PAST EVENT – Economic Worlds: A Cosmolab Dialogue on Transformation in China and Europe

INVITATION
IN-PERSON EVENT

Panel Discussion

Economic Worlds: A Cosmolab Dialogue on Transformation in China and Europe
Strategic Economic Governance, Competitiveness and EU-China Dialogue

Date: Wednesday, 10 June, 2026
Time: 17:00 – 19:30 CEST
Venue: EIAS, rue de la Loi 26, 10th Floor, B-1040 Brussels
*Followed by Networking Reception

Dear Sir/Madam/X, 

The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS), in cooperation with European Guanxi and the China Knowledge Network (CKN), had the pleasure of organising a panel discussion on “Strategic Economic Governance, Competitiveness and EU-China Dialogue.“

The event took place took place on Wednesday, 10 June, 2026, from 17:00 to 19:30, at the EIAS office, Rue de la Loi 26, B-1040 Brussels, Belgium and brought together policymakers, academics, experts, young professionals, and students to exchange views on the strategic and policy dimensions of Europe’s and China’s evolving economic agendas.

Against the backdrop of increasing geopolitical tensions, rapid technological transformation, and changing models of economic governance, the discussion provided a timely opportunity to explore how both the European Union and China are reassessing their approaches to competitiveness, industrial resilience, economic sovereignty, innovation, and long-term economic development. Particular attention was given to the growing interaction between economic policy and security considerations, as well as the implications for the broader international economic order.

Beyond economic developments, the panel also examined the role of strategic perceptions and political narratives in shaping contemporary EU-China relations. Participants discussed how concepts such as risk, dependency, partnership, and competition increasingly influence policy making and international engagement on both sides.

Bringing together experts from policy, academia, and the wider Europe-Asia community, the discussion sought to foster an open, forward-looking exchange on the governance approaches and policy philosophies underpinning economic transformation in Brussels and Beijing. The event also provided an interactive platform for young professionals, students, and early-career researchers to engage directly with established experts, encouraging dialogue across generations and contributing fresh perspectives to debates on Europe-China and broader Europe-Asia relations.

Programme

17:00 – 17:30   Registration and Welcome Coffee

17:30 – 17:35   Welcome & Opening Remarks

• Ms. Hannah Preuss, European Guanxi

17:35 – 18:10  Cosmolab Presentation & Screening

• Mr. Marc Moquette, Cosmolab, SpecialEnvoy for Knowledge on China, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Mr. Simon van Oortmerssen, China Knowledge Network (CKN), Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

18:10 – 18:55   Moderated Panel Discussion

• Mr. Kjeld van Wieringen, Policy Analyst, European Parliamentary Research Service
• Ms. Alessia Caruso, Research Analyst, China Projects, Rhodium Group
• Dr. Huanyu Zhao, Horizon Europe Researcher & Vice-Head of the Marie Curie China Chapter 
• Mr. Marc Moquette, Cosmolab, Special Envoy for Knowledge on China, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Mr. Simon van Oortmerssen, CKN, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs 

Moderator: Ms. Hannah Preuss, European Guanxi

18:55 – 19:15   Final Reflections & Q&A

19:15 – 20:00   Networking Reception

Photo credits: Pixabay