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The Second Gallian Summit [Attn: Gallia]

Oneida

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For a country that had grown to be known to spare no expense to show off its grandeur and extravagance, the Second Gallian Summit started with hardly any of the theater that the first amassed. The Aurarian media was mesmerized by the spectacle of Bartolome Ordenes, a near-personification of Republican values, shaking hands with the Tyskonian Empress. The juxtaposition of these images against the backdrop of the famed Palace of the Honored meant that newspapers would be running the stories for weaks. Unfortunately for the Administration, as a result, was the conference’s abrupt end and rather lacking list of accomplishments that those stories covered.

The People’s Burgundian Republic’s sudden demand to be recognized as the sole heir to Chagny and Greater Bourgogone spooked the Aurarians - and indeed other countries - to such a degree that it was decided the best thing that could come from the Summit was an agreement to meet again at a later date.

Since then, both the People’s Republic of Ostmark and the Burgundian People’s Republic had ascended as full members of the Rurikgrad Pact and the Organization of Democratic States had grown significantly to include both allies and foe alike. ODS’ decision to allow Justosia in as an observer, and the country’s insistence on a Great War with Communism, caused great concern among the Administration. However, attempts to engage with the ODS were repeatedly shot down by factions within the National Court - the negotiations getting so bad that the Administration feared a vote of no confidence. To a lesser extent, but nonetheless a real one, the King of the Johnston Isle was killed in an avalanche that birthed more conspiracy theories that anyone could count. Over social media, Aurarians were either berating the “courage” of the Government to pull off such a stunt or cheering the event as a national pastime - a bad look for the Foreign Ministry to be sure.

Taking into account Gallia’s history as being the center of most of the world’s conflict, Aurarian diplomats were scrambling to avoid being at the center of increasing conflict. Talks of Gallian Unity had existed for as long as anyone could remember. Minister Ordenes was adamant that he could make progress in an area that no one before had.

“Representatives of the great nations of Gallia,” the Minister began “It is a pleasure to welcome you all back for the commencement of the Second Gallian Summit. As you can all see, the press corps of the world’s varied nations have been secluded to the other room so we needn’t put on a show. I’ll spare us all from the pleasantries events such as these so often demand and instead insist that we get straight to the business of the people - of our continent.”

“We’re here today to make due on the promises of the last summit. We are here to negotiate on the formation of a Gallian League, a friendship and agreement to cooperate between our countries to ensure the security and prosperity of our continent. The Gallian League shall exist as a permanent entity to advance dialogue among countries. It will have only the authority with which the countries that embody it deem necessary to grant.”

“To continue to act unilaterally in the face of growing strength in the Rurikgrad Pact, ODS, or DDI will undoubtedly ensure that the sovereignty of the continent and the countries which occupy it will become secondary to the politics of the alliances. This is a future that the Aurarine Republic finds unacceptable. With that, I open it to the floor for discussion.”
 

Natal

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Afonso da Costa was a man with experience in diplomacy, starting his career as the Beiran ambassador to Eiffelland, then moved to Lars, Auraria and finally Serenierre, before he was advanced to become a Secretary of State, the 2nd man in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after the minister himself. He was respected for his expertise by politicians of most of the parties and was known as a necessary technocrat that shouldn't be replaced if administrations change. This respect gave him the position of the Chairman of the Commission of Gallian Affairs and now put him in charge of the Beiran delegation to the summit in Solis. He, like many if not most of the Beiran mainstream politicians and their parties believed in Pan-Gallianism and the necessity to integrate its nations, so it can withstand the superpowers from its periphery, that have risen in the past century.

"Esteemed delegates, I must first and foremost congratulate you all, as the presence of all of you in here, shows that we have started in the right direction, that we are here together, to make a step toward a world in which our sub-continent will leave behind its troubled history and will keep itself relevant in the modern world. For this, I applaud you all," he started his speech, rising from his position.

"Now, we are here all, from socialist republics, to liberal ones, to even some more conservative ones to monarchies," he said, making eye contact with the Serrenien delegate, then with the Aurarians, then he looked in front of him, to the small white-blue flag and the badge on which Beira was written, and then to the Eiffellandians, Friulians and Tyskonians. "In the past, our governments were rivals. In the middle ages, too much Tauritanian, Beiran and Tergestian blood was spilled for the control of the Reman Sea. In the modern age, after the Aurarian and Beiran revolutions, too much blood was spilled to either export the revolution, contain or even suppress it. The world, is much bigger nowadays. Our small nations cannot and will not stand any chance if we continue acting like yesteryear, especially when on our periphery, to the far east, north and far west, the DDI is being formed, to the east, the Rurikgrad Pact is expanding and to the west stands the Engellexian Republic. Compared to those mastodons, the small Gallian Nations, are mere counties, small, and bickering, lost in blood feuds reminiscent of some long past era of warlordim.

We stand together here today. It is a first step towards a fresh start. We must be pragmatic," he said, stressing on the last word, even breaking it into syllables. "We must understand that in the overly connected modern day economy, when a Beiran from Setubal looks towards the Reman Sea, he doesn't see the old, rivaling Serene Republic of Tergest, or the Tauritanian Crown, he sees economical partnerships that bring to all of its members, prosperity. When an Aurarian looks over the mountains, he won't be seeing the old monarchies of Madurja, Serenierre, Petites-Pays that aided his royalists in attempting to suppress his revolution from two hundred years ago. No, he sees the railways and highways that crisscross the mountains and the plains, making travel extremely easy and cheap.

