European Development Agency
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Regarding the request for "Grand public display of art and architecture at Imperial Palace, Telum, to celebrate Empire's Decennial" by the Empire of Inimicus:
Taking into account the Section IV. Paragraph I. of the European Development Agency
Act, which states that: "The subsidies shall be used to develop industry, agriculture, fishing, infrastructure, research, education, healthcare, to reduce unemployment, hunger, homelessness and to transition towards an environmentally sustainable development." I must vote AGAINST granting this request, as the subsidy is not meant to be used to develop either of the mentioned sectors but instead, according to the justification provided by the Empire of Inimicus, for the promotion of culture, which is without a doubt a noble goal, but does not concern the European Development Agency.Sofie Čikarová
Premier Commissioner -
Name of the state: Union of Duxburian Dominions
Intended use for the subsidy: Kickstart phase 1 development of the "Solaris Azrekko" solar energy megafarm.
Requested form of subsidy: Cash to the City of Azrekko
Amount of money requested (In Euros): 2.94 billion
Proposed time-frame in which the loan will be paid back: 10-20 years, with a 1-3 year grace period before repayment to allow for economic recovery
Proposed interest per annum: 1.0%
Justification for the request:The City Council of Azrekko is requesting preliminary approval for financial assistance on Phase 1 of the project, pending uncertainty surrounding the future of the Solarity and future government structure of the city. Whomever represents the government after the special election would seek final approval. The Solaris Azrekko is a 3 phase solar energy project that would deliver clean, renewable energy on a massive scale to the City of Azrekko at first and potentially additional destinations in later phases. It is a pivotal project in the City's transition from fossil fuel energy to renewable energy.
Phase 1: 3 GW power output, 8 million solar panels on 25 sq KM
Phase 2: 5 GW power output on 42 sq KM
Phase 3: 10 GW power output on 84 sq KMThe City of Azrekko has set aside 100 sq Kilomarks of surface land for the Solaris Azrekko on the north bank of the Great River.
The project address is:
1 Green Energy Way
[S] Azrekko, Azrekko AZ8200
Duxburian UnionWhy is the City asking for assistance from the European Union instead of from the Solarity or the Duxburian federal government? Neither the Solarity, nor the federal government will help us, we are on our own. This project would play a vital role in jump starting the rapidly failing Azrekkian economy, while also offsetting 2.5 million metric tons of carbon emissions, essentially taking 500,000 cars off roads, in Phase 1 alone.
Why is the City asking for prelim approval instead of waiting for the new government? The project can't wait any longer. Our city and our planet are both dying.
A whopping 91%+ of all Duxburians oppose subsidies...is the City nuts applying for subsidies? No, the City is desperate and the European Union is the last remaining lifeline.
The City is in a state of economic depression, how will it repay the loan? Azrekko still has a tax base of 11 million residents, owns considerably more land than any other municipality in the Union of Duxburian Dominions, and generates sufficient revenue in normal economic times to cover its expenditures. The City would ideally rather have a grant or no-interest loan, but in these economic circumstances, probably wouldn't qualify for either.
Why 3 GW? That would make this one of the largest solar projects in the world: Azrekko is one of the largest and most isolated cities in the world. It sits beyond the Duxburian federal electric grid and must generate all of its own power. Azrekko must also generate enough excess power to store and use at night when the sun isn't shining.
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Regarding the request for "Kickstart phase 1 development of the "Solaris Azrekko" solar energy megafarm" by the Union of Duxburian Dominions
I am of the opinion that this project should receive a subsidy from the European Development Agency. However I think it will be necessary to propose a counter-offer to the Union of Duxburian Dominions since the amount of money requested by the Union of Duxburian Dominions is almost five times the budget of the Agency. The current budget is 600 100 000€ and after some consultation I understand that some of the funds for the Future Initiative Allotment, which received 11 000 000 000€ from the budget of the European Union, could also be transferred under this Agency in order to provide subsidies for certain projects. We also must be responsible and keep in mind the requests that might come in the future and the funds that new projects will require since the fiscal year has started just recently. I consider it necessary to propose a counter-offer offering lower amount of money for this project. I think we should also reflect this in the interest per annum and offer a lower interest or even change the form of subsidy into a interest-free loan or a grant, depending on what amount we will propose to the Union of Duxburian Dominions. And perhaps, after some time it will be possible to grant the Union of Duxburian Dominions another subsidy for this project if they request it. I'd like to hear your opinions on the matter Commissioners Daggott and Mitchell, if you agree with me that we should make an counter-offer to the Union of Duxburian Dominions and what would you consider a satisfactory proposition.
