About the event

Although China remains to be Europe’s important partner in many areas, it continues to shape international politics and relations in a major way. As a rising power, it often interferes with EU’s security. This includes challenging its core values, such as human rights and democracy. This last year has shown us that the speed of its rising is very fast and it is still increasing in all circumstances.

Nevertheless, the Union remains divided over China – perhaps more than ever. While some welcome its investments into the infrastructure, others call to leave the cooperative initiatives pursued by China. Countries in Central Europe, including Slovakia, thus need to be able to reflect on China. They need to reflect on it as a systemic rival, face the realities of its regime’s goals, and adequately respond to them. But what changes have occurred in the common European approach and how can we incorporate them into our national initiatives? Panel of experts will discuss this in detail.

Opening remarks:

• Adéla Jurečková, Director, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Prague

Panelists:

• Reinhard Bütikofer, Member of European Parliament (Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance), Chair of the Delegation for relations with the People’s Republic of China
• Olga Lomová, Professor of Sinology, Faculty of Arts, Charles University
• Richard Q. Turcsányi, Program Director of the Central European Institute for Asian Studies, Senior Researcher at Palacký University Olomouc

Moderator:

• Lucia Yar, EURACTIV Slovakia

To attend the event, please register here. Event will not be live streamed.

For more information about the event, please contact us at bajla@euractiv.sk.