The days in which we spilled the blood of eachother are since long gone and we must be aware of that. That is why, I ask again for you all to be pragmatic," he said again, stressing the word. "Less than two years ago, the Republic of Ostmark was replaced by the People's Republic of Ostmark, led by Grasser, a year ago, in the aftermath of the Seven Day War, Trivodnia was replaced by the People's Republic of Polesia and even more, the fall of probably the strongest Gallian nation, the Grand Duchy of Bourgogne, and the proclamation of the Burgundian People's Republic. Now, all those three nations are part of the Rurikgrad Pact. To the west, the Engells are beckoning, especially in the aftermath of the 30.12.18 event.

I for one, will say, that the creation of a forum to discuss the issues of the continent is commendable, but it is not enough for the Gallia in the 21st century. We need to provide a united front against threats. We need to vanguard integration. If we come together into the world stage with a united voice, we will have much more weight than we ever had as simple countries in all our history. Senhores, Senhoras, don't get me wrong here, I am not here to make you feel that you are in any way surrendering your very own sovereignty should you follow my proposal, but I must way, that the Rurikgrad Pact, DDI, or the Engellexic Republic, are not tied together by an institution that works as a forum that discusses common issues.

What I propose is integration. Easier travel, easier commerce, a Gallian council made of elected officials from each nation that will discuss the issues of the League, and most importantly, a joint policy of external affairs and defence. In the current era, this is what I propose and see as the best way of moving forward. Pan-Gallianism represents a Beiran, an Aurarian, a Friulian, an Eiffellandian, a Maduran, a Serenien, a Tyskonian coming together and holding hands, being outward looking, rather than discussing and still trying to mend their old rivalries," he said, finishing his speech and taking a seat.
 

Serenierre

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With Premier Martinique and Commissar Lavosnier busy with the Ostmark summit, President Maximilien Hortefeux had been entrusted with the Gallian Summit in Solis. Knowing the Aurarians to be no stranger to hosting good functions, Hortefuex had wasted no time in ensuring that the official list of his entourage included his daughter, her latest boyfriend, and of course his own mistress as well. After the end of his tenure as Premier in the 1990s, Maximilien had entered the limbo like existence of an elder statesman, even though he was only fifty five then. Now, too, at the age of seventy, he felt as sharp as ever and the relegation to third fiddle status in international diplomacy behind Martinique and Lavosnier was something he did resent quite seriously.

But he put all that to one side and he was set on enjoying his time in Solis. He had many friends from back in the day he wanted to catch up with as well. Some were still active in Aurarine politics, others had moved on to better things in the commercial or academic worlds, others still had pulled back entirely and were living the rather monotonous lives of retirees. Thankfully, one of the former Ambassadors to Villesen from Solis had been kind enough to assist in arranging a get together at one of Solis' most illustrious dining clubs for all the people Maximilien was keen on meeting. Though, all of that would have to wait.

Maximilien, as he heard the opening statements from the host and then the Beiran Minister, was thinking how nice it would be to spend a weekend in one of the Aurarian beach resorts. Away from the prying eyes of political enemies. Maybe another rendezvous with a former mistress of his he could arrange? A more discreet one. Yes, another thing to consider.

"Esteemed delegates, I am most pleased to hear the words being said today. When I was Premier of Serenierre, some twenty odd years ago, I doubt I could have stood here with this much bonhomie as I can see here today. I welcome the endeavour of Monsieur Presidente," he gestured in a gracious manner to the Aurarian host, "for arranging this grand summit."

"I am optimistic of this endeavour and look forward to hearing the proposals of all participants. I yield the floor and look forward to a vigorous, but ultimately, mutually beneficial discussion."
 

Oneida

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Alcides Cabello was a young, handsome man who many would describe quite pejoratively as “wreaking a Solisian stench.” He was a worldly man who had extensively traveled in his youth, a privilege of having a wealthy lineage. In University he studied language and international affairs, studying abroad whenever the opportunity had presented itself. He had an acute fascination with the quirks of peoples and how they differed once you crossed some imaginary line in the dirt.

The privilege of Cabello’s birth had awarded him an astonishing amount of success at the young age of forty-seven. Well regarded for sticking his nose in a book and not leaving till it was done, Cabello brought a lot of institutional knowledge to his predecessor as the Republic worked to rebuild itself and reengage with the world. A fellowship at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1994 would carry his career all the way to an appointment as Foreign Minister in 2017 by President Ordenes after the retirement of his mentor. His suave, charming demeanor benefited from a carefully crafted story of his humility and sense of duty to the Republic. He was an early supporter of the New Revolution, he gained fame from using his high-level office as Deputy Foreign Minister for Gallian Affairs to send a letter under seal of the Ministry denouncing the Caudillo and calling upon Gallia to do the same.

He had carefully listened to Secretary Afonso da Costa, a man he had studied and met on more than one occasion, representing a different regime. He was surprised to see President Maximilien Hortefeux representing Serenierre. Auraria and Serenierre both had presidents, but the role of the office couldn’t be further apart. For Ordenes to attend a meeting such as this would be unthinkable. He smiled as both men concluded their opening remarks.

“Thank you, President Hortefeux, it would be an honor to share your words with the President.”

Cabello turned his attention to the Beiran as he straightened himself in his seat.

“Your words are inspiring and strike at the core of the issue, Secretary,” he began “Aurarians do not look across the Adriannes or the Rayas to see old rivarlies of a two-hundred-year-old war…they do, however, see current rivalries of countries that either turned their back…or worse opposed…a seven-year-old war to restore the democratic traditions of this country.”

He was careful not to glance at the representative from Frulaine as he spoke.

“The time will inevitably come that the Rurikgrad Pact, the Organization of Democratic States, and the Democratic Defense Initiative will begin to compete for territory. In comparison to these three, the Gallian States are terribly outmanned. The Rurikgrad Pact’s expansion into Ostmark and Bourgogne is further proof that the sovereignty enjoyed by the Gallian continent is temporary and we must work diligently to guarantee it.”

