European Development Agency
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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
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.
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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
The Confederacy of North Diessen accepted the counter-offer by the European Commission as their subsidy request. Therefore the European Commission GRANTS the subsidy request.
The request now goes to the European Council. The European Council has 120 hours, until 19:38 GMT 27. 11. 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 -
Name of the state: Democratic Republic of Czech Slavia
Intended use for the subsidy: Completion of the Mining Vocational Secondary School of Mikaela Kligenberg
Requested form of subsidy: Interest-free loan
Amount of money requested: 2 050 000 €
Proposed time-frame in which the loan will be payed back: 2 years from date of payment
Proposed interest per annum: N/A
Justification for the request: The completion of the Mining Vocational Secondary School of Mikaela Kligenberg in the town of Rudolfov is nearing it's end. However with the adoption of other projects intended to bring vast benefits to the people living in the Democratic Republic of Czech Slavia, such as the building of the new modern hospital in the capital city of Prague resources have been shifted from this project to the other projects. The Government of the Democratic Republic of Czech Slavia thus requests this subsidy to complete this project until July 2022. The Mining Vocational Secondary School of Mikaela Kligenberg will further the development of education in the region in the mining field and will provide students in the region with quality training necessary for the mining industry. -
Subject: Subsidy Request for Completion of the Mining Vocational Secondary School of Mikaela Kligenberg
Addressee: Government of the Democratic Republic of Czech SlaviaGood day,
The European Commission would like to inform you that it will now begin to review your application for a subsidy request. To aid in our deliberations, we would like to request for more information on the intended curriculum to be used in such educational institution, as well as the further benefits that such institution may provide. It is requested that such information on the curriculum include the subjects and the main topic of lessons in such subject. We will update you further on what has been discussed and decided after the deliberations, and inform you of a counter-offer in case such was agreed. Thank you for your patience.
Sir Joseph William Amberton Biden Sr. GCVO
Premier Commissioner, European Commission -
The curriculum includes classes on Czech and foreign language, mathematics, civics, physics, chemistry, ecology, information technology, economy and physical education. Practical classes will vary depending on the trade and will include classes dedicated to teaching students how to operate machinery, classes on electronics and technical documentation. Classes will be both theoretical and practical. Study program will be three years long and finished with final examination. Upon successfully finishing the studies students will receive a skilled worker certificate in their field. The Mining Vocational Secondary School of Mikaela Kligenberg will also offer programs of two years long further education, furthering students skills and knowledge, finished by a state matura exam. Upon successfully finishing the further education studies students will receive a high school diploma.
The institution will provide students with training necessary for the mining industry in the expanding town of Rudolfov near the Lišov Mine, benefiting the Czech mining industry greatly.
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Subject: Subsidy Request for Completion of the Mining Vocational Secondary School of Mikaela Kligenberg
I thank the Government of the Democratic Republic of Czech Slavia for their quick and honest response, with that I'd like to first point out my thoughts on this.
First, it should be noted that I am satisfied of the presence of at least one subject that may surely teach care for the environment. This is the primary reason I asked for the subjects and their main topics, as I want to ensure that the funds of the EDA will be used for a school which teaches good practices. Second, the fact that there is a diverse mining industry in Czech Slavia will also help in their economy by allowing education to be more accessible to people. It must be pointed out that this will likely increase the employment rates in Czech Slavia. Finally, the fact that a final assessment exists prove that the quality of education in this institution is high and that students will be taught appropriately with all the knowledge they need in such field.
Overall, I am in support of this request as I do not see any need to propose a counter-offer. However, I request that my colleagues in the European Commission also provide their thoughts on this before moving onto the next procedures.
Sir Joseph William Amberton Biden Sr. GCVO
Premier Commissioner, European Commission -
Subject: Subsidy Request for Completion of the Mining Vocational Secondary School of Mikaela Kligenberg
Since Commissioners Kalessed and Haavisto have nothing to say about this proposal so far, voting will now begin. At least two commissioners must vote, and so with that I vote FOR the subsidy request be granted.
Sir Joseph William Amberton Biden Sr. GCVO
Premier Commissioner, European Commission -
I vote FOR the subsidy request to be granted.
Ilmaras Kalessed
Internal Affairs Commissioner -
Subject: Subsidy Request for Completion of the Mining Vocational Secondary School of Mikaela Kligenberg
The time of deliberation has concluded at April 21st 2022, at 1:48 GMT. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the delays.
It was voted to accept the request without proposing a counter-offer. The results of the vote are as follows:
FOR: Two
AGAINST: None
ABSTAINED FROM VOTING: None
DID NOT VOTE: OneTherefore the European Commission now sends this request to the European Council, who has 120 hours, until April 6th at 1:48 GMT, to start a review process. The decision of the European Commission is automatically approved if the European Council does not start a review process within this period.
