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Brussels, May 14th, 2024 On Monday, 13th of May, the Europe-Asia Center had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Eddie Cheung, Director of Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK). In a dynamic and forward-looking dialogue, both sides explored the potential for EU-Asia media collaboration, with an emphasis on new media innovations. Matic Gajšek, Director for Europe at the Europe-Asia Center, underscored the meeting's importance, commenting: "Engagements like these deepen our commitment to fostering robust EU-Asia relations. The potential for growth through new media collaboration is immense and holds promise for enhanced understanding between our regions." For press enquiries: Jonathan Schwestka, Project Coordinator, Europe – Asia Center E-mail: jonathan.schwestka@europe-asia.org

Brussels, May 11th, 2024 On Friday, 10th of May, a high-level delegation from the Europe-Asia Center, led by its two Co-Chairs, the former UN Undersecretary General H.E. Erik Solheim and former Ambassador to the UN H.E. Jean de Ruyt, and including former UNESCO Director General H.E. Irina Bokova, Vice-Chair Sheila Arora, Vice-Chair Wei Shen, Secretary-General Rui Yan, and Programme Coordinator Jonathan Schwestka, visited the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFCC), one of the major foreign affairs organizations of the People's Republic of China. The meeting was held in an idyllic venue in the heart of Beijing, providing a perfect backdrop for the day's events. Amidst a convivial atmosphere, both parties engaged in candid discussions concerning the present state of EU-China relations, thoroughly examining challenges and exploring pathways for positive change. Emphasizing the importance of avoiding the securitization of trade and investment, they reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation aimed at nurturing mutual understanding and trust between China and Europe. The exchange of ideas and perspectives was frank and honest, and underscored the mutual desire to build stronger ties, as well as highlighted the potential for collaborative efforts in addressing global challenges. Both the Europe-Asia Center and CPAFCC recognized the value of such high-level exchanges in fostering long-term, positive relationships between the two regions. At the end of the meeting, Jonathan Schwestka, Project Coordinator at the Europe-Asia Center, noted: "Engaging in these dialogues and keeping open channels of communication is akin to tending a garden; it requires consistent effort and care, but the results are worth it. By exploring strategies for positive change together, we can cultivate a landscape of mutual respect and understanding, ensuring a fruitful future for both Europe and China." For press enquiries: Jonathan Schwestka, Project Coordinator, Europe – Asia Center E-mail: jonathan.schwestka@europe-asia.org

Brussels, May 11th, 2024 On Friday, 10th of May, a high-level delegation from the Europe-Asia Center, led by its two Co-Chairs, the former UN Undersecretary General H.E. Erik Solheim and former Ambassador to the UN H.E. Jean de Ruyt, and including former UNESCO Director General H.E. Irina Bokova, Vice-Chair Sheila Arora, Vice-Chair Wei Shen, Secretary-General Rui Yan, and Programme Coordinator Jonathan Schwestka, met with the China International Youth Exchange Center (CIYEC), the international youth exchange and cooperation arm of the All-China Youth Federation. During their in-depth discussions, both sides highlighted the crucial role of youth in tackling global challenges and improving Europe-China relations. They explored a range of opportunities to enhance youth exchanges between East and West. Specifically, the two parties agreed to closely collaborate collaborate to orchestrate a diverse array of cultural and sports exchange initiatives for young individuals from China and Europe. Such efforts will encompass training programs for young professionals, joint endeavors in green development, and the facilitation of exchange programs for aspiring entrepreneurs and startup founders. Highlighting that this year marked the commencement of a new 20-year chapter for the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership, Liu Aiping, Chairman of the Governing Council of CIYEC, expressed the organization's readiness to bolster cultural exchanges and practical cooperation among the youth of China and Europe. Erik Solheim, Co-Chair of the Europe Asia Center, emphasized the profound significance of global youth exchanges and cooperation in fostering world peace, development, and progress. He articulated his aspiration for the creation of more opportunities for young individuals from China and Europe in realms like technological innovation, environmental preservation, culture, and sports. Li Xiaodong, member of the 13th Standing Committee of the All-China Youth Federation and Founding Director of Fuxi Institution, highlighted China's burgeoning digital economy and its vast potential for collaboration with Europe. He advocated for the sharing of knowledge, technology, and experiences between the two sides to address challenges and achieve mutually beneficial cooperation. Jean De Ruyt, Co-Chair of the Europe-Asia Center, emphasized the indispensable role of dialogue and communication between China and Europe