EU — China: Systemic Rivalry or Room for Cooperation
The Geopolitical Observatory for Russia’s Key Issues (G.O.R.K.I. Centre of St Petersburg University) invites university students and young professionals to a seminar that will be held on 14 and 16 November 2024 at the Kelch Mansion (28 Tchaikovsky Street). The seminar will include expert briefings and a simulation of an EU Council meeting on the issue of EU relations with the People’s Republic of China.
Given the deterioration of relations between several EU members and China since 2018 and the worrying declarations of a possible EU — China trade war starting in 2025, we will try to examine the European powers’ interests in economic, political and cultural relations with China and how these interests could be defended during an EU Council meeting.
The EU Council plays a key role in the areas of European integration where decision-making takes place at the intergovernmental level. Based on the provisions of the Maastricht Treaty, the Council is responsible for joint foreign and security policy. During our simulation of an EU Council meeting, the participants will play heads of states and governments of the EU member states.
The moderator of the event will be Dr Karin Kneissl, Head of the Geopolitical Observatory for Russia’s Key Issues (G.O.R.K.I. Centre), Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Austria (2017–2019), who will share her experience of interacting with the EU institutions.
Briefings by Dr Kneissl, St Petersburg University lecturers, and participants from EU member states will help you understand the background of European—Chinese relations and the work of the EU Council and make an informed decision on the position of the country you represent.
Coffee breaks, during which you will be able to exchange ideas with colleagues and lecturers, are scheduled on both days of the seminar.
The working language of the event is English.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at gorki.mock@spbu.ru.
Please note that the number of participants is limited and visiting the 14 November lectures is compulsory for participation in the simulation on 16 November.