière des députés.
M. M.

Le Conseil des ministres s'est réuni mercredi 22 janvier 2025, sous la présidence du Chef de l'Etat Patrice Talon. Plusieurs grandes décisions ont été prises au cours de cette séance hebdomadaire.

Des nominations ont été prononcées en Conseil des ministres. Voici les nominations au Ministère de la Défense nationale et au Ministère de l'Agriculture, de l'Elevage et de la pêche.

■ Au ministère de la Défense nationale

– A l'état-major général

Directeur de l'Organisation et du Personnel des armées

Intendant militaire de 1ère classe Mohamed IDRISSOU

Directeur adjoint de l'Organisation et du Personnel des armées

Colonel Didier DINDIN

Directeur adjoint du Renseignement militaire

Lieutenant-colonel Damien Eudes Patrick MAGNON

Directeur adjoint du Matériel des armées

Colonel Coovi Théophile GBETO

Conseiller technique du Chef d'état-major général des Forces armées béninoises aux Opérations et à la Lutte contre le Terrorisme

Colonel Abdouli Bariou Akin-Ola ALAO SALOU

Conseiller technique du Chef d'état-major général des Forces armées béninoises aux Infrastructures et à la Lutte contre les engins explosifs improvisés

Colonel Gilbert LOSSITODE

Conseiller technique à la Communication du Chef d'état-major général des Forces armées béninoises

Monsieur Manlonhan Rodrigue Landine HODE

– Au cabinet du ministre

Conseiller technique juridique

Madame Boladé Erudite SEDOGBO

■ Au ministère de l'Agriculture, de l'Elevage et de la Pêche

Conseiller technique aux Organisations professionnelles et à l'Entrepreneuriat agricole

Monsieur Gbénoukpo Arnaud TOGBE

Directeur général de l'Agence béninoise de Sécurité sanitaire des aliments

Monsieur Kinnou Jean Kisito CHABI SIKA

Directeurs départementaux ainsi qu'il suit :

– Ouémé

Monsieur Janvier AMOUSSOU

– Atlantique

Madame Rose Laurenda SOHOU

Lothar Matthäus n’a pas été tendre envers Ramy Bensebaini. La légende du football allemand n’est pas satisfaite des performances du joueur avec Borussia Dortmund et […]

L’article Bensebaini sévèrement critiqué par une légende allemande est apparu en premier sur .

Accusé de collaborer avec des gouvernements hostiles, le ressortissant suisse mort dans une prison iranienne avait pris des photos de sites militaires.

En moins d’une semaine, la wilaya d’Oran est de nouveau au cœur d’une affaire retentissante liée au trafic de drogue. Ce mardi 21 janvier 2025, […]

L’article Trafic de cocaïne à Oran : 2ᵉ grande saisie en quelques jours et des milliards en jeu est apparu en premier sur .

Borussia Dortmund's Karim Adeyemi talks to BBC Sport Africa about his foundation and why he feels impelled to give back to Nigeria.

Les États-Unis pourraient bien définitivement enterrer l'Union européenne (UE) dans la course à l'intelligence artificielle (IA), alors que Donald Trump a annoncé 500 millards de dollars d'investissements pour développer le secteur.

In a resolution adopted on Wednesday, MEPs call on the EU to reject the upcoming presidential election in Belarus on 26 January as a sham.
Committee on Foreign Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

In a resolution adopted on Wednesday, MEPs call on the EU to reject the upcoming presidential election in Belarus on 26 January as a sham.
Committee on Foreign Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

This policy brief discusses the role of Greece in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), focusing mainly on those aspects related to infrastructure and ports and the global supply chain. It suggests a series of different actions and highlights different angles that Greece should take into account if it wants to be a major player in the establishment of the Corridor and its gateway to Europe/European Union.

– IMEC will be a game changer in international trade relationships, regional tensions, and political challenges.

– The main obstacles to IMEC’s establishment are the conflicts in the Middle East and other major national interests of key actors (such as the Chinese monopoly in the region).