“I do not mean to propose here today the creation of a Grand Army of Gallia, nor do I even intend to propose that an attack on one Gallian Nation to be considered an attack on all. I do mean to propose that, in spite of all the differences and rivalries we share, we can nonetheless agree that Gallia falling to outside influences is a condition that cannot be deemed acceptable.”

“Firstly, the member nations of the Gallian League must all agree to commit ourselves to the maintenance of the status quo in Gallia. A promise to not attack another, as well as a promise to coordinate to whatever degree necessary to preserve the integrity of the continent and for the voice of the League to receive the consent of its members in order to project the will of the continent on a global stage.”

“Secondly, to Secretary da Costa’s point, I believe it is imperative that we work to lessen the economic divisions between our countries and allow integration as a form of guaranteeing prosperity for all the countries gathered. Surely, the Common Market model of the Organization of Democratic States is a good step – we can all agree to that – and under certain modifications I have no doubt of a similar program’s success here in Gallia.”
 

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"Furlanìe has done his best to cooperate in peace with the Aurarian Government, but we see our efforts are ignored, let it be known the Aurarians accused the Friulian delegation, here, in a peaceful meeting, meant to promote cooperation. You finally took your fancy 'democratic' mask off, to reveal the true jingoistic and aggressive face of your nation"
The Friulian delegation left
 

Saxe-Friesken and Polaben

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Two people sat next to each other representing the collective interests of the Dual Monarchy. The first was Graf von Essen from Tyskonia who was appointed by Chancellor von Lütke to ensure that Tyskonian interests would be followed. He would not plan to speak, but instead to give a watchful eye upon the woman who would be doing most of the speaking, Comtesse de Grasse, Émelie Clémence. She sat and watched the Friulian delegation walk out. Watching them walk out was a bit disconcerting because they represented one of the stronger potential allies in this summit. While of course nobody was truly an enemy, good friendships between the Low Gallians and Continentals had been few and far between since the demise of their monarchies. The Comtesse decided it was probably time for her to speak as the Friulians departed.

“While working together is a noble cause, I do not believe much can be accomplished when there are so few of us. Having the united crown peoples decide to align so suddenly with this Summit d’Gallia is a challenging task for not only you, but us. I want keep us speaking civil together. I want to keep our economic ties strong, as that would reduce the chance for war, but yet I find it difficult to trust any nation that would work with those who may seek us harm. So I want to make clear that the geopolitics of Gallia must be solved before progress can be made. Where do we all stand on the facts of the Burgundians for example?” —— Her speech was meant to be more to business than the others.
 

Thaumantica

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Just Outside the Second Gallian Summit

'Free Gallia Daily' host Victoria Astra stood outside the summit, microphone in hand, claiming to a live-stream audience that she had been turned away from entering the premises to interview Gallo-Germanian officials.

"They put hands on me, I have marks!" Victoria whelped, "Par for the course in a Statist stronghold!"

"I've got questions, and . . hey I think I see the Friulian delegation exiting stage left . . Ouch my arm, my leg, ouch, I have to press on!" Victoria whined, poorly acting a limp on her right leg that switched to her left after a spring towards the Friulian delegation.

"Attention Friulian dignitaries," Victoria declared aloud with her microphone at her hip, panting a bit, "You're playing a character of yourself! They wanted you to leave!" she speculated in a shout. "Why don't we march back in there and tell them our truth?!"
 

Serenierre

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Maximilian smiled as the Friulian theatrics commenced. He had long held strong views about the Friulian government and its uncomfortable desire to play both sides of the equation. Clearly, not a soul in the conference room was upset to see the Friulians leave.

"Well, with these antics out of the way, Monsieur Cabello, pray tell what do you mean when you speak of a common market suited to Gallian circumstances."

Maximilien listened to the Tyskonian woman and responded: "Mademoiselle Clemence, you ask big questions... the Burgundians indeed present a perplexing dilemma for this region of ours. They have danced with the devil and been entirely beguiled. The complete break down of the Gallian order is a sign that strong leadership is needed and a robust alliance of likeminded nation states is essential."
 

Oneida

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Minister Cabello watched as the unprompted outburst of the Friulian delegation unfolded. He wasn’t stricken by surprise, but rather anguish that the Grand Duchy seemed intent to continue its policy of opportunism. Having recognized the new Republican Government in Auraria only once it had become obvious that it would be the victor, there was no doubt in the mind of the Aurarian Government that the Friulians were guided by a stark sense of realpolitik.

The Friulian refusal to continue dialogue underlaid the difficulty facing the delegates in the room. Centuries of tension divided the Gallian States. While the borders of Westernesse or Himyar were drawn more by the whim of Gallian Overlords, the borders of Gallia were drawn by culture, identity and then further cemented by blood and repeatedly tested. It was a hotbed of conflict and the Aurarians were never sure whether or not that could be overcome.

Cabello decided to ignore the outburst and continue with the business of the conference.

“Since the last summit, the People’s Burgundian Republic has suspended free elections and moved to join the Rurikgrad Pact as a formal member. This, along with the ascension of Ostmark, creates a scenario where the Rurikgrad Pact’s borders now extend further into the continent than ever before. For Auraria, the Rurikgrad Pact was a distant, Germanian alliance. Now, we share a border.”

He leaned back in his chair.

“The Rurikgrad Pact is stronger now than it has been at any time in the past. Nevertheless, the foreign policy of the Pact, more often than not commanded by the Kadikistani, has consistently been pragmatic. Kadikistan crushes opposition with a brutal efficiency that few can match – this we know. We also know that they only use this unique talent after all avenues of diplomacy have failed. Currently, and notably, not a single Gallian State has the capacity to stand up to the Rurikgrad Pact should the need ever arise. This underscores the necessity for a degree of cooperation and singular voice with which this continent speaks.”

