186th Bergedorf Round Table

Mapping Futures, Managing Expectations: Germany, the EU and China in a Shifting International Order

24. September 2024 in Berlin

The European Union and China share longstanding economic and political relations. While the past months have seen expanded diplomatic engagements on EU and member-state level, Sino-European relations are increasingly marked by divergences in values and interests, especially with regard to trade, technology and respective positions in a changing international order. In light of the changes both China and the EU have undergone in the past decade, the question arises how the two sides can continue to seek cooperation in dealing with global and regional challenges and how to manage differences amid geopolitical volatility and economic unpredictability.

Against the backdrop of the European Parliament elections and the taking office of the new European Commission, the 186th Bergedorf Round Table provided a space for dialogue on the future trajectory of China-EU ties. Will China and the EU be able to join forces in tackling global challenges, such as climate change or setting technology standards? What is needed to avoid further escalations in the trade and economic sector? How can China, the EU as well as individual member-states contribute to the management of differences? How can present-day wars and crises be addressed? What can be done to achieve a better understanding of each other’s priorities and policies and to rebuild trust?

The participants of the 186th Bergedorf Round Table were approximately 50 high-ranking politicans, government officials, and representatives of think tanks, academia, and media.