– Focus is given to port infrastructure, as ports are pivotal to the global supply chain. India pays significant attention to its ports, while the Port of Piraeus is the largest port in Eastern Europe.

– The critical role and position of Greece are highlighted, underlying its role as a hub that connects India and the Middle East to Europe.

– Greece needs to invest in infrastructure development, build a skilled workforce, and attract foreign investments.

– Suggestions for establishing a successful commercial corridor between India and Greece are given, focusing on mutual interests and growth opportunities.

Read here in pdf the Policy brief by Dimitris Gavalas, Associate Professor, Department of Ports Management and Shipping, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and George Dikaios, Senior Research Fellow, ELIAMEP; Lecturer & postdoc researcher, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

Introduction

Greece’s involvement in IMEC is a significant element of their strategic partnership, asserting that Greece serves as India’s gateway to Europe. 

During state visits to India in February 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in discussions with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. The leaders, among other topics, deliberated on enhancing cooperation under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which “is a geoeconomic project that propels infrastructure connectivity higher than ever on the geopolitical agenda of global powers” (Sauvignon and Benaglia, 2024). Prime Minister Mitsotakis expressed that Greece’s involvement in IMEC is a significant element of their strategic partnership, asserting that Greece serves as India’s gateway to Europe. He further emphasized the necessity of achieving peace in the Middle East, stating that stability is essential for any initiative aimed at fostering greater prosperity in the broader region, that would benefit all participating nations. Greece’s role is essential to discuss, as it was not in the seven countries (India, France, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, United States) and the EU, which signed the initial IMEC Memorandum of Understanding in September 2023, during the G-20 Summit in India (Gonultas, 2023). Still, the IMEC is highly possible to go through Greece’s territory.

This policy brief unveils a series of opportunities and challenges that arise from the establishment of IMEC, focusing on Greece’s role and position. It first gives the bigger picture of how the global supply chain works, what role IMEC will play in it, and what infrastructure will be needed. The next section focuses on Greece’s role and opportunities, which might enhance Greece’s position within this particular cooperation, as well as the country’s potential gains. A section on what needs to be done to better prepare for the establishment of the collaboration between India and Greece follows. The final part presents the way forward.

Global supply chains, infrastructure and IMEC’s challenges

A supply chain can be defined as a systematic approach focused on the conversion of materials into finished products or services. It may also be perceived as a comprehensive network encompassing all entities engaged in the production and delivery of goods or services to consumers, including suppliers, manufacturers, transporters, distributors, warehouses, wholesalers, retailers, and customers. The modern supply chain is characterized by complexity, dynamism, competitiveness, and flexibility. Standard metrics utilized to evaluate supply chain performance encompass customer satisfaction, service quality, time efficiency, responsiveness, cost-effectiveness, and overall quality of output (Gavalas, 2024).

Supply chain management fundamentally pertains to the oversight and administration of such a network. In the era of globalization, numerous multinational corporations have established partnerships with entities located across the globe. The global supply chain is primarily driven by economic globalization, as companies endeavor to extend their supply chains into international markets. Such global operations typically increase business complexity due to the involvement of a broader array of stakeholders compared to domestic operations, necessitating the navigation of various political, economic, and cultural influences. Global supply chains function as fully integrated operations, thereby leveraging the distinct advantages offered by diverse geographical locations worldwide (Ma, 2020).

The global value chain can be defined as a complex network of international trade and commerce that involves multiple countries, regions, and industries. It relies on various trade routes, including maritime and road transport networks, to facilitate the movement of goods and services (Vasiliadis et al., 2024). Strategic hub ports like Haifa (Israel), Piraeus (Greece), and Red Sea Gateway Terminal (Saudi Arabia) play a crucial role in connecting different regions and facilitating trade. The global value chain is influenced by global trade relationships between countries, including trade agreements, tariffs, and non-tariff barriers, as well as financial ties between countries, such as investment and trade agreements.

The multimodal transport system of IMEC would enable the efficient and cost-effective transportation of goods. The system would also allow for the flexibility to switch between different modes of transport depending on the specific requirements of each shipment. For example, if there is a high demand for speed, rail transport may be preferred, while if there is a high demand for flexibility, road transport may be preferred.

