Civil Society Dialogue on EU-China trade relations: developments and perspectives

• Date: 25/11/2026, 10:00-11:30
• Location: WEBEX and R. Schuman room, Berlaymont Building, Brussels. 

Meeting details

Registration closes on: Friday 20 November at 12:00

Please note that we have moved to a new registration system.

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China remains an indispensable trading partner for the European Union. It is our second largest trading partner after the US. However, our economic relationship with China is critically unbalanced. In 2025 our trade deficit amounted to € 259.9 billion. 

This is why the European Commission proposed the establishment of a new framework for sustained discussions with China to rebalance the relationship. This led to the launch of the Trade and Investment Consultations (TiC) on 29 June 2026. The purpose of this new mechanism is to address the structural problems in the bilateral relationship while preserving the EU’s full autonomy to deploy its trade and economic security instruments.

The aim of the meeting is to present the latest developments in EU-China trade relations and discuss with civil society organisations.

Speakers

Lead speaker

• Head of Unit, Far East Unit, Directorate-General for Trade, European Commission

Moderator

• Civil Society Coordination - Transparency, Civil society and Communication Unit, Directorate-General for Trade, European Commission

Agenda

1. Introduction.
2. Update on the latest developments.
3. Open discussion with stakeholders.

This is a hybrid meeting. We would be grateful if participants could arrive 30 minutes in advance. There will be a welcome desk in the security screening area of the Berlaymont building where IDs will be checked for security clearance. Please bring with you the confirmation of your V-pass and an ID card or passport.

The meeting will take place via WEBEX. Webex access code and password will be sent to registered participants. We would be grateful if participants could launch their WEBEX connection at least 30 minutes in advance of the meeting so that any technical problems can be arranged in time before the meeting.

Reimbursement of travel expenses

If you are based outside Brussels and you wish to participate in person, upon registration you can ask to have your return travel costs covered from the city in which your organisation is based. Reimbursement will only be paid once the relevant supporting documents are presented. Organisations can apply for funding for up to three times per year.