Changes of the EU International Standing and Influence and China's Countermeasures

Changes of the EU International Standing and Influence and China’s Countermeasures

CIIS Annual Research Project (2012)

Chairperson: Cui Hongjian

Duration: April 2012 to April 2013

Introduction:

The recent years have witnessed the changes of European Union (EU) international standing and soft power under the great influence of internal and external factors, particularly the euro zone debt crisis. Firstly, with the outbreak and deepening of the euro zone debt crisis, the policy focus of the EU has shifted from foreign policy coordination to economic and fiscal policy coordination and internal economic governance. Secondly, the divergence of views on how to solve the debt crisis has not only intensified and exposed the differences in national interests, policy direction and the perception of regional interests among EU member states, but undermined the foundation of foreign policy coordination within the Union. Thirdly, the political, economic and social dilemma that the EU encounters has impacted the exemplary effect and influence of the EU model negatively. Last and but not least, the EU and its member states are adopting more aggressive polices in foreign and international affairs in order to address its debt crisis and economic difficulties. For example, the EU countries have introduced “risky policies” on the Libya Crisis and the airline carbon tax issue, which shows that the EU has strengthened its pursuit of a dominant role in global economic governance and international security affairs.

This project will analyze the origins, current status and future development of the changes in the above four aspects in order to generate an objective and scientific understanding of EU’s current and future international role.