IMEC aims to connect India, the Middle East and Europe, through a railway network, enhancing regional integration and trade. […] IMEC’s success will depend on navigating the complex web of international trade relationships, regional tensions, and political challenges.

The establishment of IMEC would respond to the global value chain by creating a new ship-to-rail transit network that will supplement existing maritime and road transport routes. IMEC aims to connect India, the Middle East and Europe, through a railway network, enhancing regional integration and trade. By reducing costs and increasing speed, IMEC seeks to challenge Beijing’s influence in the region and offer an alternative to China’s Belt Road Initiative (BRI). However, IMEC’s success will depend on navigating the complex web of international trade relationships, regional tensions, and political challenges. China’s existing influence in the region, through its financial ties with Arab Gulf states, may limit IMEC’s ability to challenge Beijing’s dominance, while regional tensions, such as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, may hinder the progress of IMEC and other regional integration projects (Monroe, 2023).

A major potential obstacle to the IMEC that is to be taken into account is that it does not offer a clear plan to address the Chinese monopoly in the region. The Greek port of Piraeus, a crucial link in the IMEC corridor, is already owned by Cosco, a Chinese shipping company. It is unclear whether India and the United States will attempt to buy stakes in Piraeus and shift the balance of power away from Cosco. Additionally, the deep financial ties between China and the Arab Gulf likely limit the ability of IMEC or any similar development project to challenge Beijing’s influence in the region (Khan et al., 2024).

Additionally, another challenge that needs to be considered is the conflict in the Middle East, as shown in the map below, as the area is an integral part of the Corridor. As it is to be expected, the conflict poses significant barriers to the advancement of IMEC. For example, countries that have not normalized their diplomatic relations, like Israel and Saudi Arabia, would have to work together in order to develop railways, as connectivity between the countries of IMEC has to be undisturbed. The same applies to the relations between Jordan and Israel, as the former would be the corridor-country between Israel and Saudi Arabia (Das, 2024).

(IMEC map, source: Vienna International Institute for Middle East Studies)

 

In terms of infrastructure, the physical aspect of IMEC would include railway lines connecting the United Arab Emirates to Israel via Saudi Arabia and Jordan, as well as electric cables to enhance digital connectivity, and pipes for clean hydrogen export. The multimodal transport system would likely involve a combination of maritime and rail transport. The Greek port of Piraeus would play a crucial role in this system, serving as a hub for cargo transportation from the port of Haifa in Israel to destinations in Europe and beyond. The port’s locality on the Mediterranean and its existing connections to European markets make it an ideal location for transshipment and distribution of goods (Datta and Misra, 2024).

For Greece, the port of Piraeus is well-positioned to play a key role in the IMEC project, and Greece should focus on leveraging its strategic location to benefit from the project (Pandya and Leal-Arcas, 2024).

India’s Strategic Steps Towards an Enhanced Port Infrastructure

In pursuit of the implementation of the IMEC corridor, India has taken steps from as early as January 2023 to acquire the port of Haifa (Israel). The acquisition was executed by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ Ltd.), India’s largest private port operator and a comprehensive provider of logistics services. This development came as part of a long-term strategy for India’s blue maritime economy, as introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the inauguration of the Global Shipping Summit and International Expo held on October 17, 2023, in Mumbai (Maritime India Summit, 2023). The envisioned horizon of the project is set with a vision towards 2047 (Reuters, 2023).

The plan encompasses several strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing port facilities, promoting sustainable practices, facilitating international collaboration, and executing major projects for the creation of Next Generation Mega Ports, which include the development of international container ports, islands, inland waterways, and multi-modal hubs. The total projected investment for these initiatives is estimated at approximately €900 billion, which is anticipated to generate a substantial number of job opportunities and reduce business operating costs, while mitigating environmental degradation.