in fostering mutual understanding and addressing cooperative challenges, with youth playing a pivotal role in this process. He cited the EU's existing exchange mechanisms, such as the Erasmus program, as examples of initiatives aimed at strengthening interactions among young individuals from diverse backgrounds. Xu Weihua, Deputy Director of the Institute of National Parks at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, underscored the longstanding collaborative foundation between China and Europe in biodiversity conservation, and advocated for enhanced cooperation to address climate change challenges and promote mutually beneficial cooperation with the assistance of young scientists from both regions. Irina Bokova, distinguished friend of the Europe-Asia Center, highlighted the creativity, curiosity, and independent insights of youth in addressing global challenges such as climate change, energy crises, and environmental issues, and stressed the vast potential of youth exchange and cooperation between China and Europe in this regard. Aiken Zou Shasha, Founder and CEO of AHA Entertainment (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., and a young global leader at the World Economic Forum in Davos, emphasized culture as a unifying force for youth exchanges across nations, and expressed her aspiration to strengthen exchanges and collaborations in cultural creativity, particularly in animation, with European youth organizations and partners. Sheila Arora, Vice-Chair of the Europe Asia Center, advocated for the establishment of platforms that facilitate the growth and broaden the horizons of more youth from China and Europe, and expressed the desire to witness increased cultural exchanges between the East and the West, encouraging youth from diverse backgrounds to actively participate in the cultural and creative industries. At the conclusion of the meeting, the two institutions expressed support for closer collaboration and even signed a memorandum of understanding, marking a significant step forward in their collaboration. Jonathan Schwestka, Project Coordinator at the Europe-Asia Center, showed great satisfaction iwth the outcomes of the meeting, and stated: "Youth are the bridge between our continents, and investing in their potential is key to building a strong and lasting connection between the EU and Asia. Therefore, the MoU with CIYEC represents a significant commitment to fostering these vital youth exchanges and enhancing our collaborative efforts for a brighter future." For press enquiries: Jonathan Schwestka, Project Coordinator, Europe – Asia Center E-mail: jonathan.schwestka@europe-asia.org

Brussels - Beijing, May 10th, 2024 On May 10, 2024, a momentous gathering took place as a delegation from the Europe - Asia Center, led by Co-Chair H.E. Jean de Ruyt, former Ambassador of Belgium to the UN, vice-chair Mrs Sheila Arora and H.E. Madame Irina Bokova, former Director-General of UNESCO, engaged in a strategic dialogue with Belgian Ambassador to China H.E. Bruno Angelet. This rendezvous signified a significant stride towards deepening understanding and collaboration between key players in the EU and China. Throughout their discourse, they navigated the intricate landscape of EU-China relations, addressing both the pressing challenges and the abundant prospects that lie ahead. A key takeaway from their exchange was the imperative of proactive engagement to catalyze positive developments. From economic partnerships and cultural exchanges to environmental sustainability endeavours, they collectively explored diverse avenues for collaboration aimed at nurturing resilient and mutually beneficial ties. Moreover, amidst the backdrop of global uncertainties and evolving geopolitical dynamics, there was a resolute commitment to fortifying the resilience of EU-China relations. This entailed not only confronting immediate challenges but also laying the groundwork for a partnership that is adaptive and responsive to future exigencies. Looking forward, there is a shared aspiration for heightened collaboration and synergy between the Europe-Asia Center and Belgium, as well as broader EU-China initiatives. In the words of H.E. Jean de Ruyt, Co-Chair of the Europe - Asia Center, "The Belgian EU Presidency serves as a vital catalyst for injecting fresh energy into EU foreign relations." For press enquiries: Matic Gajšek, Director for Europe, Europe – Asia Center E-mail: m.gajsek(at)europe-asia.org

Brussels, April 19th, 2024 At the second edition of the Mobility Sphere conference organized by Transdev, held on April 18th in Brussels under the theme “Mobility as a driver of social cohesion,” H.E. Madame Violeta Bulc, Vice-Chair of the Europe-Asia Center, delivered a captivating keynote address, urging attendees to confront the pressing issue of growing disparities within and across EU Member States. Drawing from her extensive experience as the former EU Commissioner of Transport, Madame Bulc emphasized the imperative of innovative measures to bridge the social divide between urban and rural areas. She underscored the importance of bringing transportation infrastructure back to rural regions, highlighting citizen dialogues as powerful tools for fostering democratic participation and community ownership. In a bold departure from conventional approaches, Madame Bulc challenged the contemporary reliance on cutting-edge technological solutions, advocating instead for affordable and inclusive strategies. Additionally, she stressed the necessity of supranational and global cooperation to address complex challenges, including those related to Space. Closing her address, Madame Bulc emphasized the virtues of resilience, adaptability, and flexibility in navigating today's unpredictable landscape. "The more we plan, the less we predict," she astutely observed. For press enquiries: Matic Gajšek, Director for Europe, Europe – Asia Center E-mail: m.gajsek(at)europe-asia.org