The Minister turned his attention to Comtesse de Grasse Èmelie Clémence.

“What you say is true and valid,” he began “There are few of us gathered at this table - that is true. However, if we maintain the status quo, we are an even smaller lot in the grand scheme of global poltiics. Undoubtedly, the geopolitics of this continent is more burdensome than perhaps any other. It has prevented historic attempts at unity. This is what I envision for whatever Gallian League may emerge from this conversation. Core to the central philosophy that our nations should be united one is the idea that people hold the right of self-determination. Whatever strength or cohesion is amassed at this Summit, we do not see it within our rights to force a new status upon the Burgundian people.”

“In that same regard, we must recognize the scenario in which they are under: the country has suspended any and all forms of elections until further notice and then sought membership to the Rurikgrad Pact, which was approved. This means that the regime in Bourgogne has the backing of Ivar and is therefore has sufficiently firmed up its power over the country. As a result, the Aurarian Government believes that 1) recognition of the People’s Burgundian Republic be suspended until such a time that free and fair elections, monitored by an independent, international community takes place. 2) The territorial integrity of the Chagny Government must not, under any circumstances, be infringed upon by any outside actor. And finally, 3) the people of both Communist and Chagny Bougogne must be given the opportunity to decide their own destiny. Once that is accomplished, the situation can be considered resolved.”

The Minister was hoping to move passed how simply he laid out a scenario with which any sensible man knew could not be achieved.

“However, the strength to negotiate on such a strong footing cannot come from Auraria, Beira, Serenierre, or Tyksonia – but all of us in one single voice. You speak of trust, and I say that trust is earned.”

He turned to the Serenien President.

“Mr. President, to your point and the Comtesse’s, we will begin building that trust by reducing barriers to it,” the Minister began, moving his hands as he spoke in an animated fashion – stereotypical of an Aurarian on a rant “Our borders were drawn by blood and war. We must show our people that these borders are hypothetical lines in the sand and we do this by promoting international cooperation, cultural exchanges, and economic coordination. Reducing – if not completely eliminating trade barriers between us, lightening restrictions on international travel, making coordinated efforts to increase cultural exchanges, actively promoting international investments – essentially we must begin to unravel the economic and cultural isolation this continent is built on. We won’t complete that by one treaty in one meeting, but the progress we all can make here cannot be understated.”
 

Saxe-Friesken and Polaben

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Comtesse Émelie Clémence de Grasse was not particularly happy that her second name was chosen as her surname by the delegates, but decided not to correct them. She was a very conservative woman with a certain zeal for monarchist irredentism. She appreciated the actions the delegation from Furlanìe took, even if she did not feel it was particularly constructive. Additionally, she did not find it helpful to their own relations where she had hoped to established a clique within a new Gallian Assembly with Furlanìe and Petits-Pays ensuring that any future group would not move in any far flung socialist or anti-monarchist direction. She also has aspirations to be something bigger in Mainer politics and hold a high office in Petits-Pays. She hoped she could create something here that everyone would look favorably upon back home.

“I believe we can come to an agreement to relax trade restrictions, but I cannot open free movement to for the sheer reason that we have a certain royal family which requires protection. Nationals from Serenierre will still require extreme vetting for their protection as there are rumors of nefarious groups from Villesen that wish to see them dead. Monarchists in Gallia are real, and will continue to exist with our help, despite the departure of Furlanìe...

She pause a moment unsure how to continue. Events in the wider world informed her reasoning, but she knew she had to be cautious.

“...I think that we would also agree to a non-aggression pact on the basis that should any of our nations declare war upon any nation in Gallo-Germania, the non-aggression pact is void. I do not believe we will sit patiently while any war of aggression is fought, regardless of the opposition. From a non-aggression pact we can look future closer workings, but I cannot faithfully agree to anything more intimate between us all than that.”

Her Low Gallian accent punctuated each word she said, which she hoped did not carry a stench of elitism being the only Gallian* speaking nation with royalty still around. These Republicans could be so soft at times in her opinion.

*I’m using Gallian as the term for French.
 

Natal

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It was no secret that Afonso da Costa was a man that personally put hope into the Pan-Gallian project and even back home, he was one of it's greatest supporters and proponents. Seeing the Friulians leaving was something hurt him, as much as he kept a poker face. He sighed, thinking that in the modern day, the old world of Gallo-Germania seems to have devolved into the battlegrounds of the great powers, because the nations are simply blinded by their own old enmities, without seeing the greater image.

The limiting approach the Petits Pays representative had, made him even wearier, but it was not that much of a surprise considering the country's precedent as it signed such a non-aggression pact with ODS too. He was a bit concerned about the Aurarian representative calling the potential Gallian Union as a coming together to combat the ODS too, while he was hoping to see the two organisations cooperate in quite a wide range. He wanted to get things moving and let pompous political slogans about unity be replaced by a bit more drier talk about the realities of this union. He decided to have a smooth approach, not openly criticising anybody.

"We are all here as representatives of our countries and our governments and it is in our duty to do, as elected or appointed officials as we see fit to further the interests of our people. That is why, I will not condemn the Friulian delegation for leaving, as they might have seen fit for their own interest to not be a part of it and I will leave this subject for another time," he said, being a bit apologetic of the withdrawal of the Friulians.

"Madame de Grasse, I do understand your position and I echo it, as we all know probably from the past centuries to even modern day conflicts, Gallo-Germania has always been a powder keg that has the characteristic of exploding not in isolated, provincial, border wars or asymmetric insurgencies, as Himyar does from time to time, but rather, the complex links and bonds between nations tends to attract so many players into it, that a gun shot in the Serrenien-Burgundian border has a butterfly effect that can bring the whole planet to a global conflagration. Hence, I do think that a continental wide, non-aggression pact is necessary. At least, it will give us a legal means to fight for the stabilisation of Gallo-Germania," he said addressing the Petits-Pays delegate.

