Central and Eastern Europe and the Future of the European China Debate

With generous support from Mercator Stiftung, we – AMO (Association for International Affairs) and its CHOICE network, the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), and Poland’s Centre for Eastern Studies (OSW) – are thrilled to introduce an ambitious new project aimed at reshaping the European conversation on China. With the combined expertise of our institutions, we aim to bridge critical gaps in understanding China’s influence across Europe and amplify the unique perspectives of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) within the broader European policy debate.

The challenges presented by China’s growing role in global affairs impact Europe in diverse ways, yet the conversation often overlooks the specific concerns and insights of CEE countries. Through this initiative, our partnership seeks to integrate CEE perspectives into the European mainstream and foster a unified approach that respects regional diversity while enhancing Europe’s collective resilience.

AMO’s China Observers in Central and Eastern Europe (CHOICE) network, OSW, and ECFR’s local offices in Warsaw and Sofia designed the project by the principle of  in the region, for the region. Our goal is to deepen the China-related discourse in CEE by producing targeted research that sheds light on Beijing’s strategies and their implications for local economies, security, and democratic resilience. Policy briefs on topics like the effects of China’s industrial policies on CEE competitiveness and impacts of changes in Chinese strategic culture on Europe will serve as key resources for local stakeholders.

Workshops across CEE capitals will bring together China experts, policymakers, and representatives from sectors with critical China components, such as technology and innovation, to bridge knowledge silos and foster interdisciplinary insights. In collaboration with ECFR’s network of seven offices across Europe, we aim to establish strong connections between CEE-based China watchers and their counterparts in Western Europe. This effort will highlight the geopolitical and security concerns unique to CEE, advancing a more balanced and inclusive EU strategy on China that considers the diversity of European perspectives.

Through strategic outreach and our established networks, we will promote research findings and insights, sparking informed debate and empowering stakeholders to address the challenges posed by China in a cohesive, Europe-wide framework.