Union of Sarpedonian States

The Union of Sarpedonian States (Unión de Estados de Sarpedon, ), often stylized and abbreviated UNESARP, is a Sarpedonian political and economic union established by the Vila Real Accord in 2026. Its full members are Cartadania and Pelaxia. Passport controls have been abolished for travel between the countries and a monetary union established in 2026, will go into full force in during 2028

History
The Union of Sarpedonian States (UNESARP), a political and economic alliance between Cartadania and Pelaxia, finds its roots in the historical tapestry woven by years of shared geopolitical interests and a burgeoning Pansarpedonian sentiment. The journey toward this union commenced with the Vila Real Accords, a pivotal agreement signed in 2026, marking the initial steps of the Pansarpedonian movement. Carto-Pelaxia Commonwealth and Shared History: The foundation of the Carto-Pelaxian Commonwealth during the First Great War laid the groundwork for the intricate relations between Cartadania and Pelaxia. As the alliance weathered the storms of the Second Great War, the nations found themselves frequently aligned, not just in military endeavors but also in political and economic pursuits. The Commonwealth became a testament to the strength forged in shared challenges.

As the world transitioned into the 21st century, a resurgence of Pansarpedonian movements gained momentum. The increasing interconnectivity and global challenges necessitated collaborative efforts. Cartadania and Pelaxia, acknowledging their historical ties, began exploring avenues to fortify their partnership in the face of evolving geopolitical dynamics.

Vila Real Accords, a milestone in unity, signed in 2036, stand as a cornerstone in the formation of UNESARP. Crafted with the intention of fostering collaboration, these accords echoed the commitment of both nations to principles such as sovereign equality, good neighborliness, and non-interference. Recognizing the democratic and outward-looking nature of each other, Cartadania and Pelaxia laid the groundwork for deeper ties. Against the backdrop of a resurgent Pansarpedonian sentiment, the Vila Real Accords acted as a catalyst. The movement aimed to bridge historical divisions and create a united front against new global challenges, particularly those posed by international terrorism and transnational crime. The common regional interests and ties between Cartadania and Pelaxia took center stage.

With the Vila Real Accords setting the stage, the Union of Sarpedonian States emerged as a formal alliance in 2-26. The abolishment of passport controls and the establishment of a monetary union signaled a deeper integration. As both nations moved toward greater collaboration in various domains, the Union became a symbol of regional stability, progress, and prosperity. With passport controls have been abolished for travel between the countriea, a monetary union established in 2026 would go into full force in during 2028.

Key figures instrumental in this historical journey included Prime Minister of Pelaxia Pedro Meireles, Marcos Reyes, Leyre Castrillón, and President of Cartadania Anteros Ballas. Their commitment to the ideals embedded in the Vila Real Accords paved the way for the establishment of UNESARP. In conclusion, the Union of Sarpedonian States is not just a contemporary alliance; it is the culmination of a shared history, a response to emerging global challenges, and the embodiment of the Pansarpedonian movement that sought to unite nations for a common future.

Observer states
Burgundie considers itself an observer of UNESARP, while it is not eligible to be a member both from the perspective of the Sarpedonian states as well as its commitments to the Levantine Union, it considers Cartadania and Pelaxia core allies and would protect either of them if their Sarepdonian territories were infringed upon. Burgundie also conducts economic and diplomatic interactions with both nations in accordance with the framework of UNESARP. Bound by their shared Romance culture and ARGUS apparatus (with (Cartadania), Burgundie also follows (where it doesnt contradict its commitments to the Levantine Union) the cultural and educational elements of UNESARP.

Caphiria
Caphiria's participation in the Sarpedonian Economic Area (SEA) marks a significant stride towards economic integration within the Sarpedonian single market, or MERCOSARP. The SEA is a dynamic arrangement that involves the free movement of goods, capital, services, and people — a harmonious vision collectively known as the "four freedoms." This initiative is built on common rules and standards that participating states, including Caphiria, are legally committed to following.

In the realm of the movement of people, Caphiria plays a key role as part of the SEA, allowing for the freedom of movement for individuals across participating states. However, it's noteworthy that this is conducted with certain security measures, where security forces oversee border crossings to maintain a balance between facilitating movement and ensuring security. This approach safeguards the integrity of the economic area while addressing security concerns such as human traficking.

