On 15th September 2021, was announced the upcoming launch of the Global Gateway initiative, a possible EU rival to the BRI.
European Union Global Gateway
In the Way of the Road, the Ecological Consequences of Infrastructure, by Prof Griffiths and Prof Hughes
Book Review: Griffiths, R. and A. Hughes (eds.) (2021): In the way of the Road: The Ecological Consequences of Infrastructure Leiden: IIAS.
A new China-Ukraine partnership
On June 30, China and the Ukraine signed a major agreement regarding the financing and construction of transport infrastructure.
The BRI, more than just a logo
EU member States are considering launching an EU version of the Belt and Road Initiative. Would this project work along China’s BRI?
From 17+1 to 27+1 mechanism?
Lithuania decided to quit China’s 17+1 mechanism in May 2021. Is the 17+1 mechanism still relevant? Or should we move to a 27+1 dialogue?
French-Chinese-German video summit, July 2021
On 5th July, Chinese President, Xi Jinping, held a virtual meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The “Build Back Better World” programme
What is G7 “Build Back Better World” (B3W), and can it compete with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)?
Slovakia at the 5th Silk Road International Exposition
Slovakia’s Deputy Prime Minister for Finance and Minister of Economy Richard Sulík gave a speech at the ceremony of the Silk Road Expo.
Montenegro’s debt dilemma: an opportunity to improve the BRI?
Montenegro may default because of a BRI motorway construction project. Governance and financial matters need to be improved for future BRI programmes.
Is the 17+1 format still relevant?
Relations between China and Central Eastern European (CEE) countries remain strong but the 17+1 format probably needs to get revised.