EU should avoid acting like an immature geopolitical entity in its dealings with China, according to Barroso.

EU should avoid acting like an immature geopolitical entity in its dealings with China, according to Barroso.

In an interview set to air on Europe Today at 8.00 CET on July 24, former European Commission President José Manuel Barroso has expressed concern about Europe's response to China's growing economic and geopolitical dominance. He views China's rise as a "wake-up call" for the European Union, urging the bloc to "do its own homework" and take more serious, strategic, and autonomous action.

During Barroso's tenure as head of the EU executive, China consolidated its position as the world's second-largest economy. However, Europe's response to China’s rise has been somewhat immature or unprepared, according to Barroso. He believes that the EU needs to focus on internal reforms and strengthening its own position—economically, politically, and technologically—to better compete or engage with China on equal footing.

This call for self-reliance and assertiveness from Barroso aligns with the need for the EU to balance idealism with pragmatism. The EU should continue to promote its values such as sustainability and human rights while also protecting its own economic interests and companies against unfair competition. Mechanisms like border carbon adjustments could be employed to achieve this balance.

The EU-China summit, scheduled for Thursday in Beijing, was expected to reinvigorate EU-China ties, but simmering tensions have raised doubts about a successful outcome. Trade disputes between the two have escalated, with the EU imposing tariffs on China-made electric vehicles and China launching anti-subsidy probes into EU-made brandy, pork, and dairy products.

Furthermore, China is accused by Brussels of being a "key enabler" of Russia's war in Ukraine through its "no-limits" trade and economic partnership with Moscow. Barroso stated that China's silence on Russia's invasion of Ukraine is difficult for Europe to accept, especially considering China's traditional support for multilateral order and the respect of international law.

China supplies 80% of the dual-used goods that end up in Russian weapons, according to the EU executive. This has led to concerns about China's role in enabling Russia's aggression in Ukraine.

Barroso also stated that Europe should not blame others for its lack of a fully-integrated single market for services or capital, or a joint European defense. Instead, he believes that Europe needs to "do more and faster" to project its influence against an increasingly dominant China.

The Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) talks were launched during Barroso's tenure as the head of the EU executive. However, the ratification of the CAI deal later stalled in the European Parliament. Despite this setback, Barroso's interview underscores the need for the EU to take a more assertive stance in its dealings with China, focusing on internal reforms and strategic independence to better engage with China on equal footing.

1. Migration patterns within Europe could shift as a result of national responses to Chinese economic dominance, potentially impacting education-and-self-development and personal-growth initiatives.
2. As Europe works towards internal reforms, the focus on productivity may increase, aiding career-development and the overall economic competitiveness of the region.
3. Mindfulness practices, aimed at enhancing focus and reducing stress, might play a role in achieving the necessary productivity boost for European workers.
4. With increased productivity, Europeans might choose to invest in casino-and-gambling activities like blackjack or slots for a chance at big-wins, potentially affecting responsible-gambling policies and legislation.
5. War-and-conflicts, prompted by unresolved tensions, could arise from the power struggle between Europe and China, impacting general-news coverage and crime-and-justice issues.
6. Policy-and-legislation changes could be implemented to regulate the casino-and-gambling industry more strictly, targeting anti-money-laundering activities and ensuring responsible gambling.
7. Las Vegas, long associated with casino-culture and entertainment, might face a decline in tourism due to these policies, affecting local businesses and employment opportunities.
8. The Vegas history and myths might be further compromised by such legislative changes, potentially impacting the city's cultural significance.
9. Gambling trends may shift towards online platforms to circumvent these regulations, leading to increased involvement in online casino games and lotteries.
10. Car-accidents, related to impaired judgment due to gambling-related issues, could become a growing concern for policymakers, necessitating stricter regulations andpublic awareness campaigns.
11. European politics might become more contentious as a result of these issues, with different parties advocating for varying approaches to China's growing dominance.
12. Online-education platforms could see increased demand for courses related to job-search strategies, as workers seek to adapt to the rapidly changing economic landscape.
13. Poker and roulette might become increasingly popular among online gamers, reflecting a growing interest in traditional casino games.
14. The EU's stance on China could affect international relations, with neighboring countries likely to take cues from the bloc's policy decisions.
15. Sports, such as football, soccer, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, tennis, racing, and other European leagues, could serve as a unique platform for diplomatic talks between European and Chinese officials.
16. The NBA and Champions League games could provide opportunities for the exchange of ideas and potential collaboration between sports franchises from both regions.
17. WNBA, MLB, NHL, and NCAAB basketball could also benefit from such interactions, fostering cultural exchange and possible sponsorship opportunities.
18. Accidents related to car-racing or other extreme sports might increase public scrutiny on gambling practices, reinforcing calls for responsible gambling and tighter regulations.
19. Fires and disasters, whether natural or man-made, could have a profound impact on European economies, necessitating new responses and emergency services training.
20. Learning opportunities, particularly in the areas of goal-setting, responsible-gambling, and crisis management might emerge to address these challenges.
21. Skills-training programs could become essential for employees across various industries to stay competitive in this new landscape.
22. The continuous growth of Chinese economic influence could lead to the resurgence of protectionist policies within Europe, potentially isolating the continent.
23. The EU's traditional ideals of multilateralism and international co-operation may come under threat as the bloc seeks to defend its interests against China's growing power.
24. Big-wins in casino-and-gambling, particularly at notable establishments like Las Vegas, could elevate certain individuals to the status of casino personalities, inspiring others to engage in similar activities.
25. The ongoing gambling trends in Europe could also be influenced by the growing popularity of Asian games, such as Mahjong and Pai Gow Poker, that have found their way into western casinos.
26. The European Union's response to China's growing dominance might shape the future dynamics of global economies and international relations for years to come.
27. In this rapidly changing world, lifelong-learning and continued skills-training might prove essential in maintaining a competitive edge, both personally and professionally.
28. As Europe grapples with these challenges, it remains crucial to strike a balance between pursuing economic growth and upholding its values of sustainability and human rights.
29. Evolving gaming trends and policy-and-legislation changes might make it necessary for governments and industry players to collaborate on developing responsible gambling programs and guidelines.
30. The insights provided by José Manuel Barroso highlight the need for Europe to embrace change, focusing on internal reforms and cultivating a strategic, self-reliant, and forward-thinking mindset to maintain its status as a strong and competitive global player.

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