An ambitious vision for EU-China relations

The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the European Commission mapped out the EU's relationship with China for the next five years. The College also discussed the current political situation, notably the upcoming referendum in the United Kingdom, and prepared for the European Council. The Commission welcomed the Chancellor of Austria, Mr. Christian Kern.

New EU-China strategy

The College of Commissioners adopted a new EU-China strategy, which identifies major opportunities, in particular with the aim of creating jobs and growth in Europe as well as vigorously promoting a greater opening up of the Chinese market to European business, thus contributing to the first priority of President Juncker's Commission.

Such opportunities include:

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  an ambitious and comprehensive agreement on investment,
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  a Chinese contribution to the European Fund for Strategic Investments,
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  joint research and innovation activities,
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  connecting the Eurasian continent via a physical and digital network through which trade, investment and people-to-people contact can flow.
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  closer cooperation and partnership between the EU and China in the fields of foreign and security policy.
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  addressing issues of a global nature like migration, international development assistance, the environment and fighting climate change in a collaborative spirit that facilitates a global response.

The EU will continue to support China's economic and social reform programme through its many dialogues with China so that the country can reap the full benefits of market-led reform, including by eliminating state-induced economic distortions and reforming state-owned enterprises.

Looking further ahead, broader ambitions such as a deep and comprehensive Free Trade Agreement can be considered once an ambitious investment agreement between the two sides has been concluded and reforms that level the playing field for domestic and foreign companies have been implemented. In this regard, China must make significant, time-bound and verifiable cuts in industrial over-capacity, notably in the steel sector, to prevent negative consequences from unfair competition.

The EU's engagement with China will be principled, practical and pragmatic, staying true to its interests and values, in particular adherence to international rules and norms, and respect for human rights.

Debate on upcoming political events

Furthermore, the College held a political discussion on upcoming events of importance, such as the UK referendum, or the up-coming Spanish elections. It also discussed preparations for next week's European Council.

Visit of the Austrian Chancellor

Finally, President Jean-Claude Juncker and the College received Christian Kern, Chancellor of Austria with whom they held a working lunch.