(Group photo of the participants of the project launch event)

EU Ambassador to China, Jorge Toledo, opened the event. Ambassador Toledo emphasised the significance of engagement on green transition and blue economy in the context of EU-China relations, underscoring the urgency of collaborative efforts to address global environmental challenges. He noted, “think tank exchanges between the EU and China ensure that each side is properly informed about the other side’s policies, while jointly advancing public diplomacy and public policy to come up with innovative solutions to the most urgent problems of our planet. All of this strengthens the relationship between the EU and China, so let us embrace this opportunity to add a new layer to our cooperation”.

European Union, 2024

(Opening Remarks by EU Ambassador Jorge Toledo)

Mr. Chen Xianbin, Director of the Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Center under China’s Ministry of Natural Resources, emphasized the project’s contributions to green cooperation. He noted, “The project focuses on green development, conducting cooperative research, dialogue and exchange, starting from concepts, policies, practices and experiences, understanding each other's concerns and differences, deepening understanding, mutual learning and mutual benefit in cooperation, building the foundation of ecological civilization together, and walking the path of green development together”. Mr. Chen further highlighted that the natural resources sector is actively promoting and advancing green, low-carbon development and expressed his gratitude for the support from all parties involved in this project.

European Union, 2024

Representing the Hanns-Seidel Foundation, which leads this project, Markus Ferber, Member of the European Parliament and Chairman of the Foundation, delivered remarks via video message. For him, “launching this project is more than a collaborative effort; it represents a new path within the EU-China relationship. Together […] we are fostering mutual understanding, building trust, and addressing pressing challenges in green governance and sustainable development.”

Debora Tydecks-Zhou, Chief Representative of the Hanns Seidel Foundation’s Beijing office, introduced the project’s objectives and upcoming initiatives, expressing enthusiasm for the project’s role in fostering dialogue between European and Chinese think tanks.

European Union, 2024

(Roundtable discussion with experts and scholars )

In a roundtable focusing on the impact of think tanks on EU-China green cooperation, experts and scholars from the EU and China exchanged insights on research, policy, and public engagement, reinforcing the importance of think tank level engagement in climate and environmental matters.

This launch event highlights the EU’s commitment to advancing its environmental agenda through cooperation with China, underscoring shared priorities and the vital role of think tanks in supporting dialogue on sustainable development on a global scale.