Through the plan, India aspires to enhance its cargo handling capacities to 10,000 million metric tons per year by 2047, by addressing the increasing traffic demands and positioning itself among the top five shipbuilding nations of the world, through the establishment of shipbuilding and repair facilities in multiple locations. Over the past decade, the capacity of India’s major ports has doubled, the turnaround time for large vessels has been reduced to under 24 hours from the previous 42 hours, and coastal cargo traffic has similarly doubled, reflecting the ongoing modernization of logistics (Gavalas et al., 2022).

What should Greece’s role be within IMEC? 

As the focus of this brief is to understand the strategic role of Greece in the IMEC’s success, this part focuses on highlighting potential advantages of the process. Given the country’s geographical location between Asia and Europe, Greece could provide a critical and strategic link between India, the Middle East, and mainland Europe. By playing a key role in facilitating trade, infrastructure development, and regional integration, Greece can benefit economically and political, the latter by strengthening its ties with these regions. Below, some potential roles that Greece could seek to play are listed, as a guide:

• Logistics Hub: Greece, particularly the port of Piraeus, can serve as a logistics hub for the IMEC corridor, connecting India and the Middle East to Europe. This could involve the development of new infrastructure, such as warehouses, storage facilities, and transportation networks.

• Gateway to EU: As the largest port in Eastern Europe, Piraeus can serve as a gateway to the EU for goods and services coming from India and the Middle East. This would facilitate trade and investment between these regions and the EU.

• FTA Facilitator: Greece could play a key role in facilitating an FTA (Foreign Trade Agreement) between India and the EU. As a member of the EU, Greece could help negotiate and implement the FTA, which would benefit Greek businesses and industries.

• Infrastructure Development: Greece could invest in developing its infrastructure, such as ports, roads, and railways, to support the growth of trade and commerce between India and the EU. This would also create new economic opportunities for Greek businesses and citizens.

• Trade Facilitation: Greece could work with Indian and EU authorities to simplify customs procedures, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and increase trade facilitation measures to make it easier for goods and services to move across borders.

• Investment Attraction: Greece could attract investment from Indian companies by offering competitive incentives, such as tax breaks, subsidies, or other forms of support. This would help create new economic opportunities and jobs in Greece.

At the same time, strengthening bilateral relationships and improving connectivity between ports can facilitate trade and commerce between Greece and India. This could be a potential step towards advancing the IMEC project, especially if India and Greece can work together to improve the efficiency and reliability of their port operations. Additionally, improving Greek-Indian port relations could also have broader benefits for the region. For example, it could help reduce transportation costs and increase trade volumes between Europe and Asia, which could be beneficial for the economies involved.

Balancing Political Priorities

Since 2016, Greece has cultivated a significant partnership with China, notably through Cosco’s investment in the Port of Piraeus. This relationship has significantly helped in the improvement of  Greece’s economic standing. As such, the country – in theory – would not stand to benefit from severing these ties. This parameter is one that the country oughts to consider, as it seeks to assume a central role in IMEC. Balancing these two priorities will require diplomatic finesse and significant, holistic strategic planning. This may involve renegotiating terms with Cosco to maintain control without straining relations with China.

On the other hand, and provided that the former has been dealt with in a productive manner, Greece stands to benefit significantly if it can leverage the IMEC project to foster regional economic cooperation with neighbors like Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania.

Navigating these dynamics, however, demands skillful diplomacy to manage the interests of the two major global actors.

Through careful balancing, Greece could position itself as a pivotal player in both IMEC and the broader regional framework, advancing its strategic and economic goals,

Focus on infrastructure and a skilled workforce

Greece’s port of Piraeus, being the largest port in Eastern Europe, if IMEC proceeds, is to play a crucial role. […] it’s indeed reasonable to suggest that Greece should enhance its domestic skilled workforce in areas such as logistics, transportation, and infrastructure management. 

Greece’s port of Piraeus, being the largest port in Eastern Europe, if IMEC proceeds, is to play a crucial role. Therefore, it’s likely that Greece will be a major actor in the implementation of the project, particularly in terms of logistics and transportation. In light of this, it’s indeed reasonable to suggest that Greece should enhance its domestic skilled workforce in areas such as logistics, transportation, and infrastructure management. This would enable Greece to capitalize on its strategic location, and potentially attract more investment and business opportunities. Moreover, having a skilled workforce would also help Greece to maintain its competitiveness in the region and ensure that it can adapt to any changes or challenges that may arise during the implementation of the IMEC project.

