(W.E.Talk) Former President of the European Council Charles Michel: A trade environment based on level playing field and mutual benefit is beneficial to all parties

By CNS Li Jiajia

"There are differences between the EU and China, but it is important to engage in a frank,transparent and respectful dialogue and work together for more stability, security, and predictability." Recently, at the "50th Anniversary Forum of China-EU Diplomatic Relations" held in CEIBS, Charles Michel, former President of the European Council, former Prime Minister of Belgium, and CEIBS Distinguished Professor, said that there is great potential for cooperation between Europe and China, which is not only about economic development, but also about jointly addressing global challenges. 

Prof. Michel pointed out that the world is currently at a crucial crossroads, facing many challenges such as trade protectionism, the opportunities and risks brought by big data and artificial intelligence, and national sovereignty and security. He said that the EU's strategic autonomy is the only way forward and an inevitable solution. He also emphasized the importance of free trade to the EU's success and pointed out that the market is the basis for carrying out healthy economic competition. The EU's motto of "unity in diversity" and China's concept of "harmony in diversity" make both sides good partners for each other. The two sides have great potential for cooperation in key areas such as responding to climate change, promoting economic development, maintaining world peace and security, and helping developing countries. 

Prof. Michel expressed hope that Europe and China could draw lessons from past experiences, and suggested some ideas for the future relationship: one, that the EU-China relationship should be considered on the basis of its own merit, without being influenced by other powers, and two, that EU-China differences and divergences must be managed in a responsible way, with respect, transparency and sincerity to foster mutual understanding. 

"Internationalization and multilateralism are written into the DNA of Europe. The current world is multipolar, so it is necessary for us to update the multilateral mechanisms to make them work more effectively," Prof. Michel said. He believes that the EU and China have an especially important responsibility at this moment. The EU adheres to the principle of diversity, and China also holds the concept of "harmony in diversity." Under such principles, the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the EU and China has arrived, which gives both sides the opportunity to rethink how to inject new vitality into the bilateral relationship, so as to benefit the people of the EU and China and even the people all over the world.

When talking about the current global trade pattern, Prof. Michel said that in the end, there were no winners, only losers in trade wars, so it was important to stick to the principles of freedom and openness. "We must have a trade environment that is based on level playing field and mutual benefit. This is good for everyone. We must get rid of trade barriers and rebuild trust in a transparent way." He stressed that the EU should deepen cooperation with China and have closer exchanges. 

He also referred to the China-EU Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) and considered it a starting point and a means to "enable leaders on both the EU and Chinese sides to engage in more constructive dialogue." Prof. Michel hopes that the two sides can reach a consensus as soon as possible. "The CAI would be a strong and positive signal for EU businesses. It could better enable EU businesses to seize opportunities to develop the Chinese market and would also enhance their confidence in investing in China." 

When talking about the Future for China-Europe Economic and Trade Cooperation, Prof. Michel highlighted carbon pricing as a potential area of cooperation to together overcome the challenge of climate change, by developing common climate standards and creating a more level playing field. He also emphasised trust, balance and transformation as key elements of a successful future EU-China economic relationship. 

Resume:

Charles Michel was born on December 21, 1975, in Namur, Belgium. In 1999, at the age of 24, he was elected as a member of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives, becoming one of the youngest parliamentarians in Belgian history. From 2014 to 2019, Michel served as Prime Minister of Belgium, leading a multi-party coalition government. During his tenure, he focused on promoting economic reforms and dedicated efforts to enhancing diversity and solidarity within Belgian society. On July 2, 2019, Charles Michel was elected by EU leaders as President of the European Council. He officially assumed the role of European Council President on December 1, 2019. On March 24, 2022, he was successfully re-elected, extending his term until the end of 2024.