Relations between European Union and China are to be deepened.

China and European Union are the biggest trade partners in the world. Europe exports 113.1 billions of goods to China while EU imports 291.9 billions of goods from China. This trade has been significantly supported by diplomatic relations since 1975. How this specific status of china is traduced in matter of cooperation European policy or in terms of European programmes?

EU-CHINA 2020, Cooperation Strategic Agenda

In December 2013,  during the 16th EU-China Summit, “EU-China 2020, Cooperation Strategic Agenda “ was set up. This text lays down the proprietary sectors concerning cooperation. They are:
1 / Peace and Security
2/ Prosperity: Trade and investment, Industry and information, Agriculture, Transport and infrastructure
3/ Sustainable Development: Scientific and technological innovation, Energy, Urbanization…
4/ People-to-People Exchanges : Culture, education and youth, Facilitation of people-to-people exchanges

You may consult the document by clicking here.

European programmes in China

>First of all, China will benefit from external actions service.  The country is no longer eligible to the bilateral programmes of the Development and Cooperation Programme (DCI) but it remains the thematic programmes. The big change concerns China eligibility to the brand new Partnership Instrument. China is even a top priority such as Brazil, India and South Africa.

> Chinese project leaders are eligible to all call for proposals under HORIZON 2020. Specific calls aiming at a better scientific cooperation between China and EU are to expect.

> People-to-people exchanges is intensified as well through different programmes : ERASMUS PLUS for students and teach in higher education on one hand ; through MARIE SKLODOWSKA CURIE actions under Horizon 2020 which support mobility of searchers.. Joint seminars on youth work and entrepreneurship have also been organised and close to €5m has been allocated to youth projects with Chinese partners from 2011 to 2013.