Essential steps to establish a successful commercial corridor between India and Greece

To establish a successful commercial corridor between India and Greece, several essential steps should be undertaken. Firstly, fostering strategic partnerships is crucial; collaboration between Indian and Greek governments, companies, and industries will help identify mutual interests and growth opportunities. Infrastructure development plays a significant role as well, and investment in modernizing and expanding transportation facilities—such as ports, airports, and highways—will facilitate the efficient movement of goods and people.

Negotiating and implementing bilateral trade agreements, particularly FTAs, can serve to reduce tariffs, increase trade volumes, and strengthen economic cooperation. Simplifying customs clearance procedures is also necessary to minimize delays and alleviate bureaucratic obstacles for importers and exporters. Furthermore, efficient logistics and supply chain management systems should be developed to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of goods.

Encouraging foreign investment in both countries is another critical component, which can be achieved by promoting investment opportunities, providing incentives, and offering support services. As per the data provided by India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the value of goods imported from India to Greece during the fiscal year 2023-24 amounted to $1,055.17 million. This sum includes significant products such as aluminum, organic chemicals, transformers, and various other electrical equipment (Embassy of Greece in India, 2024).

Additionally, capacity-building programs that offer training for businesses, entrepreneurs, and policymakers in areas like international trade, logistics, and entrepreneurship are vital for enhancing skills and knowledge. Marketing campaigns that highlight the benefits, attractions, and opportunities of the Corridor can attract potential investors, exporters, and importers.

Risk management strategies must be developed to identify and mitigate potential trade-related risks, such as regulatory differences, currency fluctuations, and security concerns. Establishing a robust digital connectivity infrastructure, including high-speed internet and data transmission networks, would facilitate seamless communication and data exchange between the two countries.

Identifying competitive advantages in areas like production costs, quality standards, or innovation will further attract businesses and investors. It is essential that both governments provide necessary support and incentives to businesses operating within the corridor, including tax breaks, subsidies, or other forms of assistance. Effective communication channels between Indian and Greek businesses, governments, and regulatory bodies should be established to facilitate dialogue and collaboration. Finally, regular monitoring and evaluation of the Corridor’s progress will be necessary to assess performance and identify areas for improvement, ensuring its continued success.

The way forward

The discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during their state visits highlight the profound potential for collaboration under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. The proposed commercial Corridor serves as a critical link that can enhance trade, connectivity, and regional integration among diverse economies, positioning Greece as a pivotal gateway for India into Europe.

Key actions such as developing strategic partnerships, investing in infrastructure, and negotiating favorable trade agreements are paramount for establishing a robust commercial corridor.

To realize the ambitious goals of IMEC, a multifaceted approach is essential. Key actions such as developing strategic partnerships, investing in infrastructure, and negotiating favorable trade agreements are paramount for establishing a robust commercial corridor. By simplifying customs procedures and improving logistics and supply chain systems, both countries can foster a conducive environment for trade, thereby driving economic growth.

Successful IMEC implementation hinges on achieving regional cooperation, brokering peace initiatives, and creating a balance of power that favors equitable economic engagement among participating nations.

Moreover, the challenges posed by existing geopolitical dynamics, notably China’s significant influence in the region and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, must be addressed strategically. Successful IMEC implementation hinges on achieving regional cooperation, brokering peace initiatives, and creating a balance of power that favors equitable economic engagement among participating nations.

Greece’s role as a logistical hub and trade facilitator is indispensable. The port of Piraeus not only complements the IMEC’s shipping routes but also positions Greece favorably to attract investments, foster regional integration, and promote sustainable development practices. Navigating the complexities of international trade relationships while maintaining a focus on green initiatives can enhance IMEC’s viability and public acceptance.

The IMEC presents a unique opportunity for India and Greece to strengthen their bilateral ties while playing a significant role in reshaping regional trade dynamics. 

