Energy innovation seems to be one of the 21st Century's greatest frontiers, and well as one of the greatest challenges. In order to build sustainable technology and increase independence, why does Europe absolutely need China?

The European Commission's new leadership, under President Ursula von der Leyen's second term, is shifting toward a more assertive stance on China, amid internal political shifts and overlapping bureaucratic roles. Without a coherent ‘U.S.-China policy,’ Europe risks deepening internal divisions and weakening its ability to assert strategic autonomy between the U.S. and China.

Continued conflation of economic issues with geopolitical concerns may hinder Europe’s ability to reverse its gradual decline of influence within both emerging industries and the broader international economic landscape. Ultimately, it will squander its limited resources.

The Italian Prime Minister’s visit to China offers key insights into the state of Sino-European relations, the evolution of de-risking strategies, and China’s response to this challenge.

Italy’s nascent Meloni administration has made no secret of its intention to divert from the previous regime’s warm approach to China. Even with its withdrawal from the Belt and Road Initiative, the door still seems to be open for a different kind of investment into Italy for China - so long as Meloni’s cabinet sees a tangible benefit for Italy.

By imposing provisional duties on Chinese EV imports, the EU seeks to protect its automotive industry while navigating complex internal and external pressures, with the potential for significant economic and geopolitical fallout if a full-scale trade war ensues.

The recent snap elections in France have complicated the country's foreign policy, particularly towards China. With the rise of both the far-right National Rally and the left-wing New Popular Front, France's stance on China is increasingly uncertain, as diverging views within these factions challenge President Macron's strategic autonomy and complicate Sino-French relations at a critical juncture.

Britain’s recent change in leadership will test its ability to navigate its relationship with a powerful China - both an important trading partner and formidable foe on the global stage. As one of the West’s preeminent powers, the UK must move with sound strategy to achieve its goals.

As the countries lean more to the left, they may use relations with China to counter the growing radical right movement in the United States and its domino effect in Europe.