Chinese FDI in Europe Rebounds: What It Means for Competitiveness and Policy

In a long-standing collaboration, MERICS and Rhodium Group track Chinese FDI in Europe in an annual report. On Wednesday, May 20th at 9 AM (CEST), MERICS held a launch event for the 2025 update titled Chinese investment rises to 7-year high.
 

The report traces a noticeable pick‑up in activity after several quieter years and explores how the balance between greenfield projects and acquisitions is shifting. It also looks at changes in the European destinations that are drawing the most attention from Chinese firms, with some familiar countries reinforced and others re‑emerging. Against this backdrop, the study examines how a more cautious environment for outbound investment coincides with continued growth in Chinese exports to Europe, and what this means for European competitiveness and policy making.
 

These dynamics and their implications for Europe’s long‑term resilience were discussed by the report's authors Andreas Mischer (MERICS) and Gregor Williams (Rhodium). Claudia Wessling (MERICS) moderated the event.