Brussels, March 20th, 2024 Between March 14th – 16th 2024, H.E. Madame Irina Bokova, former UNESCO Director General and close collaborator of the Europe-Asia Center and director for Europe, Mr. Matic Gajsek attended the XI. Baku Global Forum. The flagship event hosted by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center was themed “Fixing the Fractured World”. Summit serves as a crucial platform for fostering international cooperation and understanding amidst an increasingly “fractured” international landscape. The Global Baku Forum has emerged as a significant event for addressing pressing global challenges and proposing innovative solutions. Baku, strategically located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, provides a symbolic setting, reflecting Azerbaijan’s role as a bridge between diverse cultures and regions. Matic Gajsek, Director for Europe at the Europe-Asia Center, highlighted the forum’s importance, stating, “The Global Baku Forum offers a unique opportunity for global leaders and stakeholders to come together and engage in some of the most pressing issues of our time. It was great to take part in the numerous high-level dialogues that were a true display of collaborative efforts and dialogue, essential in tackling global challenges effectively. We would like to thank the Nizami Ganjavi International Center for creating such a significant platform of dialogue, to which we as a center hope to contribute in the future.” During the forum, the delegation of the Europe-Asia Center engaged in meaningful discussions on various topics, including education, climate emergency and just-transition, peace, security and intercultural dialogue. Notably, H.E. Madame Irina Bokova, former Director-General of UNESCO and Patron of the International Science Council, contributed insights on climate justice in a high-level panel discussion, sharing innovative ideas to address the climate funding gap and achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. As we navigate the complexities of our world, the Europe-Asia Center remains dedicated to promoting dialogue, understanding, and cooperation between Europe and Asia. In this regard, the contributions of Europe – Asia Center at the Global Baku Forum reflect a comprehensive and inclusive approach to global issues, with the aim of forging a more interconnected and prosperous future for all. For press enquiries: Matic Gajšek, Director for Europe, Europe – Asia Center E-mail: m.gajsek(at)europe-asia.org

Brussels, 11th January 2022 – With less than a month until the Winter Olympic Games Beijing 2022, the Europe-Asia Center has as part of the East-Meets-West webinar series highlighted the topic of Sports diplomacy. Titled “’Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together’ – The Importance of Sport Diplomacy in Building Asia-Europe Relations”, the webinar provides insightful dialogue with Olympic champions on significance of Olympic spirit. Sports diplomacy is a new term that describes an old practice: the unique power of sport to bring people, nations, and communities closer together via a shared love of physical pursuits. Though sport diplomacy is not new, the power of sport has never been more important for our current century. On 20 July 2021, the International Olympic Committee approved a change in the Olympic motto that recognises the unifying power of sport and the importance of solidarity. The change adds the word “together”, now reading as: “Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together”. The change of the motto reflects on the longstanding three values of Olympism – excellence, friendship and respect. Sharing their insights on the topic were H.E. Ambassador (ret.) Piet Steel, Chairman Europe-Asia Center as well as of Special Olympics Belgium, the Winter sports Royalty and 4 Olympic medal-winner in Alpine skiing Tina Maze, Olympic champion canoeist Peter Kauzer, snowboarding star on the rise Tim Mastnak and President and Managing director of Special Olympics Europe- Euroasia David Evangelista. The webinar “‘Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together’ – The Importance of Sport Diplomacy in Building Asia-Europe Relations” Excellency Steel in his keynote address emphasized that sport is politically neutral and has the power of bringing the world closer. Therefore, sport should be used for uniting people, regardless of political differences and political tensions between countries. In closing note, he also conveyed his wish that Winter Olympic Games in Beijing would succeed in such attempt. The Slovenian winter sports royalty Tina Maze noted that sport is not only profession, but even more importantly a good balance to life. Ms Maze, multi-talented skier who won a total of four Olympic