Polish Institute of International Affairs: updates

- Please find attached next issue of the Bulletin PISM: “Report of the Group of Experts on NATO New Strategic Concept” by Marek Madej.

The report on the New Strategic Concept for NATO published on 17 May and drafted by the Group of Experts made up of twelve independent specialists, contains non-binding recommendations for new concept. The NATO secretary general, for whom the report was drawn up, is responsible for preparing an initial draft concept, which is to be adopted at the next NATO summit in Lisbon (19–20 November). The report emphasizes the significance of NATO’s traditional collective defense tasks. Despite the ambiguity of some of the recommendations, for instance regarding cooperation with Russia, the report provides a sound foundation for further work on the new strategic concept.

- Please find attached next issue of the Bulletin PISM: “The internal crisis in Thailand – Implications for the region” by Justyna Szczudlik-Tatar.

The internal crisis in Thailand could have an unfavorable impact on the situation in South-East Asia. The pacification of the demonstrators on 19 May of this year will make it harder to achieve an understanding between the parties to the dispute. Its resolution presently depends on the attitude of the government and would be served by talks with the demonstrators whereas isolating the opposition will only lead to more protests. In addition, a possible collapse of the Thai economy would worsen the economic situation in the entire region. The Thai crisis brought to light the weakness of the ASEAN and the lack of influence of this organization and of neighboring countries on the situation in the region.

- Please find attached next issue of the Bulletin PISM: “Proposals for Strengthening Economic Coordination in the EU” by Marcin Koczor.

Proposals to strengthen the coordination of economic policy within the EU (especially in the eurozone) presented on 12 May by the European Commission are designed to reinforce mechanisms that would effectively protect the EU from fiscal crises. They complement measures that have recently been taken to protect the stability of the eurozone. The present situation could speed up the process of reforming economic management in the common currency area.

For further information: Polish Institute of International Affairs