"If madame de Grasse thinks that as of yet, such a pact will be enough for Tyskonia and Petits-Pays, Beira will fully support it. For the rest of us, who still wish to follow us in our aspirations for an integrated continent, the Republic of Beira proposes the following," he said as he made a sign to an assistant to share a series of folders to the members of the delegations.

"I propose to you, our vision of the future of this continent" he said, presenting the folder to the delegates.

The Gallian Union
Understanding
International Organisation and Military Alliance meant to bring together the countries of the Gallian Continent, create a safety net that will make war on the continent impossible to wage and integrate the countries and their economies to create one of the biggest and richest markets on the globe, offering prosperity and defence.

Military Element
The Gallian Union nations will be united together by a defensive military alliance, a common defence policy, a common rapid deployment force and a series of battle-groups under an international general staff made by military officers of the member states.

The nations will be obliged to come to the aid of each other should they be attacked by hostile elements, be them nations, or non-state actors (insurgent groups).

A common Rapid Deployment Force is to be created by soldiers from all member countries under a general staff made of officers from all countries. The SCOGU [SEE BELOW] will be the commander of this Rapid Deployment Force, which will be 12,000 strong. Under his direct command will be the Battlegroups too. The Rapid Deployment Force should be headquartered in Solis and should be a mechanised or light infantry elite unit.

The Battlegroups will be smaller units under the SCOGU and the Pan-Gallian General Staff, that will be made by soldiers from the member countries. They should be Brigade sized and there should be one positioned in each member countries. We propose a marine brigade in Ribamar, a mechanised brigade in Tauritania, an armour brigade in Villensen and should PP-Tyskonia join too at some point as full members, because of the confederated nature of the country, we would propose a paratrooper brigade in Orleans-sur-Mer and another mechanised brigade in Hertha.

Military exercises should be made common for all it's members, so as to increase cohesion between the allied militaries and create a sense of comradeship between the soldiers of the different armies.

The Pan-Gallian General Staff should be made of officers nominated by each of the member states, approved by the Pan-Gallian Council [SEE CIVILIAN SECTION] and serving in it on a one year basis, with the chance to be appointed again on an indefinite number of terms.

The SCOGU, ,Supreme Commander of the Gallian Union ['s Armed Forces], will be appointed on a one year term in office by the Pan-Gallian Council, with each member country having the right to appoint the candidate for the position on a rotational basis, provided that the person will be offered support by the other councilmen too.

Civilian Element
The member countries of the Gallian Union will offer zero tariffs and will let goods to cross through their borders freely without being stopped at the customs. Together with that, we propose the full opening of the borders in three phases (Phase 1: no visa; Phase 2: no passport but with and ID card or a driver's licence as proof of ID; Phase 3: totally open borders, with no checks). Currently, Beira and Auraria are in phase 3. We hope that other member countries will arrive at this point too, to ease travel, but affiliated participants could through negotiations move to phase 1 (one) or 2 (two).

The Pan-Gallian Council will be made of representatives of each member country that meets permanently in Solis, so as to create a forum where the voices of the member nations are heard and issues are raised and hopefully solved. In case of crises or emergencies, the Council is overturned by decisions taken in Pan-Gallian Summits in which heads of government or of the state of the member countries come to discuss. The Pan-Gallian Council as of yet would nominate and appoint the SCOGU and discuss the new developments of the Common Defence and Foreign Policy plan of the Union.

Standardisation of education and services should be important as to create an environment in which diplomas of common level should be seen as equivalent and accepted in the member countries, so as to ease research and academic cooperation. For that we also propose a program through which students from the member countries are seen like local students if they apply to universities, so there will be no differences in facilities and tuition fees.

Standardisation of transport conventions, so ease the exchange of goods and trade. Thus in railway transport rather than loose precious time in border towns, where locomotives are changed, we propose to free travel of rolling stock within member countries. In road transport, as series of safety measures decided by the members should be created so as to offer the best possible means of transporting the goods from the point of origin to the destination.

Participation
Participation will be three levelled, with full members having access to the Pan-Gallian council, with voting power, be a part of the battle-groups and the rapid deployment force, Phase 3 open borders and all other perks.

Observer members will have access to the Pan-Gallian council, but without voting power, Phase 1 or 2 of the open borders, and the standardisation of the education and transport conventions, with the tariffs for the goods being negotiated on a case by case basis.

Associate members will have access to only phase 1 of the open borders, standardisation of the education and transport conventions, with tariffs for goods negotiated on a case by case basis.


***

"I hope this will break the ice and we will see a treaty bringing the continent together signed at this summit," said Afonso da Costa as he left the delegate look through the proposals.
 

Oneida

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Cabello quietly sighed to himself as de Grasse spoke. It was an odd insinuation that Auraria was in some way out to end Monarchies. Of course, the death of the Johnston Isle King in Auraria was an unfortunate coincidence. Even more unfortunate was the debates on the internet over whether the Aurarine Government ordered his death or if the Government was even capable of organizing such a thing. “Probably not,” Cabello thought to himself. Nevertheless, he was sure that if the worst came, it would matter little if a country had a King or a President.

Whatever disappointment the Tyksonians brought, the Beirans were sure to restore confidence. He could already feel Consul Valera’s blood pressure rising at the mention of bringing foreign soldiers to Auraria and combining forces. The fight in the National Court certainly wouldn’t be easy. He was convinced he brought her a good deal on the Organization of Democratic States and she still failed to deliver. He feared that a similar situation would come from this.

“Thank you, Minister da Costa. We must be deliberate in our intentions. The Gallian League,” he began speaking, particularly annunciating the word ‘League’ “needs to forever be an organization dedicated to nothing further than breaking down unnecessary barriers between Gallian States and promoting the security of the continent.”