medals and nine for the World Championships, emphasized that “once you have a talent, you should really appreciate it, work on it and don’t throw it away”. She expressed the values and discipline acquired through sports plays an important role even for ordinary people, especially in this era of lockdowns and many of us are working with a sedentary lifestyle. As a world-class athlete and Olympic champion, nowadays also a renowned TV commentator and entrepreneur, Ms. Maze shared the experience of transitioning her career from professional sports into the sports industry. She emphasized the significance of communication in enhancing public awareness of sport. In a competition or a race, an athlete can only focus on the sport and has very few opportunities to talk. Being a TV commentator allows her to have a stronger voice: “I feel very comfortable talking about the experiences and it’s great that people can understand through communication.” Ms. Maze also expressed her positive attitude towards the impact of the Winter Olympics on the development of winter sports in China. She stressed the influence of sports heroes and idols: “They bring a will and a vision of what you want to become.” She believes that bringing Winter Olympics to China and other countries will benefit the future generations. Peter Kavzer, Slovenian slalom canoeist with two Canoe slalom World championship titles and Olympic silver medallist, shared a challenging journey in his athletic career. However, things that truly allowed him to not give up were his goals: continuously aiming and reaching for higher goals. In his view, every Olympian is training to be the best, to bring the best out of himself or herself and to reach their whole potential. That is the beauty of the sport and the Olympic movement. Regarding the upcoming 2022 Winter Olympics, Mr. Kavzer believes that the International Olympic Committee has made the right choice to select Beijing as the host city. He shared his experience at the 2008 Beijing Olympics when the Chinese Olympic Committee provided high-quality services for athletes and won his trust by successfully “coping with all obstacles”. Slovenian snowboarder Tim Mastnak has set a spotlight on his career by winning the Junior World Cup in parallel giant slalom in 2011. He will be heading as one of the favourites to the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games. He looks at Olympic Games as a gift, an opportunity to feel the true spirit of sports and gain motivation for further improvement. He emphasized the importance of meeting outstanding athletes from other disciplines and getting motivational boast to reach the best of you. Rounding-up the panel discussion was David Evangelista, the President and Managing director of Special Olympics Europe/Euroasia who advocated for the societies to put more emphasis also towards the athletes with disabilities. It is the athletes with disabilities that in his words embody the true Olympic spirit and the very best of the Olympic ideals of solidarity and universality. Mr Evangelista, who oversees the program operations of Special Olympics in 58 countries in Western, Central and Eastern Europe as well as Central Asia, noted that sports is an “universal unifier”. The athletes and the audiences follow the same solidarity, the same grit, and the same discipline. Everyone can enjoy the simple thrill of competing in sports. He stressed on sports being the major driver for multilateralism and international cooperation. In response to the question of moderator Matic Gajsek about the transformative impact of the Beijing Winter Olympics on people with intellectual disabilities, Excellency Steel proposed that Beijing should strive for sending the uniting message to the outside world, which is the very same message that was sent by the Special Olympics European Summer Games 2014 held in Antwerp, Belgium. About 70 delegations from different parts of Europe and Eurasia attended the Games and used sport to break the taboo of discrimination against disabled people. “Athletes in Special Olympics are not there to represent their country; they are there to represent themselves. They are there to use sport as a means to express their weaknesses or strengths. Sometimes they have much more strength than you could imagine,” he added. Finally, Mr. Evangelista reiterated that mega sporting events have the unique ability to captivate the attention in the imagination of the global community, especially in the changing world where division is taking place across the political, sociological and in some cases, across the health and education spectrum. However, it is thanks to the Olympic movement we still see people who are brave in facing the hardship and uncertainty. Mr. Evangelista noted: “We have sport to cut through the noise to show the core of ourselves. Sport offers us the chance to put the words down – where only actions count.” Full webinar available on the link: https://youtu.be/931I9x33h4E — For press enquiries: Matic Gajšek, Deputy director Europe – Asia Center E-mail: m.gajsek(at)europe-asia.org

