Paths International Ltd

Abstract:

The “Belt and Road” is a brand new initiative introduced by China in the new era. It mainly aims to promote the connectivity and the economic cooperation between China and the countries involved. Moreover, it actively pushes forward the policy coordination, currency circulation as well as the people-to-people bond. Europe or the EU plays quite a significant role under the “Belt and Road” Initiative. For China, the EU is the most important trading partner, the leading source of foreign investment, a key supporter of Chinese economy and the very focus of the “Belt and Road” Initiative. The “Belt and Road” Initiative will undoubtedly become the crucial link between the two

major civilizations and two huge markets and further contribute to the comprehensive cooperation between China and Europe.

The EU’s response to the “Belt and Road” Initiative suggests that the Initiative enjoys a popularity in Europe and Europe expects to get a lift from the rise of Chinese economy and develop economic and trade relations with China by making full use of the various initiatives and mechanisms launched by China. However, to understand the real attitude of Europe towards the initiative, the official declarations of the European countries are far from enough. Therefore, it is necessary to further analyze the motives behind European responses and the potential of the bilateral cooperation between the two sides. In this article, the author has made a concrete analysis on the European responses through multiple field trips and on-set interviews, and then put forward some specific policy suggestions on the future cooperation between the two sides. Another focus of this study is the risks of building the “Belt and Road” in Europe. It is of great significance to strengthen the awareness of risk prevention in case of emergencies. After all, a stitch in time saves nine. The landmark project, the China-Europe Land-Sea Express Passage, for instance, has encountered a series of obstacles such as the political turmoil of Greece, the political crisis of Macedonia and the refugee crisis of Europe. In addition, the “Silk Road Economic Belt”, which is the land route

between China and Europe, also faces an array of difficulties and challenges. The regulation limit, the technological barrier and the lack of mutual trust between China and Europe have made it difficult for China to build the “Belt and Road” in Europe. In view of this, China should be conscious of the situation and think ahead.