Conference: Chinese Electoral Interference and the Role of Populism in EU-Chinese Relations

In May, CHOICE analysts Dr. Ivana Karásková and Kara Němečková presented their recent study on the stances of European far-right and far-left-wing parties regarding China. This event was part of a conference organized by FNF Europe in Brussels.

The research, published by the Association for International Affairs (AMO) and supported by FNF Europe examines the methods that China uses to approach European politicians, analyzes the current European Parliament’s position on China, and discusses how predicted gains in seats by far-right and left-wing political parties may influence any new European Parliament stance on China.

CHOICE analysts were joined at the panel by Dr. Matthias Hackler, Advisor to the Chair of the China Delegation (D-CN) of the European Parliament who shared his insights on China’s influence activities in the European Parliament. The discussion was moderated by Roman Pable, Policy Advisor for Renew Europe at the European Parliament, Foreign Affairs (AFET) and Security and Defense (SEDE).

The presentation prompted a lively and thought-provoking discussion among attendees, including representatives from European institutions, parliamentary staff, think tanks, and civil society groups.

The conference’s second panel delved into Chinese electoral interference and the influence of populism on EU-Chinese relations, featuring contributions from Etienne Soula, research analyst with the Alliance for Securing Democracy, Alice Stollmeyer, and Alexandre Alaphilippe.