Brussels, 28th August 2021 – At the first in series of webinars organized by the Europe – Asia Center, the ‘EU’s Strategic autonomy’ as the new central concept of the European project was at the core of the dialogue of high-level panelists. The last European Council raised “strategic autonomy”1 to the level of a central concept for a new phase of the European project. Building European strategic autonomy on a horizontal – cross-policy basis is expected to – strengthen EU multilateral action, reduce dependence on external actors, and make the EU less vulnerable in areas such as energy, disinformation digital technology. With cyberspace governance becoming the new dimension of reality, amplified and transformed by the combined effect of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial intelligence (AI), the specific area of governance is still lacking consistent and less fragile policy framework, mitigating the growing geostrategic competition. In the opening address, the Chairman of Europe – Asia Center, Amb. (ret.) Piet Steel said: “States around the world are making digital autonomy, technological supremacy, and innovation the cornerstones of their diplomatic, security and economic efforts. And the European Union is no exception. It’s laying the foundations of multiple sovereignty for the next 20 years.” He furthermore addressed the significant impact that emerging technologies and increasing digitalization has made, becoming the prime drivers of globalization and international competition. It is in times of crisis, such as the world faced with Covid-19 pandemic, that importance digital transformation in all aspects of society was highlighted. In the EU thinking, technological autonomy and sovereignty are not contradictory with the new opportunities for multilateral cooperation and innovation, nor are there any contradictory developments with the rules-based international open trading system. Following with keynote address to the panel, H.E. Violeta Bulc, Former EU Commissioner for Transport and Mobility (2014 – 2019) stated: “We should never forget that technology is only a tool, not the goal… We can actually give humanity another chance and evolve together with our knowledge, the proper tools that will keep us to thrive towards the next century.” She furthermore addressed the lack of governance in the digital sphere, which through a range of global digital solutions continue entering every single area of our societal and individual engagement. And as the cornerstone of digital autonomy there must be trust, built first and foremost through personal (people to people) communication and relationship. The key question in era of Internet governance is furthermore on the ownership of data, where Europe is steering the ”user-rights centric” model, navigating between other imperatives of major nations. Those technological challenges pose a multilateral opportunity not for defining the more dominant systems, but rather the basic human principles that define humanity. Following the keynote points, the expert panel reflected on some of the key issues raised. Ms. Mireia Paulo, from Faculty of East Asian Studies, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany highlighted the need for conceptualization of governance in internet era. “We also need to recognize that the more precise we want to be, the more difficult it will be to sometimes move forward. For that reason, maybe looking at which transversal areas would be also important to push forward on this autonomy“. She concludes that the key EU issue is both development and implementation of strategic autonomy in the existing geopolitical world, requiring a complex stakeholder involvement. The chairman of Joint European Disruptive Initiative – JEDI, Mr. André Loesekrug-Pietr highlightedthe need for an understandingof the state of deep tech revolution that is creating impact on our societies. With today’s technological breakthroughs coming mostly from the convergence of different scientific disciplines, there is furthermore the need to change the existing business model imperative. It is the underlying business models that steer innovation and « the two key success factors in the technological century we are in, are the need to be long-term oriented, while on the other hand very contradictory remain the agile ». Concluding the discussion, Dr Miguel Otero-Iglesias from IE School of Global and Public Affairs and Elcano Royal Institute added: “We are really in a moment where the United States and China for the next decades will compete in all areas, starting from trade wars and most recently the tech wars. So that’s the context. The key challenge is our operation with a very Euro-centric approach, from values and human rights that we perceive as the right way. The almost missionary kind of instinct, where I think we might be in an illusion.” He furthermore contextualizes the perspective of international political economy, where four key values exist: security, wealth, justice and freedom. And each global force has their most important, for instance, in the United States where most important value is wealth and the understanding that wealth will bring you freedom. European perspective on the contrary considers justice as most important, with our belief that justice and equality will bring us freedom. And it is due to such difference of values that persuasion for the new global governance in digital space is such a challenge – already on the EU level and ever more challenging in global multilateral dimension. He concludes with thought that “in interoperability between those ecosystems we create the global governance ecosystem and in context of great power rivalry, Europe might consider creating its own”. Full webinar available on the link: https://youtu.be/-WEMM-5n7-A — For press enquiries: Matic Gajšek, Deputy director, Europe – Asia Center E: m.gajsek@europe-asia.org M: + 31 63 452 75 80 / +47 922 89 871