Sofie Čikarová
Premier Commissioner -
I agree with Ms. Cikarova on the Inimicus subsidy. It’s a noble goal but it doesn’t fit with the goals of the EDA so I vote against.
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Regarding the request for "Grand public display of art and architecture at Imperial Palace, Telum, to celebrate Empire's Decennial" by the Empire of Inimicus:
The time of deliberation has concluded at 13:00 GMT
The votes for granting the subsidy are as follows:
FOR: None
AGAINST: Two
ABSTAINED FROM VOTING: None
DID NOT VOTE: OneTherefore the European Commission DENIES the subsidy request on the grounds that the European Development Agency is not meant to subsidize the promotion of culture.
The request now goes to the European Council. The European Council has 120 hours, until 13:00 GMT 28. 10. 2021, to start a review process. If the European Council doesn't start the review process in this period, the decision of the European Commission is approved by the European Council.
Sofie Čikarová
Premier Commissioner -
Regarding the request for "Kickstart phase 1 development of the "Solaris Azrekko" solar energy megafarm" by the Union of Duxburian Dominions
For the reasons I stated before, I propose that a counteroffer is offered to the Union of Duxburian Dominions lowering the requested amount to 441 000 000€ and lowering the proposed interest per annum to 0,16%.
I am also ready to accept the request if the Union of Duxburian Dominions partially accepts the proposed counteroffer and lowers the requested amount up to 588 000 000€ and scales the requested interest per annum with it. In the case of requesting 588 000 000€ the proposed interest amount per annum should be at least 0,21%.
As I said before I am personally also in favor of providing more subsidies for the project later in the year, if the Agency and the Future Initiative Allotment will have sufficient funds.
Proposed Counteroffer:
Name of the state: Union of Duxburian Dominions
Intended use for the subsidy: Kickstart phase 1 development of the "Solaris Azrekko" solar energy megafarm.
Requested form of subsidy: Low-interest loan, Cash to the City of Azrekko
Amount of money requested (In Euros): 441 000 000€
Proposed time-frame in which the loan will be paid back: 10-20 years, with a 1-3 year grace period before repayment to allow for economic recovery
Proposed interest per annum: 0,16%
I vote FOR proposing this counteroffer to the Union of Duxburian Dominions
Sofie Čikarová
Premier Commissioner -
I vote FOR proposing this counteroffer to the Union of Duxburian Dominions.
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Regarding the request for "Kickstart phase 1 development of the "Solaris Azrekko" solar energy megafarm" by the Union of Duxburian Dominions
The time of deliberation has concluded at 06:34 GMT
It was proposed that the European Commission proposes a counter-offer to the Union of Duxburian Dominions
The votes for proposing the counter-offer are as follows:
FOR: Two
AGAINST: None
ABSTAINED FROM VOTING: None
DID NOT VOTE: OneTherefore the European Commission proposes the following counter-offer to the Union of Duxburian Dominions:
Name of the state: Union of Duxburian Dominions
Intended use for the subsidy: Kickstart phase 1 development of the "Solaris Azrekko" solar energy megafarm.
Requested form of subsidy: Low-interest loan, Cash to the City of Azrekko
Amount of money requested (In Euros): 441 000 000€
Proposed time-frame in which the loan will be paid back: 10-20 years, with a 1-3 year grace period before repayment to allow for economic recovery
Proposed interest per annum: 0,16%The Union of Duxburian Dominions may fully accept, partly accept or fully refuse the counter-offer. In a case where the member state fully accepts the counter-offer, the amended subsidy request is granted by the European Commission. In a case where the member state partly accepts or fully refuses the counter-offer, the Commission will deliberate and vote on whether to grant or deny the subsidy request in its amended or original form without the right to make another counter-offer to the subsidy request.
Sofie Čikarová
Premier Commissioner -
In light of the Green European Fund's offer of a loan covering 100% of the phase 1 project costs, the City Council must reject the Commission's counter-offer in favor of that one. This is a massive project, we fully understand the European Development Agency's hesitancy with this level of funding. We thank the Commission for its time and consideration, and look forward to working with the EDA on future projects.