Sir Joseph William Amberton Biden Sr. GCVO
Premier Commissioner, European Commission
HM King George
MonarchSir Simon Bridges GCB KCMG GCT MP
Prime Minister -
Name of the state:United Duchies
Intended use for the subsidy:Cycle Super Highway system(1000 km)
Requested form of subsidy: Interest-free loan
Amount of money requested (In Euros):500,000,000 Euros
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):Over 5 years
Proposed interest per annum (filled out only if the requested form of subsidy is a low-interest loan):
Justification for the request:We know Europe is in a green crisis and while city bike infrastructure is good we believe an effective way to solve climate change is cut down on car journeys as even eletric car journeys are more carbon intensive. We therefore are seeking funding for super highway networks to connect key cities within 100 km of each other with a start on a national network of cycle superhighways to complement care super highways. This would then be used as the basis in the future to connect more up. The government plan to match the funding with 50% funding of the 1 billion Euro project.We are looking at a design for up to 32 km/h standard in city cycle lanes dependent on safety factors and 50-60 kmh on the routes between towns and cities. We also would add a third sections to each one in the country side with a 24 km/h safety limit to allow for casual riders. The infrastructure will be segregated and designed in such a way bikes always have priority over cars at any junctions with the aim to be to reduce traffic conflict as much as possible. This should benefit both car users and users of bike based vehicles or those on scooters and e-scooters. This will enable a national E-Scooter network as well truly revolutionising transport in the nation.
Below is a map of total proposed Cycle Superhighways obviously most of this will be funded by the state but EDA funding could help us achieve this many years faster. We hope with EDA funding we could achieve this within 5 years.
Overlaid with roads
Example of Cycle Superhighway:
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Subject: Subsidy Request for United Duchies Cycle Super Highway System
Addressee: Government of the United DuchiesGood day,
The European Commission would like to inform you that it will now begin to review your application for a subsidy request. To aid in our deliberations, we would like to request for more information on the feasibility of such a project in comparison to other modes of transport or the installment of bike lanes on major roads and highways. We would also like to know if there is enough traffic that would warrant the conduct of such a project as effective and useful. We will update you further on what has been discussed and decided after the deliberations, and inform you of a counter-offer in case such was agreed. Thank you for your patience.
Sir Joseph William Amberton Biden Sr. GCVO
Premier Commissioner, European CommissionHM King George
MonarchSir Simon Bridges GCB KCMG GCT MP
Prime Minister -
We would like to thank you for your prompt response. We have assessed the project on the principle of induced demand and current traffic data. Evidence has shown where we provide cycling infrastructure usage and share of cycling or E-Scooting modes has typically shot up by at least 20-25% with up to 50% and cycling with current incentive structures is expected to increase from 19.90% of trips over 1 km to 30-35% of journeys over 0.5 Miles but that is based on improvement of infrastructure with one gap noticed being in town and village to nearby cities and towns . This aims to adress sthat and make safer routes for the increasing 30 km + commutes from rural areas. Evidence has shown that families and other more vulnerable groups of riders want seperated infrastructure but if it was there they would use it boosting journeys for these modes.
In terms of whether it would be beneficial to have in on the roads many of the roads are too thin for a 2 way cycle lane of adequate size or would make the journey unpleasant or more more dangerous if it was put on such roads for example there would be a greater risk if the cycle superhighways were next to 80-130 km/h roads and this would end up discouraging families and other key groups from riding between towns and cities on weekend trips. We believe for these reasons it is best to have fully sperated infrastructure and where possible even a 3rd slow lane seperated from the fast cycle super highway for more leisurely paced users. The seperated Cycle Superhighway programme in the country side creating a connected network to all major cities and towns as well as connecting many villages is a vital part of the strategy to raise the Bike/Scooter/Pedo-Vehicles share of journeys to 30-35% of trips within the Duchies and to try to reduce the Car share of journeys from 40.2% to 25-30% of Journeys within 10 years to help meet climate goals.
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Subject: Subsidy Request for United Duchies Cycle Super Highway System
I thank the Government of the Untied Duchies for their prompt and detailed response, for this I'd like to raise some points that I think are important.
First, the data that the Government of the United Duchies provided show good evidence that indeed there is enough traffic and demand for such a large-scale project to be done. I put my trust on the projections that the data are showing for the progress this project could further boost in the future. Second, it is understandable that there are risks and hazards of putting slow bicycles near high speed freeways. However, I do not think that it is necessary for there to be more than 2 lanes as bicycles do not occupy that much space and that the lanes should only serve to provide clearance between cyclists. Finally, I also want to point out that I think it would be more cost-effective if the cycles are constructed near but separate from major highways as such a project could simply be integrated to an already existing and reliable infrastructure.
Now, I have seen that the request asks for 500 million Euros without interest. However, we are still working on reforming the loan system of the EU and currently only less than 100 million Euros is left of the EDA's budget. I think that it'd be best for a counter-offer to be proposed, however I think it would also be best if my colleagues express their opinions on this request and a counter-offer proposal and if possible their suggestions on a suitable counter-offer.
Sir Joseph William Amberton Biden Sr. GCVO
Premier Commissioner, European CommissionHM King George
MonarchSir Simon Bridges GCB KCMG GCT MP
Prime Minister -
We have consulted with cycling organisations and users on this project proposal and policy. One of the issues brought up was that leisure cyclists can be intimidated by commuting cyclists who can cycle up to 48 km/h and upwards of that . That is why the solution of a slower leisure bike path and a fast Superhighway with 1 lane in each direction was agreed upon. The lanes are already planned to be integrated into a big network of existing infrastructure near towns , villages and cities .
Forcing a compromise by essentially putting slower cyclists in the same cycle lanes would slow down commuting cyclists who want to get 48-64 km with great speed safely and having a mix of speeds in the same lanes would be dangerous. So the separation is essential for the functioning of the lane and for it to have high usage that contributes to our carbon reductions.
