The Egmont Institute and Elcano Royal Institute organised the latest Reconnect China policy workshop titled ‘Standards, Narratives and Partnerships: Rethinking EU and China’s Approaches to Connectivity‘ in a hybrid setting. Around 20 experts and scholars took part either online or at the Egmont Institute in Brussels on 26th January 2026 to examine how Europe can engage with China.
An expert panel composed of chairperson Victor De Decker (Egmont Institute), Mario Esteban (Elcano Royal Institute), Aurelio Insisa (IAI), Kara Němečková (CEIAS) and John Seaman (IFRI) discussed the project’s policy outputs on connectivity. The topics encompassed China’s approach to connectivity and its implications for Europe across several dimensions, including technical standards, strategic narratives and the impact of China’s connectivity projects in Africa and Central Asia.
Together, the research – delivered in Reconnect China policy briefs and other academic outputs – highlighted the challenges Europe face in reconciling cooperation and competition in its engagement with China. The panel also put forward practical recommendations for policymakers as part of Reconnect China’s continuing support for evidence-informed policymaking.
Please see the following research outputs of Reconnect China for further information on the topic:
Policy briefs:
Tactical synergy with China’s BRI can safely improve EU-Central Asia connectivity. Sense Hofstede (ReConnect China Policy Brief 28).
Geopolitical Narratives Are Counterproductive: The EU Global Gateway Faces the Belt and Road Initiative. Mario Esteban, Aurelio Insisa (ReConnect China Policy Brief 9).
Technical Standards, Soft Connectivity and China’s Belt and Road: Towards greater convergence or fragmentation? John Seaman (ReConnect China Policy Brief 19).
Evolving patterns of China’s involvement in African infrastructure. Richard Turcsányi, Kara Němečková, Veronika Blablová (ReConnect China Policy Brief 26).
Research Paper:
China’s BRI and EU Global Gateway Experiences with Public-Private Partnerships for Infrastructure Projects in Africa: Assessing Impact and Significance. Aurelio Insisa (IAI).