To avoid triggering unnecessary Commission re-voting requirements, the City Council is now formally withdrawing the project request as well.
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Name of the state: Confederacy of North Diessen
Intended use for the subsidy: Accellerate the construction of the vital Artabanos Canal Project, linking the Caspian and Persian waters
Requested form of subsidy: low-interest loan, cash payments to the Confederal Government of North Diessen
Amount of money requested (In Euros): 850 000 000
Proposed time-frame in which the loan will be payed back (filled out only if the requested form of subsidy is a interest-free loan or a low-interest loan): 25-30 years (earlier repayment possible depending on Canal's profitability)
Proposed interest per annum (filled out only if the requested form of subsidy is a low-interest loan): 0.1%
Justification for the request: the Artabanos Canal Project is the largest construction effort in the history of North Diessen. On the prompting of Confederal President Ekrem Mueller, plans originally designed in tandem with Reitzmic engineers are now being put into motion with support from the government of Inimicus. This large infrastructure project involves the excavation of hundreds of tonnes of soil, construction of several drydocks, quays, and waterways, and temporarily damming and then releasing several major Diessenian streams. The economic benefits both of construction and future use of the canal are projected to be unparallelled, and as such the government of North Diessen is willing to offer faster repayment than scheduled shoud the canal's profits be larger than anticipated. -
Regarding the request "Accellerate the construction of the vital Artabanos Canal Project, linking the Caspian and Persian waters" by the Confederacy of North Diessen
Before the discussion of the request begins may I request the Confederacy of North Diessen to provide more information about the expected environmental impact of the construction of the Artabanos Canal as well as the effect of the construction on the job opportunities?
Sofie Čikarová
Premier Commissioner -
Given that the Artabanos Canal Project makes use of already existing waterways, the government of North Diessen expects the environmental impact of the project to be minor to moderate. The area of most severe impact comprises the Great Plains of Linnich, a steppe-like landscape along the confederacy's western border with the United Duchies. This is where the to-be-excavated river Veleka is at its narrowest and where the most land will need to be excavated. Given that the Great Plains are a protected natural reserve, construction efforts must legally abide by rigid emissions, noise, and soil fouling standards, which are enforced by the State Government of Linnich.
As for the canal project's employment opportunities, the government of North Diessen expects these to be major. Several thousand new job posts have already been filled for construction alone, a short-term benefit, but it is anticipated that at least as many long-term, permanent posts will need filling as trade and economic activity around the canal starts to flourish. These positions will include dockworkers, maritime personnel, ship construction workers, dockyard employees, engineers, administrative staff, and many others. The Confederal government estimates at least 9,000 full-time employees in the long term, with an additional 15,000 for the duration of construction efforts.
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Regarding the request "Accellerate the construction of the vital Artabanos Canal Project, linking the Caspian and Persian waters" by the Confederacy of North Diessen
With the additional information I am inclined to support the funding of this project, due to the projected economic benefits to the Confederacy of North Diessen and the job posts the project is projected to create. However, keeping in mind the negative environmental impact, although it may be minor or moderate, leads me to the conclusion that the Confederacy of North Diessen should be offered a counter-offer increasing the interest per annum as I believe the Commission should take environmental issues seriously. As a reminder the current budget is 600 100 000€ and some of the funds for the Future Initiative Allotment, which received 11 000 000 000€ from the budget of the European Union, could also be transferred under this Agency, this should also be kept in mind.
I'd like to ask my colleagues to share their opinions and if they agree with me that the Confederacy of North Diessen should be offered a counter-offer and if they do agree with me, what counter-offer do they deem as suitable.
Sofie Čikarová
Premier Commissioner -
Regarding the request "Accellerate the construction of the vital Artabanos Canal Project, linking the Caspian and Persian waters" by the Confederacy of North Diessen
The Internal Affairs Commission agrees with the remarks of the Premier Commissioner on the economic and employment benefits as well as the environmental impact. However, it is worth noting that the traffic in the Caspian Sea is not enough to warrant such an environmentally impacting project. It has come to our attention that the said area where the project will be done crosses the Great Plains of Linnich, an area with a status as confederal protected national park. This information is something concerning, as we believe that it is important to preserve these national parks to their utmost natural beauty.
