Today: 28 October 2025
2 December 2021
1 min read

EU rolls out massive infra plan to counter China

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the global gateway scheme should become a trusted brand to challenge China’s expanding influence…reports Asian Lite News

The European Union (EU) has revealed details of a $340 billion global investment plan, described as a “true alternative” to China’s Belt and Road strategy, the BBC reported.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the global gateway scheme should become a trusted brand.

China has funded rail, roads and ports, but has been accused of leaving some countries saddled with debt.

The Commission chief said countries need “trusted partners” to design projects that are sustainable, the report said.

The EU is looking at how it can leverage billions of euros, drawn from member states, financial institutions and the private sector.

Leyen said the projects had to be of high quality, with a high level of transparency and good governance, and had to deliver tangible results for the countries involved, she explained. One EU official told the BBC that Africa would be a major focus of the scheme.

China’s strategy has reached Africa, Asia, the Indo-Pacific and the EU too. China’s Cosco company owns two-thirds of the huge Greek container port at Piraeus and the China Road and Bridge Corporation has built a key bridge in Croatia.

“When it comes to investment choices,” said the Commission President, “The few options that exist too often come with a lot of small print which includes big consequences, be it financially, politically but also socially.”

Projects had to be of high quality, with a high level of transparency and good governance, and had to deliver tangible results for the countries involved.

ALSO READ: MI6 head warns of China’s ‘traps’

Previous Story

‘A well-thought-out strategic vision for next 50 years’

Next Story

‘Challenges never deterred us from pursuing our path’

Latest from -Top News

Gazans Struggle to Revive Life

Today, Gaza’s markets seem to awaken from beneath the ruins. Partially destroyed shops opened their doors amid streets littered with debris, while merchants attempt to arrange what remains of their goods on

GAZA AID: MSF raps Israel

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) says Israel Continues to Use Aid as a Weapon of War Against Gaza Strip…reports Asian Lite News Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said that despite the ceasefire agreement, Israel

Qatar Emir Meets Trump

HH the Amir welcomed HE the US President and his accompanying delegation, expressing his pleasure at meeting the President during his stopover in Qatar…reports Asian Lite News HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim

Abu Dhabi leads future of food innovation

Global Food Week 2025 cements Abu Dhabi’s leadership in food innovation, uniting 75 countries to showcase sustainable agriculture, cutting-edge technologies, and women-led enterprises driving future food security….reports Asian Lite News Global Food

UAE reshapes AI council

The newly reconstituted Council will be chaired by His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan serving as Vice-Chairman….reports Asian Lite
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Japan asks China to self-restraint military activities in ECS

A senior Japanese diplomat Funakoshi Takehiro has expressed concerns about

‘China is outwardly strong, but inwardly weak’

Garside said this current regime of President Xi has been