On 28 May, the Beijing-based Ambassadors of the European Political Community (EPC) met at the European Union Delegation to China. The meeting was a joint initiative of the European Union Delegation, the Embassy of Poland, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the Council of European Union, and the Embassy of Albania, which hosted the most recent, sixth EPC Summit in Tirana on 16 May 2025. It was the second time the EU Delegation to China hosted such a gathering.

The 6th EPC Summit in Tirana brought together Heads of State and Government of the EPC Countries to discuss the most pressing issues currently facing the European continent. Their Diplomatic Envoys in Beijing used this opportunity to look at and examine these challenges from the local perspective. The EPC countries emphasised that in our efforts to preserve peace and enhance the prosperity of our continent, China, as a significant actor in global politics and economics, cannot be overlooked. The discussion focused on China’s role and impact on Europe’s security, political stability and economic prosperity.

The complex picture of the economic and trade relations between Europe and China in the era of global trade tensions was introduced by the President of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China. Following-up on that topic, participants exchanged views on the impact of US-China political and trade relations on Europe, including an observed phenomenon of growing Chinese trade diversion due to the tariffs. China’s stance on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine was another topic of the discussion.

The meeting provided an opportunity to share common assessments of opportunities and challenges regarding the economic and trade relationship with China, as well as to show solidarity with Ukraine.

The meeting was attended by representatives of: Albania, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, European Union Delegation to China, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, The Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, the UK and Ukraine.

European Union, 2025