Furthermore, Caphiria's inclusion in the SEA creates a more integrated market, fostering enhanced economic cooperation between Caphiria, Cartadania, and Pelaxia. This integration facilitates smoother flows of goods and services, streamlining trade processes and contributing to the economic prosperity of the entire region. The collaboration under the SEA not only aligns with the principles of the Sarpedonian single market but also reflects the commitment of Caphiria to regional economic cohesion.

The decision to include Caphiria as a key economic partner in the union follows the successful precedent set by ARGUS, emphasizing the importance of robust economic ties to strengthen the Sarpedonian Economic Area. This strategic collaboration underlines a shared commitment to mutual growth, stability, and prosperity, laying the foundation for a more interconnected and resilient Sarpedonian market.

Vallejar
The nature of the observer status for the Kingdom of Vallejar is centered on bilateral cooperation between the Union of Sarpedonian States and the kingdom in the areas of regional security, navigability of seas and trade routes, counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, counter-human trafficking, and mutual military cooperation for defense, establishing fraternal ties between continents. Pelaxia, on behalf of UNESARP, proposed to Vallejar to become an observer of the association, with the benefits of security forces cooperation, sharing respective criminal databases, and permission to conduct various joint exercises and operations, among other military and security activities. This would allow for increased control in the Vallos region for Vallejar and the expansion of UNESARP, benefiting its member states.

International Youth Professionalization Program
This is a program aimed at addressing youth unemployment in Vallejar, established on October 10, 2033. Recognizing the issue and its implications for approximately 120,000 Vallejarian youths aged between 18 and 22, who lacked higher education and significant work experience, the government sought a solution. After negotiations with UNESARP, an international youth professionalization program between Vallejar and the union was agreed upon, starting from November 1, 2033. The program includes the following points:

1. Travel expenses from Vallejar to a destination in the union will be subsidized by the state, covering 70% of the costs, while the remaining 30% is the responsibility of the worker.

2. The hosting state is responsible for the economic, physical, and legal security of the workers throughout their stay.

3. If a worker fails to perform adequately and is dismissed, if within a month from the termination date they haven't found new employment, the worker is liable for the return costs. If the worker's resources aren't sufficient to cover the full cost, the state will handle the remaining expense.

4. In cases of severe and repeated violation of the workers' security, the hosting state must provide compensation to the affected workers.

5. The maximum stay for a worker abroad is set at 5 years, with a possibility of extension to 7 years in exceptional cases of necessity or other reasonable grounds. After this period, workers are required to return to Vallejar, unless they have successfully applied for citizenship or residency in any UNESARP country.

6. If a worker has partially settled (e.g., with a complete family but without applying for citizenship or residency), Vallejar may subsidize up to 50% of the associated costs.

MERCOSARP
The Sarpedonian single market, also known as the MERCOSARP, is the single market comprising mainly the 2 member states of the Union of Sarpedonian States. With certain exceptions, it also comprises Caphiria and Ceylonia (through the Agreement on the Sarpedonian Economic Area), while also Puertego and Vallejar (through sectoral treaties). The single market seeks to guarantee the free movement of goods, capital, services, and people, known collectively as the "four freedoms".This is achieved through common rules and standards that all participating states are legally committed to follow.

A number of potential UNESARP accession candidates have stabilisation and association agreements with UNESARP, which allow for limited participation in selected sectors of the single market, namely Burgundie, Kistan, Urcea Daxia and Yonderre.

The market is intended to increase competition, labour specialisation, and economies of scale, allowing goods and factors of production to move to the area where they are most valued, thus improving the efficiency of the allocation of resources. It is also intended to drive economic integration whereby the once separate economies of the member states become integrated within a single UNESARP-wide economy. The creation of the internal market as a seamless, single market is an ongoing process, with the integration of the logistics and infrastructure industry still containing gaps. According to a 2033 estimate, because of the single market the GDP of Cartadania and Pelaxia countries is on average 12 percent higher than it would be if tariff and non-tariff restrictions were in place.

