On 12 July, 2021, the Council of the EU gave a green light to the EU’s new global approach to connectivity, with the preliminary name A Globally Connected Europe [Why is the EU copying China’s Belt and Road initiative?].
The Council’s conclusions highlight the importance of connectivity, physical infrastructure, sustainability, and rules-based order. Additional actions to be prepared for a new Joint Communication by spring 2022 call for the Council to identify a set of high impact and visible projects globally that will become part of the EU’s project. It’s impossible to miss the eerie similarity with China’s BRI projects which are flashy, big, with national and international visibility and impact, and clear Chinese attribution.
The EU is right to attempt to boost its international soft power and visibility, but it is doing it for the wrong reasons and with the wrong narrative. Mirroring China’s approach is unlikely to make partner countries choose European partners when China’s assistance often comes quicker and with less strings attached. Mimicking investments in infrastructure and flashy projects also sends a reinvigorating message for the BRI – after all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Despite a handful of corruption, environmental, and other troubles, China’s image has been uplifted by BRI projects in the developing world [Greeks wage a court battle against Chinese-funded port that may poison the environment].
If EU’s global connectivity plan is to stand a chance, the Council and other agencies have to construct a much more convincing narrative of Europe’s strengths that is rooted in not simply its differences with the BRI’s approach.
Mirela Petkova
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