The launch of the EU-China Partnership on Sustainable Urbanisation has added a practical and dynamic new element into EU-China relations. Given the array of challenges they face in adapting to the “urban century”, China and Europe have a strong interest in working together to build better cities. How can China and Europe join forces to meet the demands of China’s urban billion?
China’s tremendous economic and social changes during the last few decades have triggered enormous migration flows from rural to urban areas. This debate provided an opportunity to explore China’s urban transition, identify main problems it brings and draw policy implications for sustainable urban planning and development. The China Advisory Council within the Understanding China programme welcomed some 40 senior experts on the topic of urbanisation.
With mixed reactions to the recent climate change talks in Durban, what initiatives can individuals pursue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Since the food sector accounts for about 30% of energy consumption and over 20% of greenhouse gas emissions, how can we curb the spread of our ‘Western’ diet, one that’s high in meat, dairy and processed food? And with the average European citizen eating almost 3,500 calories daily – 1,000 calories more than recommended – how can we stop the rising epidemic of diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart and cerebrovascular diseases?
Until the global economy spun into crisis, foreign direct investment (FDI) in Serbia was relatively strong and was among the preferred investment destinations in South-Eastern Europe. Today investment opportunities remain attractive, reflecting Serbia’s own need for privatisation, modernisation and greater competitiveness in the agriculture and food sectors, and in energy. Last year saw a modest return of investor interest in Serbia, but to reinforce this, what must the country now do to restructure its economy and improve the business environment? How can the rule of law be strengthened and red tape cut so as to create a climate more conducive to FDI? What measures would best improve financial services and promote the private sector? How crucially important is EU candidate status not only to Serbia itself but to the Western Balkans as a whole?