Joint Committees for Cooperation Between Three Seas Initiative’s Countries and the UAE

What is it about?

The 21st century has brought many changes both in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and in the Middle East, where the United Arab Emirates demonstrates its will to play the role of a leader in many initiatives in the international arena. In 2016, 12 CEE countries launched the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) for the implementation of strategic economic projects to adapt to new global challenges. This research paper aims to answer the research question of the Joint Committees’ - J(E)C role and significance for relations between the United Arab Emirates and Three Seas Initiative countries. To achieve the set research goal, quantitative and qualitative methods were applied, considering the quantitative potential of the analyzed countries’ power to adapt to the international environment and influence its players. Then, a comparative analysis was used regarding J(E)C sessions, top-level visits, and trade trends. The research findings show that the most essential thing in achieving a strategic level of relations is political will and appropriate strategy. However, countries with high potential and perceived power do not need J(E)C for the stable development of economic cooperation. The research results indicate that in strategic partnership with the UAE, Austria has a role and position in energy and Romania in transport. On the other hand, Poland, which connects both strategic routes, appears to be an economic hub.

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Photo by Oleksii Topolianskyi on Unsplash

Photo by Oleksii Topolianskyi on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Along with the development of the Three Seas Initiative, there are more and more scientific studies and analyses on this issue. However, so far, there is no 3SI study in the context of ‘relations between the member states of this initiative and the United Arab Emirates-based on J(E)C. Therefore, the presented article is an innovative study and a contribution to the development of research on both the Three Seas Initiative, Central and Eastern Europe, and the United Arab Emirates.

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