Belt and Road in Europe

Chinese investments into the Western Balkans have left a trail of public outcry and legal battles, revealing a region grappling with the complexities of economic development and foreign influence. 

What explains Rome’s brief engagement with the BRI?

Top-level representation dropped to a new low, based largely on a lack of interest from European states.

The big event is happening October 17and 18. The question now is: who will show up?

Mapping the BRI's growth over its first 10 years – and its transformation from a Eurasian transit corridor to an initiative with global scope.

If Italy formally withdraws from the Belt and Road, it would be another blow to the prestige of Xi Jinping's signature foreign policy initiative.

Exploring the geoeconomic implications for the BRI and other Eurasian economic and infrastructure initiatives.

Cyprus' geographical location, EU membership, and importance as a transshipment hub have drawn interest from Beijing.

Chinese infrastructure-building attempts in Central and Eastern Europe are different in each country. So is the response from host governments.

The railway became the BRI’s most important project in Europe -- but nearly seven years later, the story still isn’t over.

A Finnish state media documentary raises questions about the Kouvola-Xi’an train connection – and, implicitly, the wider China-Finland relationship.

Insights from Frans-Paul van der Putten.

China's growing presence in Portugal exemplifies the diverse stances of EU members toward Beijing.

The list of attendees tells us a lot about how the BRI has progressed in the last two years.

Insights from Romeo Orlandi.

Hungary’s various identities are all pointing in one direction: toward Beijing.

This is a decisive moment for Europe, as it responds (for the first time) to Beijing’s industrial and commercial policies.

Xi’s receptions in Italy and France were markedly different. So were the benefits for the hosts – but not in the way you’d expect.

Italy has officially joined China’s Belt and Road. But at home and abroad, not everyone is happy with the move.

Don't overlook the historical underpinnings of the modern day China-Italy connection.

For all the overtures to China that Rome is making, Italy has not yet settled on what kind of relationship it actually wants.

The last policy paper was issued just four years before. What changed?

China is playing an increasingly active role in Serbia, part of its expansion in Central and Eastern Europe.

Why is this medium-sized southern European country being targeted by Chinese investors?