As China and Italy mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of China-EU ties, former Italian Prime Minister and former President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, visited Renmin University of China and delivered a keynote speech titled "China-Europe Relations in a New World Order."
Prodi was warmly welcomed by Chair of the University Council Zhang Donggang and President Lin Shangli. Faculty members and students also attended the event.
In his welcoming remarks, Zhang Donggang emphasized the university's long-standing commitment to international exchange, particularly with Italy. He highlighted RUC's role in promoting mutual understanding through the humanities and social sciences, and expressed hope for deeper collaboration, including joint research centers and youth exchange programs.
Lin Shangli noted that development remains a timeless theme in human society, and urged the academic community to explore the historical, theoretical, and practical logic behind global challenges to better contribute to an inclusive, sustainable future.
During his address, Prodi analyzed the evolving international landscape, describing it as a pivotal moment for China and the EU to build stronger and more transparent dialogue mechanisms. He noted that at this historical crossroads, we must look at the changing world with crystal clarity.
Prodi noted that despite Europe's complex challenges, China and the EU have consistently supported each other, forming a resilient and mutually beneficial partnership. With China and the EU jointly accounting for one-third of global GDP, Prodi emphasized vast potential for cooperation in areas such as renewable energy and infrastructure.
He underscored the importance of multilateralism and advocated for enhanced institutional collaboration focused on shared priorities such as trade and climate action. He said that only through openness and mutual benefit can China and Europe achieve common progress in the evolving world order.
Reflecting on his time as Italy’s Prime Minister, Prodi praised China’s peaceful and independent path to modernization, calling it a model worthy of admiration and emulation. He spoke positively of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, describing it as a modern Silk Road that has brought tangible benefits to many European countries.
“Standing in this temple of knowledge,” Prodi concluded, “I want to stress the need for open-mindedness and the pursuit of common ground in development.”
Following the speech, RUC’s CDG research team from the School of Applied Economics presented findings titled “Challenges and Prospects of Human and Social Development: From SDGs to CDGs.” Prodi expressed admiration for China’s achievements in poverty reduction and sustainability, voicing hope that China’s experience can help Global South countries achieve long-term economic growth.
In a Q&A session with students, Prodi reaffirmed that despite rising anti-globalization sentiments, the trend toward global cooperation remains irreversible. He emphasized that the economic and technological complementarity between China and the EU presents unique opportunities for an efficient and innovative partnership.
