On 11 June 2025, the EU SME Centre and the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China hosted an online policy meeting to discuss the findings of the Rhodium Group and MERICS Report on Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Europe (2024 Update). The event featured presentations by Gregor Sebastian, Senior Analyst at Rhodium Group, and Andreas Mischer, Researcher at MERICS, followed by an interactive Q&A session.
The report highlighted a notable rebound in Chinese FDI flows to Europe after several years of decline. Presenters emphasised that Europe has maintained its position as the primary destination for Chinese investment among high-income economies. This resurgence has been particularly visible in certain strategic sectors and select geographic markets.
A key focus of the meeting was the changing sectoral composition of Chinese investment. The report showcased the overwhelming dominance of greenfield projects in advanced industries, with electric vehicles and related technologies accounting for the vast majority of recent investments. This shift reflects both the global competitiveness of Chinese firms in these sectors and evolving trade dynamics.
Geographically, the analysis revealed significant concentration in certain European markets, with Hungary emerging as the clear leader in attracting Chinese capital. Meanwhile, traditional Western European destinations have seen their relative share of investment decline substantially in recent years.
The presentations also addressed policy developments at both the national and EU levels, including evolving investment screening mechanisms and new regulatory frameworks that may shape future investment flows.
