EU-China at 50: Prospects for the Future

Date

12 May 2025

Time

10:15-21:30

Location

Palais des Académies, Rue Ducale 1, Brussels

Type of Event

On invitation only

Organisation

The RAOS, The Egmont Institute, ReConnect China, in cooperation with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences

The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), the Royal Academy of Overseas Sciences (RAOS), ReConnect China, Ghent University, and the Egmont – Royal Institute of International Relations have the pleasure of inviting you to a conference on

EU-China at 50: Prospects for the Future

Marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the European Union and the People’s Republic of China, this conference will assess the opportunities to deepen the relationship and establish more concrete cooperation on issues of shared interest. The first session will look at global governance: global players have global responsibilities, notably in maintaining peace and security. Strong multilateral institutions and agreement on shared rules are key to stability in a multipolar world. The second panel will focus on the economic relationship: both the EU and China have an interest in maintaining global connectivity. A stable and equitable bilateral economic relationship is a pillar of the global economy. The last session will look at the human dimension: academic and cultural dialogue are essential to mutual understanding. More and deeper exchanges between the EU and China, at all levels, foster confidence.

 

Programme:

10.15-11.30    Opening Address

  • Dr Philippe De Maeyer, Permanent Secretary, RAOS
  • Zhao Zhimin, Secretary General, CASS
  • Mission of China to the EU
  • European External Action Service

11.30-13.00   Panel 1: Global Economy

Chair: Prof. Dr Eberhard Sandschneider, Berlin Global Advisors

  • Dr Sun Yanhong, Institute of European Studies, CASS
  • Dr Tian Huifang, China-CEE Institute
  • Dr Françoise Nicolas, Institut Français des Relations Internationales (IFRI)
  • Dr Tobias Gehrke, European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) & Egmont

13.00-14.00 Lunch

14.00-15.30   Panel 2: Global Governance

Chair: Prof.Zhang Hai Yang, Institute of European Studies, CASS

  • Dr Zhang Yongsheng, Institute for Eco-civilization, CASS
  • Dr Zhao Chen, Institute of European Studies, CASS
  • Dr Tim Rühlig, EU Institute for Security Studies
  • Dr Sven Biscop, Egmont & Ghent University

15.30-16.00   Coffee

16.00-17.30   Panel 3: China- EU Dialogue

Chair: Prof.Dr Sven Biscop

  • Dr Feng Zhongping, Institute of European Studies, CASS
  • Dr Zhang Jinling, Institute of European Studies, CASS
  • Dr Eberhard Sandschneider, Berlin Global Advisors
  • Dr Bart Dessein, Ghent University, ReConnect China & Egmont Institute

17.30-17.45   Launch of the Special Issue of Chinese Journal of European Studies and  Special Issue of the Asia-Europe Journal

17.45-18.00   Closing Remarks

Prof. Dr Feng Zhongping, Institute of European Studies, CASS

Prof. Dr Sven Biscop, Egmont Institute & Ghent University

18.00-19.00 Reception

19.30-21.30   Dinner for speakers & organisers