Brussels, 5th September – Digital Markets Act (DMA) and Digital Services Act (DSA) as the legislative step of the European block towards strengthening ‘EU’s Strategic autonomy’: high-level dialogue with European Parliament’s member and lead rapporteur dr. Andreas Schwab and Mark Boris Andrijanič, former Minister for Digital transformation, Slovenia With the rise and integration of digital platforms into all aspects of European life, EU recognized the need to regulate not only the benefits of digital transformation, but also the disadvantages and risks, such as the negative influence on the fundamental rights, state of democracies, societies and economies at large. It is through the legislative framework of Digital Markets Act that European strategic autonomy and tackling of the competition rules would be reinforced. In the opening address, the Chairman of Europe – Asia Center, Amb. (ret.) Piet Steel outlined: “the Digital Markets Act intends to ensure a high degree of competition and a level playing field in the European Digital markets by preventing big tech companies from abusing their market power, and by allowing new players to enter the market.” He furthermore highlighted EU’s leadership in regulating digital space with Digital Services Act. «The update of legal framework reinforces European Union’s efforts with illegal and harmful content, hate speech, political and health related disinformation, and so on and so forth ». He addressed the need for respecting rule of law and affirm enforcement, in order to take back control of its citizens’ fundamental rights and prevent digital abuses. In his keynote address Dr. Andreas Schwab, member of the European People’s Party (EPP) for Germans Christian Democratic Union Party (CDU) and lead rapporteur on DMA/ DSA stated: “…we Europeans want … the legislation to make sure that fairness and contestability of markets is ensured.” He furthermore addressed the significance of detailed outlining of the DMA/ DSA legislative framework and strong political commitment, demonstrating high level of responsibility the European Union has as the leading global regulator. He highlighted EU’s intention to defend democracies. “There can be no state authority that stops them (citizens) from being successful if they abide by the law. And there should be no company and no bottleneck in the digital area that stops them from making their success.” Existing business practices by the tech companies favour big countries, creating positive effect for them, yet at the same time creating harmful economic effect on the smaller ones. He concludes: “the Digital Markets Act starts a new era of tech regulation…And the choice between what is good and what is bad. It must be done with all stakeholders, competitors, with users and with consumers. And not only by those in control of the steering mechanisms of the bottlenecks.” Mr. Mark Boris Andrijanič, the former Minister for Digitalization of Republic of Slovenia shared his keynote address highlighting: “the current geopolitical tensions underpinned by the war in Ukraine, make the US leadership and regulating cyberspace even more important and indispensable than ever before. These circumstances also create a new sense of urgency for a multilateral approach to cyberspace governance, especially in areas like cybersecurity, digital markets, but also AI. There is absolutely no alternative to a comprehensive global dialogue, and action indeed, if we want to reverse the emerging trend of multipolar digital world.” He remains cautiously optimistic about Europe’s vision on an inclusive and human centric digital transformation, especially in light of EU’s weaker performance in creating and exporting digital services, digital innovation and technological progress vis a vis US and China. In order to create an environment that will breed Digital Champions of the future and allow European start-ups to scale their operations across the continent, the EU needs to «boost research funding and encourage closer collaboration between excellent universities and the industry». Mr Andrijanič emphasized that the Data Governance Act will create a European single market for data, essential for the growth of Europe’s digital economy. Furthermore, “the most significant contribution of the DSA is to introduce standard of illegal offline behaviour that should also be illegal online.” It was the alignment of interests between the so called maximalist and minimalist groups of the EU countries, which posed the key challenge during the Slovenian presidency of the EU Council in 2021, to limit the regulatory burden for the SMEs. He also elaborated on the AI Act, highlighting it as a pioneering piece of Europe’s digital legislation, seeking to codify the high standards of AI algorithms and their application, combining a risk-based approach with an effective enforcement mechanism. Legislative framework, which if successful in international dialogue, could already be adopted during the Czech presidency. Following the keynote address, Dr. Sebastian