This webinar is organised by the Clingendael China Centre. It will be streamed live on our YouTube channel. 

In the past decade, China has stepped up its role in the Western Balkans as a financier of infrastructure and a source of direct investment, while at the same time searching to develop political relations with the countries of the region. The geopolitical implications of China’s increased presence in the Balkans however remain hard to grasp.

To what extent does China try to, through its Belt and Road initiatives, get a foothold in the EU’s “inner courtyard”? What are its exact intensions? And to what extent does China’s increased presence in the region conflict with the common aspirations of the EU and the Western Balkans countries of further EU integration?

You are most welcome to join this webinar, based on the report China and the EU in the Western Balkans. 

Speakers

• Jonathan Hatwell, Head of the China division at the European External Action Service
• Plamen Tonchev, Head of the Asia Unit of the Institute of International Economics Relations in Athens
• Wouter Zweers, Research Fellow at the Clingendael Institute and coordinator of Clingendael’s ‘Balkan hub’

The discussion will be moderated by Frans-Paul van der Putten, Senior Research Fellow and Coordinator of the Clingendael China Centre.

Clingendael China Centre

​​​​​European governments, businesses and other stakeholders have started a serious, strategic debate on the growing role and influence of China in the world, including in Europe. The Clingendael China Centre carries out state-of-the-art analyses and policy research with the aim to provide strategic advice and tailor-made solutions for government ministries, companies, business associations, and nonprofit organisations.

Join the livestream

We are looking forward to your online presence. Join the livestream via our YouTube channel. Register for the email alert to receive a reminder 15 minutes in advance.