In addition, we also believe that the canal's construction may spark tensions and instability in the Caspian with the possible increase in militarization of the said region. The existence of one canal under the sovereignty of the United Duchies, a politically stable nation, is enough to ensure the smooth flow of maritime trade between the Caspian countries and the rest of Europe.
Despite these, the Internal Affairs Commission believes that there are still positive benefits in the construction of this canal. However, we request that the Premier Commissioner give further conditions for the grant of such funds. In conclusion, we have decided for the following:
- Agree to the counter offer and its value as proposed by the Premier Commissioner
- Propose to restrict the use of the canal for military purposes
- Propose to send a representative to further evaluate the environmental impacts of the project
Sir Joseph Biden
Commissioner, European Internal Affairs Commission -
Regarding the request "Accellerate the construction of the vital Artabanos Canal Project, linking the Caspian and Persian waters" by the Confederacy of North Diessen
Thank you for your contribution Commissioner Biden. however the European Development Agency does not have the authority to propose the two proposals you proposed. Of course the proper use of the subsidies is your duty to monitor.
Since we are on agreement that a counteroffer should be offered to the Confederacy of North Diessen I propose the following counteroffer
Proposed Counteroffer:
Name of the state: Confederacy of North Diessen
Intended use for the subsidy: Accelerate the construction of the vital Artabanos Canal Project, linking the Caspian and Persian waters
Requested form of subsidy: low-interest loan, cash payments to the Confederal Government of North Diessen
Amount of money requested (In Euros): 500 000 000€
Proposed time-frame in which the loan will be payed back: 25-30 years (earlier repayment possible depending on Canal's profitability)
Proposed interest per annum: 0,4%
Before voting myself I would like to ask my colleagues to share their comments and potentially their propositions.
Sofie Čikarová
Premier Commissioner -
Regarding the request "Accellerate the construction of the vital Artabanos Canal Project, linking the Caspian and Persian waters" by the Confederacy of North Diessen
The Internal Affairs Commission agrees with the remarks of the Premier Commissioner and supports the counter-offer proposed.
Sir Joseph Biden
Commissioner, European Internal Affairs Commission -
Regarding the request "Accellerate the construction of the vital Artabanos Canal Project, linking the Caspian and Persian waters" by the Confederacy of North Diessen
I vote FOR offering the counteroffer proposed by me to the Confederation of North Diessen
Sofie Čikarová
Premier Commissioner -
Regarding the request "Accellerate the construction of the vital Artabanos Canal Project, linking the Caspian and Persian waters" by the Confederacy of North Diessen
The Internal Affairs Commission votes FOR offering the counter-offer proposed by the Premier Commissioner.
Sir Joseph Biden
Commissioner, European Internal Affairs Commission -
Regarding the request "Accellerate the construction of the vital Artabanos Canal Project, linking the Caspian and Persian waters" by the Confederacy of North Diessen
The time of deliberation has concluded at 19. 11. 11:04 GMT
It was proposed that the European Commission proposes a counter-offer to the Confederacy of North Diessen
The votes for proposing the counter-offer are as follows:
FOR: Two
AGAINST: None
ABSTAINED FROM VOTING: None
DID NOT VOTE: OneTherefore the European Commission proposes the following counter-offer to the Confederacy of North Diessen:
Name of the state: Confederacy of North Diessen
Intended use for the subsidy: Accelerate the construction of the vital Artabanos Canal Project, linking the Caspian and Persian waters
Requested form of subsidy: low-interest loan, cash payments to the Confederal Government of North Diessen
Amount of money requested (In Euros): 500 000 000€
Proposed time-frame in which the loan will be payed back: 25-30 years (earlier repayment possible depending on Canal's profitability)
Proposed interest per annum: 0,4%The Confederacy of North Diessen may fully accept, partly accept or fully refuse the counter-offer. In a case where the member state fully accepts the counter-offer, the amended subsidy request is granted by the European Commission. In a case where the member state partly accepts or fully refuses the counter-offer, the Commission will deliberate and vote on whether to grant or deny the subsidy request in its amended or original form without the right to make another counter-offer to the subsidy request.
Sofie Čikarová
Premier Commissioner -
The Confederal Government of North Diessen graciously accept's the Commission's generous counter-offer, and thanks all those involved for helping to improve the lives of so many North Diessenians.