As petty as it was, and knowing full well the reputation of Aurarians for being obnoxiously petty, the terminology was important. “League” vs. “Union” had very strong implications. And frankly, people are generally dumb and emotional. Would staunchly independent and haughty Aurarians agree to join a league with Beira and Serenierre? Perhaps, they could be convinced. A union, however? Absolutely not.

“We agree with the military components outlined by the Beiran Republic. The component, must, of course be entirely defensive in nation. Should a nation of Gallia act independently and aggressively toward another sovereign state, no member state of the League is required nor obligated to assist. However, infractions against the serenity of the Continent by necessity require the attention of the League.”

“The civilian elements are a wonderful idea,” Cabello shared some levity “what a wonderful thing it would be for Gallians to freely transverse the continent and take in the beauty that our nations share.”

Placing the permanent Pan-Gallian Council in Solis would be a huge symbolic victory for the Aurarians, particularly President Ordenes. Cabello was pleased at the Beirans’ attention to the precaurious situation in Aurarian Government.
 

Záhorie

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Consul Dimasio had sat in silence throughout the summit. His doubts were proving largely true. Dimasio had taken extremely careful notes but at the top he had scribbled in big Lusitanian letters LOUCURA. He had no doubt about the goodwill and positive intentions of his counterparts. Yet he had been skeptical since the beginning. Simply by looking at the proposals, many of them had undoubted advantages. However, Dimasio frowned at the utopian aims. Did these men and women truly believe their rhetoric? He sensed the tension in the room. The possibility of the summit to turn to bickering. The foundation for low level argument had been set many times over. Dimasio finally decided to speak.

"The first summit was empty rhetoric. Now, we have seen some constructive efforts made by those in attendance. Though, few have brought up the challenges directly faced" he began, holding up the folder passed out. "Standardisation of education and services....What does this mean? Madurja has a comparatively large parochial subsystem. Are we to abolish that? Are we to fuly overhaul our system? Whom would be paying for this? Madurja has little money to be convening such grandiose actions. Transport...we can barely maintain our road system as is" he continued in a flat and calm tone. "How many escudo must we pay? What of our sovereignty? This folder speaks of a union...." he paused at the question of the term. "Union or league....whichever....having a distinct foreign policy. If Madurja objects wholeheartedly to a decision, we simply go with the foreign policy decision- potentially damaging our economy or worse? What have you considered to be the reaction of the other alliances to this? Of Ivar? Though we cannot cower to their whims, these must be discussed. If maintaining the status quo is the objective, these actions hardly maintain it...inside or outwardly" concluded Dimasion. He dropped the folder unceremoniously to the table, leaning back and sipping his water. His cold but calm points needed to be addressed. An organization of states built on rhetoric would be a house of cards.
 

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President Hortefeux smiled at the optimism expressed by the Beiran representative. "I must say that the proposal is interesting. Although, for the République Populaire, while we concur on the trade and economic benefit of the proposal, we are concerned what risks it poses to the national sovereignty of all our Gallian nations. Villesen remains keen on engagement with all its Gallian fraternal states. Though, not at the cost of losing our independence. However, I do see a way out which brings our continent closer together while maintaining our sovereignty."

"Consul Dimasio has valid points. Perhaps, we must have an alliance first as nation-states and then move towards the grand visions of Union. An alliance of mutual respect, mutual support, and mutual cooperation for the benefit of all Gallia."

"Although, as we progress in the discussion, I seek to start from a position of seeking a common denominator. Let me state categorically, for Serenierre, the membership of Bourgogne in the Rurikgrad Pact is unacceptable and the blight of Leninovism on Gallia absolutely abhorrent. It is un-Christian to allow hallowed Gallian lands to be tread upon by such ideological nonsense. So, I say this... who else among us... finds the Kadikistani hordes in Gallia unacceptable? Raise your hand." The Serenien man raised his hand and looked around the room. He had decided this Gallian nations needed to identify their commonality and the discussion needed a bit of a "shepherding" so to say, lest it go on forever in vain.
 

Natal

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Afonso da Costa was ready to laugh looking at the emphatic way the Maduran was ready to show his disgust against the proposal. He was expecting for him and the Tyskonians to be against it, but he was surprised by the support of the Aurarians and disappointed by the sudden need of defending their sovereignty by the Serenien. Too bad they don't care about the sovereignty of Montedoro that much, he thought. But he knew that the subcontinent was filled with countries even more arrogant and proud than Germania, and that really meant something. He was a supporter of this, a dreamer, but he was sceptical too. As much as he knew and hoped that the Gallian nations will wake up and see the world around them and how much in the past century and a half they just became irrelevant by themselves on the world stage, he knew that without a huge crisis like probably a full on Kadikistani or Engell invasion meant to fully conquer the continent, there will be nothing wake them up. When he was sent to Solis, he told Prime Minister Pedro da Silva and President Maximinho Pinto that he will present the Gallians his proposals, that probablly offered the best framework to bring them together, he told them to not expect much, yet they made a huge bet on Pan-Gallianism and this, between the emphatic drop of the folder by the Maduran and the Serenien just changing the subject, he knew, that da Silva and Pinto lost their wager. He did wonder for a moment, if the Beiran democracy lost too, because this will firstly show that the Friulians were right, in Gallia you are all by yourself and need to keep safe by yourself, secondly, that the Socialists were right, Beira was and still is a Long Sea nation and should not mingle with those as it always had a different approach to politics and their view of life, more closer to even Pelasgia, than to it's northern neighbours, and thirdly, that the National Union was right when they condemned this approach and this will be a huge handicap for the National Democrats and a huge win for the fascists and the prometheists.