The IMEC presents a unique opportunity for India and Greece to strengthen their bilateral ties while playing a significant role in reshaping regional trade dynamics. With concerted efforts in infrastructure development, strategic collaboration, and diplomatic negotiations, the IMEC could become a transformative framework benefiting not just the participating nations but also the broader global economy.

As a final comment, it is likely that the project would require significant investment from governments and private companies in terms of who will pay for the implementation of IMEC. The endorsement of IMEC by several countries, including India, Saudi Arabia and the UAE (and France, Germany, Italy, and the United States), suggests that they may be willing to contribute financially or otherwise to its development. The project’s potential economic benefits, such as cutting costs and increasing speed of cargo shipment, could attract private investment and funding from companies and institutions interested in the region’s growth and development.

References

Das, D. (2024). Revisiting the contours of the evolving Middle Eastern order through the India-Middle East-EU Corridor: mapping India’s scopes and limitations. Asian Journal of Political Science, 32(1), 35-56.

Datta, B., & Misra, S. (2024). Port Efficiency and Infrastructure Development: Catalysts for the India-Middle East-European Union Economic Corridor. In Global Cargo Industry: Resilience of Asia-Pacific Shipping Industries (pp. 1-34). IGI Global.

Embassy of Greece in India. (2024). Greek Exports to India in fiscal year 2023-2024, Office of Economic & Commercial Affairs, Available online at https://agora.mfa.gr/infofiles-menu/infofile/88418, last accessed November 14th 2024.

Gavalas, D. (2024). Does sustainability reporting affect firm performance? Evidence from the port sector. Maritime Technology and Research, 6(2), 266092-266092.

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Les éléphants d'Afrique significatif à la vie de la nature sauvage, avec leur intelligence extraordinaire sont en danger critique d'extinction. Les derniers rapports de l'Union internationale pour la conservation de la nature (UICN) sont sans appel : les populations d'éléphants de savane ont chuté en moyenne de 70 %, tandis que les effectifs d'éléphants de forêt ont chuté d'un pourcentage encore plus important, de 90 % en moyenne. Dans l'ensemble, les populations d'éléphants ont diminué d'environ 77 %. Ce qui veut dire clairement qu'un éléphant meurt en Afrique toutes les 25 minutes, tué pour ses défenses en ivoire. Pour ne pas se mentir, il est fort probable que les résultats de l'UICN sous-estiment la réalité en raison du manque de données quantitatives sur l'extinction des populations d'éléphants sur le continent africain.

L'Afrique abrite au moins 400 000 éléphants, dont environ 5 500 en Afrique de l'Ouest. L'éléphant de forêt d'Afrique et l'éléphant de la savane font partie des 37 480 espèces menacées. Seules quelques poches dans quelques pays ont permis aux éléphants de se stabiliser ou de croître de façon relative, comme au Gabon ou au Congo. Mais la situation demeure alarmante.

La chute drastique de la population des deux espèces d'éléphants d'Afrique est causée par le braconnage intensif et la destruction de leur habitat à travers l'urbanisation et la conversion des forêts en terres agricoles. Par ailleurs, la pandémie du coronavirus a eu un impact négatif sur les efforts de protection de la biodiversité. Elle avait privé les pays de revenus de l'écotourisme qui servaient à financer en partie la protection des réserves naturelles.

Le braconnage

Les éléphants d'Afrique font partie intégrante de l'écosystème dans lequel ils vivent. Sans eux, cet écosystème aurait du mal à fonctionner correctement. Cependant, la première menace pesant sur l'éléphant reste le braconnage. L'éléphant est braconné pour sa viande mais surtout pour ses défenses contenant la précieuse matière qu'est l'ivoire. Les populations d'éléphants ont donc été décimées par le commerce d'ivoire passant de plusieurs millions d'individus dans les années 1970 à quelques centaines de milliers dans les années 2000.