Hallensleben, a member of the expert advisory board of the EU standard ICT program stated: “we have to be clear that as important as the DMA and the DSA are, they are mainly focused on preventing the bad, and lack the focus on fostering the good.” He outlines three possible scenarios of future development. Firstly, in scope of digital transition we should not only look at platforms, but rather at protocols that are still to be established. Secondly, there is high necessity for integration of digital identities, enabling the inclusion of unverified accounts, accounts that are verified in some form and lastly, of identities that derive from different government issued IDs. With the existing scope of digital identities available, degree of danger remains and hence the need to re-think the digital identity and pseudonymous identity infrastructures as well as the privacy protecting identities. Lastly, there is a pressing need for encouraging the variety of competitors in developing new business models, moving beyond the model of sold personal data. Dr. Miguel Otero-Iglesias, from the IE School of Global and Public Affairs and Elcano Royal Institute, with applause for the new Act contributing to the comprehensiveness of the regulatory framework, expressed his concern about the consistency of the legislation. To secure the revolution and new social contract a success, there is need for deepening the fiscal union, in order to create a single market and capital markets. He furthermore illustrated his concerns in three aspects: firstly, the likelihood to create a special unit in the European Commission to deal with digital markets, secondly, the need for a periodic revisions of the legal framework and lastly, the development of technical and supervisory capacities to guarantee smooth communication and information flows. Full webinar available on the link: https://youtu.be/E0rVqj0aERY For press enquiries: Matic Gajšek, Deputy director Europe – Asia Center E-mail: m.gajsek(at)europe-asia.org

Brussels – Hanoi May 16th, 2023 The Brussels based Europe-Asia Center is delighted to announce the appointments of Vietnamese diplomat H.E. Mr. Pham Sanh Chau (formerly Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Viet Nam to the Republic of India, the Kingdom of Bhutan, and the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Belgium, EU and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg) and Mrs. Sheila Arora, an internationally experienced strategic marketing and communications expert. As Vice-Chair of the Europe-Asia Center, Ambassador Pham Sanh Chau will lead the center’s developments in Viet Nam as well as projects promoting intercultural dialogue and international cooperation, two areas of great importance for connecting Europe and Asia. With a wealth of experiences in roles at UNESCO, including Secretary -General of the Viet Nam National Commission for UNESCO, special envoy of the Prime Minister of Viet Nam on UNESCO Affairs, a member of UNESCO’s Executive Board and as the 2017 official candidate of the Vietnamese government for the Director General post. With deep understanding of multilateralism, Pham Sanh Chau is well-positioned to help broaden the Center’s presence in South-East Asia. Mrs. Sheila Arora will focus on the initiation and development of strategic partnerships and initiatives, using cultural diplomacy as the tool for bridging high-level exchanges across the field of governance, commercial and non-for profit sector. With over 30 years of experience in the sphere of soft diplomacy, Mrs Arora is the right partner center’s development of fresh and non-traditional context of engagement. “We are thrilled to welcome Ambassador Pham Sanh Chau and Shelia Arora to the Europe-Asia Center,” said Ambassador (ret.) Piet Steel, Chairman of the Europe-Asia Center. Pham Sanh’s leadership and vast diplomatic experiences combined with understanding of multilateral organizations and Shelia’s business development and strategic communication experience will be invaluable assets for the Center. As Vice-Chairs of the Europe – Asia Center, Ambassador Pham Sanh Chau and Mrs. Shelia Arora will work closely with the Center to broaden its international partnership and engage with stakeholders across Europe and Asia. About the Europe-Asia Center The Europe – Asia Center is an independent, not-for-profit organization promoting Asia-Europe relations by connecting professionals, institutions, organizations and networks across all sectors. Through implementation of projects, including conferences, workshops, cultural events, publications, educational and research programs, the mission of the Europe – Asia Center is to connect people and knowledge across continents. For press enquiries: Matic Gajšek, Deputy director Europe – Asia Center E-mail: m.gajsek(at)europe-asia.org