Thinking of having to explain what the standardisation meant, made him for a fraction of a second remember his early days as an ambassador to Gunnland, when close to Stephen Larkin and Robert Gunn he said something about the "self-determination of the people" and both of the Gunnishmen, integralist and reactionaries both of them, acted the same, asking for explanation, more as a way to show that such an element is completely alien to their own world. A part of him wanted to offer a comeback that would sting both the Serenien and the Maduran, but he thought that it wouldn't be diplomatic or constructive. His thoughts then turned to the Friulians, and them leaving and for a moment, he congratulated them, probably knowing that they will waste their time here.

"Standardisation of Education in the sense of recognising the equivalency of diplomas, so that a PhD or a masters earned in Beira would be recognised as having the same level of qualification in the other nations. It's not that hard, nor that expensive. The same with the transportation, more like, the standardisation of driver permits, of road regulations, of protection of the goods so that they are transported in the best protective environments," he said, with a slight irritated voice, before he turned back to his more warm one.

"As for the foreign policy, this will give us a common voice. A common voice of a subcontinent that would be formed of five nations, at best, probably with a total of a little over 200 million people. You can go the Friulian way if you want, and each of you sign a status quo treaty, with Kadikistan, I will applaud it, because I know it cements peace, but at the same time, what is a voice of a nation that is 25 million, like Beira, 35 like Madurja, 40 odd million like Auraria, when compared to the Rurikgrad Pact?," he raised his hand showing an open palm. "Five nations, five fingers. One union, one fist. It doesn't only sound like one, but it is a cliche. But it isn't hard to understand. When Kadikistan is a fist in itself, even without it's Rurikgrad Pact allies, how does one cope with that? If you feel that the creation of such a union will trigger Kadikistan.... then you are welcome to not be a part of it. But there will be a moment, in which the small voice of a single, small nation, will end up not being heard at all," he said and finished his pleading.

He knew he wasted his breath by now, and he didn't care that much of the whole subject of the BPR. It was too far to the north, too far away and with too many other nations between it and Beira. He knew that back home, the National Union and the Socialists won and the National Democrats lost the bet. As much as he knew that his mission in Solis was over and his presence there unnecessary, he remained in the room, rather than leave like the Friulians, as much as he liked to show his protest against the typical Gallian arrogance, he knew that too will fall on deaf ears.
 

Záhorie

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Consul Dimasio nearly tittered at the response of da Costa, clearly annoyed with his calm and collected questioning of the broad proposal. He shrugged his shoulders quickly and downed the remainder of his water. "What troubles me is that few are asking questions about the direct outcome this will have on a geopolitical level. While yes, we must think internally...." he paused to refill his glass. "We must ask these external questions. What is the response of the global community? How will Ivar respond? What of the other alliances? Nobody wishes to see the hordes of Kadikistan sweep across our nations and lay waste to our peace and rape our people in the social sense...and the literal sense. Let us ask these questions. Let us cut through the flowery talk. Let us be forward and honest. Let us have true discourse" he said, calmly and coldly.

"I will be frank. Madurja would have difficulty joining this alliance or union. I am not saying Madurja is wholly opposed to this. However, Camara members and some rather influential members of the upper Maduran political circles wish to see Madurja take official neutrality. Yet, it would be hard to watch Kadikistani ships sail through the Straits of Horta into the Long Sea and for Madurja to do nothing as its neighbors and friends are attacked. I understand the idea of a common voice. I do not think anyone here fails to understand the added weight of such a voice. However, I am concerned with the independent voice. The sovereign voice. Yes, Madurja's voice is small compared with that of the vile pact. There is weight to your words in this regard. None here would doubt that. Perhaps it is true, ideals are weaker than realities. Yet, hard truths cut both ways. I ask the questions I have asked in order to clarify the realities. To understand what the outcome might be. To discuss the intersection of Gallian ideals with those hard truths" he said, loosening his tie ever so slightly. "To not be weary of that crossroads is a folly".
 

Oneida

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The tension in the air was palpable and Cabello’s spirits shifted. There are undenianle differences between the nations gathered here not only in their character and history but in their perspective of what this Summit should produce. Substance was being discussed and substance always breeds controversy, Cabello hoped that the delegates were prepared for such a thing.

“Gentlemen,” Cabello began “every point that is brought up here is valid. Minister da Costa – our two countries have long shared a strong relationship. It makes sense to reason that purposes the amount of integration we’re suggesting, while welcome by the Aurarians and Beirans, understandably presents questions from the country where our histories are not as pleasant. The details of education and transportation do not need to be hammered out even at this summit. Perhaps that would be an opportune exercise for the Pan-Gallian Council to begin drawing guidelines to help accomplish these mutually beneficial goals.”

The Minister shifted in his seat as he looked at the Madurjan Delegate.

“Difficulty is the very nature of Aurarian politics,” he chuckled as he leaned back in his chair “I’m thankful, frankly. Negotiating with foreign countries is such an easier and less stressful task than negotiating with other Delegates in the National Court. Every single proposal seems to be met with some great controversy that no one could have conceivably predicted. Nevertheless, somehow, we’ve found a way to create a stable democracy.”

“I see the position of the Gallian League as an inherently neutral one. The Rurikgrad Pact aligns on the basis of commitment to Communism in a world that is quite hostile to the idea. The Democratic Defense Initiative and the Organization of Democratic States are both global organizations organized on an agreed set of principles. Many of the nations involved in these alliances are rather hostile to Rurikgrad and all the alliance between them gives them a large degree of negotiating power on the world stage…”

“The Gallian League is none of those things. The League’s objective is nothing beyond maintaining the integrity and sovereignty of the continent and the countries in it. Decisions made by the Gallian League in a single voice to the world at large do not originate from the League but rather the countries that make it up. It is not a separate entity that supersedes our states, it is an agreement among nations to protect one another in the wake of an increasingly sectarian world.”