Le braconnage a atteint son point culminant en 2011 et a depuis connu un ralentissement dans certaines régions, notamment en Afrique de l'Est. Cependant, il persiste encore et s'aggrave dans d'autres régions, comme en Afrique Centrale et de l'Ouest. Depuis 2019, plus de 50% des décès d'éléphants constatés sont dus au braconnage en Afrique. Ce qui entraîne de grandes pertes que ne peut compenser le nombre de naissances d'éléphanteaux. Cela entraîne un déclin de la population d'éléphants de l'ordre de 2 à 3% par an. Pour exemple, la région du nord du Sahel, qui comprend le Mali, le Tchad et le Nigéria, a subi certaines des pertes les plus graves, la pression intense du braconnage et le manque de protection ont contribué à l'extinction de la population locale d'éléphants d'Afrique.

Au-delà de décimer la population, le braconnage et le commerce illégal d'ivoire des éléphants posent d'autres problèmes. Ils alimentent l'insécurité et sapent alors le développement économique, social et politique des Etats africains. Par exemple, le braconnage de l'éléphant en Afrique aurait pour conséquence une perte de 25 millions de dollars de revenus touristiques.

Le braconnage effréné est né à la suite de l'augmentation du prix de l'ivoire, qui a été multiplié par 10 entre 2004 et 2018. En raison de sa position géographique centrale et de son histoire coloniale, la Belgique, selon l'UICN, est une plaque tournante du trafic illégal de l'ivoire. Entre 2007 et 2016, les douaniers belges ont saisi 3 616 produits dérivés de l'ivoire, selon WWF. La plupart de ces produits transitent par l'aéroport de Bruxelles et sont destinés à la Chine, où 79 tonnes d'ivoire ont été saisies depuis 2000. Ce qui équivaut à 10 800 éléphants tués !

La déforestation

Qui parle de la déforestation, parle de la destruction de l'habitat naturel et nourricier des éléphants. En effet, La deuxième grande menace pour les éléphants est la perte de leur habitat. Primo, ce sont les hommes qui empiètent sur les espaces de vie des éléphants. Les hommes utilisent de plus en plus de terres pour l'agriculture et créent de plus en plus d'infrastructures de développement notamment des routes. Cela a pour conséquences une fragmentation voire une destruction des zones d'habitat mais aussi une diminution des ressources alimentaires des éléphants.

Secundo, le changement climatique. De nombreux phénomènes découlent de ce changement comme les incendies naturels de plus en plus fréquents ou la sécheresse de plus en plus intense. Il y a les exemples du cas du bassin du Congo et celui du Gabon, due à l'extraction du bois industriel. Les activités agricoles ont dégradé l'habitat de l'éléphant d'Afrique. En effet, la destruction de l'habitat des éléphants à travers l'urbanisation et la conversion des forêts en terres agricoles, constitue aussi une menace extrême à la survie de l'espèce, déjà sur la liste rouge de la CITES.

La dernière grande menace pour les éléphants est celle des conflits avec les Hommes. Il existe des conflits entre les éléphants et les hommes pour les zones d'habitat. Les zones d'habitat des éléphants sont mitées par les activités humaines conduisant à une dégradation des milieux et à une perte de ressources. Les éléphants errent alors dans les cultures pour se nourrir réduisant parfois à néant les récoltes des paysans. Cela mène à un sentiment de ressentiment chez les hommes et des éléphants sont alors chassés.

Au Togo

Le trafic illicite d'ivoire reste une menace existentielle majeure pour l'éléphant, surtout que le cycle de la reproductivité de l'espèce est lent, comme celui du pangolin ou encore du lamantin. Le parc d'éléphant n'attire plus pour autant, mais le pays constitue une plaque tournante de transit pour le transfert illicite des ivoires.

L'Office Central de Répression du Trafic illicite de Drogue et du Blanchiment (OCTRIDB), la Brigade de Recherche et d'Investigation (BRI) et le Ministère de l'Environnement et des Ressources Forestières (MERF) en collaboration avec EAGLE-Togo ont enregistré depuis 2017, plusieurs cas d'arrestations et de saisies de défenses d'éléphants. Aussi, le code pénal dans son volet environnement, renforce la protection de la faune et de la flore.