The "Four Freedoms" of the single market are:
 * Free movement of goods
 * Free movement of capital
 * Freedom to establish and provide services
 * Free movement of people

Goods
The range of "goods" (or "products") covered by the term "free movement of goods" "is as wide as the range of goods in existence". Goods are only covered if they have economic value, i.e. they can be valued in money and are capable of forming the subject of commercial transactions. Works of art, coins which are no longer in circulation and water are noted as examples of "goods". Fish are goods, UNESARP legislation states that fishing rights (or fishing permits) are not goods, but a provision of service. The law further explains that, both capital and service can be valued in money and are capable of forming the subject of commercial transactions, but they are not goods.

Custom Duties
The customs union of the Union of Sarpedonian States removes customs barriers between member states and operates a common customs policy towards external countries, with the aim "to ensure normal conditions of competition and to remove all restrictions of a fiscal nature capable of hindering the free movement of goods within the Common Market". Aspects of the UNESARP Customs area extend to a number of non-EU-member states, such as Caphiria, under separately negotiated arrangements.

The Vila Real Accords prohibits border levies between member states. Under the Accords, customs duty applicable to third country products are levied at the point of entry into UNESARP, and once within the Union external border goods may circulate freely between member states. Under the operation of the Union, customs border controls between member states are maintained as part of security, counter-narcotics operations and counter-human trafficking activity. Some physical inspections on imports and exports have been replaced mainly by audit controls and risk analysis.

People
The free movement of people means Cartadanian and Pelaxian citizens can move freely between member states for whatever reason (or without any reason) and may reside in any member state they choose if they are not an undue burden on the social welfare system or public safety in their chosen member state. This required reduction of administrative formalities and greater recognition of professional qualifications of other states. Fostering the free movement of people has been a major goal of Carto-Pelaxian integration since the 1990s.

Broadly defined, this freedom enables citizens of one Member State to travel to another, to reside and to work there (permanently or temporarily). The idea behind UNESARP legislation in this field is that citizens from other member states should be treated equally to domestic citizens and should not be discriminated against.

DEFESARP
The central principle holding DEFESARP is that an attack against one is to be considered an attack against both; this was known as the "Cognati defense" doctrine, and as a logical continuation of the Vila Real Accords. The pact also includes cooperation on military training, advanced cyber, artificial intelligence and autonomy, quantum technologies, undersea capabilities, hypersonic and counter-hypersonic, electronic warfare, innovation and information sharing.

Under the pact Cartadania and Pelaxia have mutual access to joint naval bases in Maribel Island, Las Jusonias, Freda Island, Lotoa and Solemia, extending the reach of the alliance further away than just the Tainean and Kindred Sea. They also mantain a Joint Aerospace Traning center in Cartadania and the largest Joint Military Training Camp at "Complejo de los Ballesteros" in Pelaxia.

DEFESARP has obliged both militaries to integrate their early warning, awarnes and command structure under the DEFESARP Air Defence Command (ADC) and the Kindred and Tainean Sea Joint Naval Command (KTS-Joint Naval Command). DEFESARP holds yearly military command exercises for Pelaxia and Cartadania to have an opportunity to improve inter-organization cooperation, and has under its mandate created the Cognati Corps.

Cognati Corps
The Cognati Corps (Cuerpo de Coñata; ) is a binational combined arms coprs consisting of units from the Cartadanian and Pelaxian militaries.The Corps a high-readiness force comprising land, air, sea and special forces units capable of being deployed quickly.

Rotating forces through the Cognati Corps requires both nations to meet the demanding standards needed for collective defence and expeditionary operations. As the standards are very high, participation in the Corps is preceded by a six-month DEFESARP exercise program in order to integrate and standardize the various contingents. Generally, units carry out a pre-training period in preparation for the DEFESARP exercises of between 6–18 months. Once activated, Reconnaissance Teams deploy within 5 days. This is the first of a number of deployment phases that lead to the deployment of the entire HQ Joint Task Force and CorpsForces within 30 days.

'''The Corps currently comprises up to 60,000 troops and will be increased to over 100,000 troops. It includes units from several overseas territories.'''

The Cognati Corps trains for various tasks, including:
 * providing immediate collective defence of UNESARP members in the event of military operation;
 * crisis management;
 * acting as the initial force deployment as a precursor to deployment of a much larger force;
 * peace support;
 * disaster relief;
 * protection of critical infrastructure.