The Minister turned his attention to look at both Consul Dimasio and President Hortefeux “There is no doubt in my mind that Ivar will react negatively to this. To think otherwise is to simply ignore reality. However, Ivar has always supported pragmatism. If this League is formed as a weapon to wage against Ivar as opposed to an agreement of defense and cooperation – Ivar will respond in kind. It is for precisely that reason that our opinion of the Burgundian People’s Republic must be one of neutrality. I believe there was a time when the BPR could have been dealt with. Now it is a member of the Rurikgrad Pact and has the guaranteed protections that come with that.”

The Minister now turned his attention fully to President Hortefeux.

“I find that it makes no difference whether we feel it is acceptable for the BPR to be in the Rurikgrad Pact – it just is now and it is a reality we must contend with. To change that is to wage war with the Rurikgrad Pact. Auraria is not here to wage a war. That is a hard line for my country. What I am here to do is to quell another unacceptable aspect of society – the reality that the world’s geopolitics is constantly changing yet the nations of Gallia are hesitant to accept any reality but the status quo. My friends, we cannot continue to do nothing in the face of this changing world.”
 

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Maximilian listened to all the speeches. "Official neutrality is no position at all, Consul Dimasio. In our times, we must be certain of where we stand, lest the enemies of Gallia swarm around us. While I do not fault you or your government for adopting such a line, it remains the case that an opportunity cost exists. Madurja's government will need to wrestle with a number of complex issues. Certainly. However, it must also be aware that a dogmatic position will only serve to isolate and harm your country in the long run."

"Consul Cabello, I am rather disappointed that Auraria is not ready to take on the notion of a more effective effort to bring the continent together. I, for one, imagine a neutral Gallian League to be entirely pointless. Villesen is not scared of Ivar!" he raised his voice and banged the table. "My nation has seen the hordes of Leninovism invade Gallia and that we cannot allow. If blood must be spilled to save our fair land, I would volunteer a thousand times over the blood of Serenierre to liberate this continent. Though it pains me that other than Beira none of the other countries here have the stomach to be a force as fierce as any of the other geopolitical alliances. To be moderate. To be neutral. To be silent. These are the strategies of losing ground to an enemy on the advance. Solis must, I implore you, be bold."

Turning his attention last to the Beiran representative, the Serenien president spoke with charm, "Consul da Costa, I find that hearing you speak eloquently on the matter has certainly been greatly illuminating. I cannot say that I am unimpressed. I do feel I have my views as to the issue of sovereignty but as you express it here, I think there is something in that notion which may be acceptable to Serenierre, specifically I reckon only the military element of your proposal may need to be refined." Maximilien had been most impressed by the Beiran, whose response to the criticism had indeed been spirited and had satisfied him somewhat. "I do hope that you can further refine the concept of a Gallian union further. And I hope that you do not imagine my critique as being anything other than constructive."
 

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Non! Non! Non!” — She was not having so much of this all at once. This was an attempt to throw something together so fast with no idea for the consequences. No concern for the freedoms of Petits-Pays. She knew Hertha wanted to gain something from this, and so as much as she wanted to leave the conference she could not.

Her outburst perhaps stunned the other delegations, but at the very least it stopped them in their tracks. She now had the spotlight on her as she had desired.

“If you want me to agree to a Gallian League or if I may, ‘Société des Gaules’ I am fully willing to under some very, very strict guidelines. We add no more than three things at a time. So I would like you all to pick three things we wish for the Société to have for this first round of expansion. I ask that Tyskonia and Petits-Pays each have their own seats at this organization. Then, I ask that Tyskonia and Petits-Pays are given an opt out clause. Of the three things we add, we are always able to opt out of one. Next, we are given a total of 5 grand-opt out abilities. We can opt out from anything 5 times regardless of our default opt out ability. So for example, I could opt out of all three things we decide at this meeting. I will not do that because that is not the spirit of the Société but I could. When it comes to measures of military, we always have an opt out ability regardless of number of times. This obviously does not apply to military operations, only additions of military competence to the Société. The military operations are also to be strictly defensive. So if a member instigates the attack, we have no responsibility to aid them. Lastly, I want that a second capital be placed in Orléans-sur-Mer. I don’t want us to create an imperial city here in Solis.”

She felt some of what she wanted might be refused, but somethings if refused might seriously compromise her desire to join. This was the path to the Dual Monarchy joining in a correct manner she felt though. As the oldest crowned nation at the conference, and a nation with a more diverse religious tradition, she was not interested in joining some new cultural imperialistic venture. Something with clear boundaries for the Dual Monarchy would work for it though.
 

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Listening to the Tyskonian made da Costa's frown disappear and a slight smirk came to him. He didn't know is she was serious or not, but he decided to just go with it.

"When the project was conceived, there was the idea of partial integration coming with it too. Hence if nations like Auraria feel that they can work together much closer with Beira, they will clearly take the whole package, then if nations like Serenierre want to keep their sovereignty, they can just keep the mutual defence mechanism, without the SCOGU/SCOGaL and battlegroup elements. If Madurja doesn't want the standardisation, then it is their choice to not have that. We can just work around the levels of participation and provide for the needs of everyone. The same with Petits Pays and Tyskonia, with their opt outs they will probably limit themselves to the defence agreement. If they want more, they can negotiate on a case by case basis," he said.

"The only issue is, that while I know the differences between Tyskonia and Petits Pays, as one can see that they are mentioned in the presentation, bringing two representatives for each might start a vicious circle, in which the people of Faro will say that they don't feel fully represented by the Beiran representative, then they will be followed by the people of Cabo da Sol, then the Tauritanians, Arandians and Valdecabrans will say the same in regards to the Catamarcans in Auraria and so on," he concluded.
 
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