Report on the Use of EDA Funds for the Artabanos Canal Project
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Government of the Confederacy of North Diessen
Report on the Use of European Development Agency Funds for the Artabanos Canal Project
Preamble
Pursuant to Section VI.I of the European Development Agency Act 2021 (herafter EDA act), the Government of the Confederacy of North Diessen received a request from the Office of the Internal Affairs Commissioner for a report on the use of European Development Agency funds for the construction of the Artabanos canal in the territory of the Confederacy.
Section VI.I of the EDA Act grants the Internal Affairs Commissioner the power to request reports on the use of EDA funds "from the member states which received subsidies". The Artabanos Canal subsidy was requested by, negotiated by, and granted to the Confederacy of North Diessen, and while the Internal Affairs Commissioner requested this report from both the Confederal Government and the Imperial Government of the Empire of Inimicus, only the former agency is empowered and, indeed, legally required, to answer this call.
While the Imperial Government of Inimicus has pledged a significant sum towards the accellerated construction of the Artabanos Canal, the Imperial Government will not own the Canal, it will not regulate the Canal, and will not enjoy the direct, economic rewards the Canal will offer. The Confederacy of North Diessen stresses to the Internal Affairs Commissioner that North Diessen is a proud nation, capable of conducting its affairs on its own, and alledging that the Imperial Government of Inimicus is at least partially responsible for the Artabanos Canal we take as a grave insult.
Nevertheless, the Confederal Government of North Diessen will fulfill its legal obligation for a report, answering each point raised by the Internal Affairs Commissioner in his request in order.
1. Detailed Overview of the Project
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.
(Sourced from North Diessenian application to the European Development Agency, 9th Nov 2021)
2. Detailed feasibility report (benefits and consequences of the project)
The Confederal Government previously emphasised the economic and employment benefits of the Artabanos Canal, which is its primary purpose. 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.
The opening of a second link between the Caspian and Persian waters will drive competition between the Baltic Canal of the United Duchies and the Artabanos Canal, improving quality of service, transit times, and the exchange of logistical knowledge. The levying of transit fees by the Artabanos Canal Authority is further projected to bring major benefit to the state treasury of the Confederacy, as these fees, once costs are taken off, will be deposited directly into the Confederal Government's budget.
As detailed in the North Diessenian application to the European Development Agency, 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.
3. Detailed overview of the project's purposes and background
Purposes and background of the Artabanos Canal Project may be found in preceding sections, as well as in the North Diessenian application to the European Development Agency and the Artabanos Canal Authority's Information Page.
4. Report on progress of the project
Construction of the Artabanos Canal has been proceeding according to schedule. Surveying and initial excavation works have taken place thus far, with construction of quays and drydocks due to begin in the next few weeks. Water flow into the River Veleka has been completely shut off, allowing for speedier excavation than anticipated.
5. Detailed targeted timeline of project
The Artabanos Canal Project's intended completion date is Summer 2022. Initial excavation works, the most labour-intensive part of the project, is scheduled to be completed by the end of February 2022. Additional excavation and landscaping will then take place until the Summer. At the same time, construction of additional infrastructure, including drydocks, maintenance buildings, checkpoints, staff quarters, &c. is due to take place. Foundation works for these structures have already commenced. The Confederal Government of North Diessen foresees no additional hurdles to the reaching of the intended deadline.
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THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION
OFFICE OF THE INTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMISSIONER
To: The Government of the Confederacy of North Diessen
Subject: Report on the Use of EDA Funds for the Artabanos Canal Project
Greetings,
The Office of the Internal Affairs Commissioner thanks the Government of the Confederacy of North Diessen for the prompt and positive response to our request. We also apologize for any misunderstanding, the Empire of Inimicus was treated as part of this project due to the involvement of their Head of State, Emperor Artabanos, as part of the Board of Trustees of the Artabanos Canal Authority. Analyzing the responses from the said report, we would like to request a follow-up report on the military use of the canal (specifically, which nations will be given military access to this canal). Based on the information provided, it has come to our attention that drydocks and military yards will be constructed along the canal. It is in our concern that the ongoing tensions between various European nations may escalate into full conflict with the military use of this canal. We hope for a positive, honest, and transparent response to this follow-up request. Thank you and have a great day.
Sir Joseph Biden GCVO
Commissioner, European Commission on Internal Affairs -
Military use of the Artabanos Canal would, if it be allowed at all -- decisions around which have not as yet been made -- be conducted fully in line with existing multilateral treaties, including the Caspian Treaty, which limits the presence of non-Caspian nations' fleets in the sea.
The information provided in our report does not mention military drydocks or infrastructure, nor does any information provided to any authority or public domain from the Confederal Government. The Confederal administration cordially refuses to disclose to the European Commission its state and military secrets, which no member state ought to be required to do.
Paulus Robinax EC
Special Solicitor for the Confederacy of North Diessen -
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION
OFFICE OF THE INTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMISSIONER
To: The Government of the Confederacy of North Diessen
Subject: Report on the Use of EDA Funds for the Artabanos Canal Project
Greetings,
The Office of the Internal Affairs Commissioner appreciates the honest and quick response from the Government of North Diessen. Upon further review of all the responses, we have been satisfied that the Artabanos Canal are for purely acceptable intentions and are not against the principles of the European Development Agency. We hope that such project would prove successful and prosperous for the continued development of the Confederation of North Diessen and of other nations across Europe and the world. Thank you and have a great day.
Sir Joseph Biden GCVO
Commissioner, European Commission on Internal Affairs