Politiques de conservation

Bien que les éléphants d'Afrique soient confrontés à de graves dangers, des efforts de conservation soutenus de l'espèce se font sur le continent. Les stratégies de conservation englobent des efforts de lutte contre le braconnage et le trafic d'ivoire, comme le fait aussi bien le réseau EAGLE qui privilégie la répression et la lutte contre la corruption, afin de dissuader d'éventuel trafiquant d'ivoire. Parmi les pays qui n'ont pas encore mis un terme au commerce domestique de l'ivoire, le Japon dispose du plus grand marché et les sculpteurs japonais ont une préférence pour l'ivoire des éléphants de la forêt.

Il faut aussi prendre en compte concernant les mesures de lutte contre le braconnage, les législations des pays qui sont favorables, dans un premier temps dans l'application stricte de la loi contre les trafiquants d'ivoire et des espèces sauvages protégées en voie d'extinction, et, associer ces mêmes législations à une planification de l'utilisation des terres visant à favoriser la coexistence entre l'homme et les espèces fauniques.

Ces dernières années, plusieurs pays africains, notamment certains pays de l'Afrique Australe, ont montré la voie à suivre, démontrant qu'inverser la tendance du déclin des éléphants est possible. En effet, une législation de plus en plus sévère pour lutter contre le braconnage et la mise en place de parcs et réserves naturelles dans lesquels les éléphants et les autres espèces sauvages protégées peuvent vivre de façon prospère, sera un atout majeur. C'est l'exemple du parc national d'Amboseli au Kenya.

—
Nicolas Koffigan E. ADIGBLI

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Shortfalls in European Union military materiel are “colossal,” and the European Union needs a “big bang” approach, Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence and Space, told the European Defence Agency’s annual conference. Ukraine’s Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov also told the conference that his country had the capacity to produce more weaponry but faced a financing shortfall in 2025 of around €18 billion. 

"The shortfalls in military materiel, if we compare with the Russian war economy, are colossal. We can no longer afford a fragmented and incremental approach. We need a real, big bang approach to increase defence production and acquisition. We also need a European approach," Commissioner Kubilius said.

General Onno Eichelsheim, The Netherlands' Chief of Defence, told the conference that what was good for Ukraine was good for NATO and good for the European Union. He also called for grouping together Member States' demands when ordering from industry.

Galileo, Europe’s flagship satellite navigation programme, shows what European collective ambition and cooperation can achieve, Kubilius said. Kubilius added: “We need to consolidate our industrial efforts, starting with research and development, and ensure that Europe builds its own production capacity. Galileo has shown us what can be achieved through cooperation. Now we need that same energy in defence.”

In the context of the EU’s approach to defence, this involves creating a unified effort, pooling resources, and prioritising projects such as air defence, cyber shields, and military mobility, he said. Kubilius, who served two terms as Lithuania's prime minister (from 1999 to 2000 and from 2008 to 2012), also paid tribute to the EDA after it celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024.

Ukraine’s rising armament production, funding gap 

Ukraine’s Umerov, in his speech to the conference via video link, said that Kyiv had become a leader in military manufacturing. He said his country was now the largest manufacturer of military autonomous systems worldwide, with the ability to produce over 4.5 million drones annually.

Between 2023 and 2024, Ukraine’s artillery systems production tripled, while production of armoured personnel carriers increased fivefold, he said. Other key military capabilities have seen similar growth, with ammunition production rising by 2.5 times and the production of anti-tank weapons doubling.

Ukraine has also ramped up its missile production capacity, with plans to produce 3,000 missiles in 2025. According to Umerov, long-range drones developed in response to the war have played a pivotal role in the conflict, destroying more than 300 strategic targets inside Russian territory.

However, more funding is needed to reach Ukraine's military production potential. While the country’s defence industry capacity is set to reach €34 billion by 2025, the available funding stands at only €16 billion, leaving a crucial gap of €18 billion that must be addressed to sustain and enhance production efforts. “We ask you to help us close this existing gap in financing, facilitate the transfer of technology, and set up strategic partnerships with our industry,” Umerov said.