Viet Nam – May 15th, 2023 Brussels – Viet Nam 15th May 2023 – On behalf of the Europe – Asia Center, Ambassador Pham Sanh Chau has recently paid a visit to the Da Lat City authorities to deliberate on the proposal for designating Da Lat as a World cultural heritage site. During the dialogue meeting, the People’s Committee of Da Lat City extended an invitation to Ambassador Pham Sanh Chau for facilitation and presented the proposal. Based on the advice of Ambassador Pham Sanh Chau, it is evident that Da Lat possesses the essential elements to become a future world heritage site, particularly fulfilling criterion (ii) for World Cultural Heritage: showcasing a significant exchange of human values across a specific cultural area or over time, pertaining to architecture, technology, monumental arts, town planning, or landscape design. Dang Tri Dung, a member of the Provincial Standing Committee and Secretary of the Da Lat Committee expressed the aspiration of the People’s Committee of Da Lat City to expedite the project of transforming Da Lat into a world cultural heritage site. This endeavor aims to bring substantial benefits to the city itself and the nation of Vietnam. Meeting Proposing UNESCO Recognition of Da Lat Heritage Site To facilitate the recognition of Da Lat City as a World Heritage City, the People’s Committee of Lam Dong Province has entrusted the collaboration of the Da Lat City People’s Committee, the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, as well as other relevant departments, agencies, and units, to conduct research, develop proposals, complete documentation, and handle necessary procedures. The ultimate objective is to formally propose the recognition of Da Lat as a World Heritage City. Once the proposal is finalized, it will undergo thorough evaluation and resolution by the appropriate authorities, adhering to established regulations. If successful, Da Lat will join the prestigious ranks of the nine UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Sites in Vietnam. Exploring Architectural Landmarks that Contribute to Da Lat’s Cultural Heritage Status About the Da Lat City Da Lat is renowned for its rich biodiversity and abundant vegetation. Situated at an average altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level, the mild climate offers the perfect habitat for numerous endemic species of trees, flowers, and animals. Notably, Da Lat is celebrated for its exquisite and vibrant array of flowers, including roses, gerberas, hydrangeas, and lilies. Da Lat proudly showcases a meticulously preserved urban structure that has evolved throughout the centuries. The city boasts a remarkable collection of unique architectural and urban heritage, contributing to its distinctive allure. Noteworthy among these are various religious landmarks that exhibit a fusion of Vietnamese and French architectural styles, such as Domaine de Marie Church, Bao Dai Palace, and Hospital de Sohier, among others. Domaine de Marie Church in Dat Lat These religious structures reflect the cultural and religious diversity of Da Lat, reminiscent of the picturesque city of Luang Prabang, renowned for its Buddhist temples and French colonial architecture. The city’s landscape has been thoughtfully crafted, maintaining a harmonious interplay between human-made elements and the surrounding natural environment. Moreover, Da Lat holds significant historical and cultural importance, with dedicated efforts in place to conserve and further enhance its urban fabric. For press enquiries: Matic Gajšek, Deputy director Europe – Asia Center E-mail: m.gajsek(at)europe-asia.org

Brussels – Geneva – April 24th, 2023 Brussels – 17th April 2023 – On April 20, coinciding with the seasonal division of “Grain Rain” and the United Nations Chinese Language Day, “A Gold Age of Grace” – a retrospective exhibition celebrating the UN Chinese Language Day: paintings of the Song dynasty from the “Great Collection of Chinese Paintings Through Ages” opened at the Palais des Nations, Geneva. The event was co-hosted by the Chinese Mission to the United Nations Office at Geneva, the United Nations Office at Geneva, the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, and Zhejiang University. Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, warmly welcomed the ambassadors and distinguished guests who came to celebrate the UN Chinese Language Day this year. In her speech, she highlighted the significance of understanding the cultural heritage of different countries and regions, which she believes can serve as a basis for promoting intercultural dialogue and overcoming challenges. Valovaya described the Song painting exhibition as an extraordinary journey that showcases China’s magnificent landscapes, exquisite art, and humanistic spirit. She concluded by congratulating all the people around the world who love, learn, and speak Chinese on this special day and expressed sincere thanks to the organizers for their enormous efforts to make this event happen, with splendid displays leaving lasting impressions on the visitors. Ambassador CHEN Xu, Permanent Representative of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other International Organizations in Switzerland, extended his heartfelt congratulations on the offline celebration of the United Nations Chinese Language Day, which is being held for the first time in three years. He highlighted President Xi Jinping’s Global Civilization Initiative’s proposal and called for the principle of inclusive coexistence, exchange, and mutual learning between different civilizations. He expressed his hope that the event could help attendees gain a better understanding of China’s history and culture, and appreciate the wisdom and strength embodied in different civilizations. Mr. YANG Jianwu, Director General of the Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Heritage Administration, pointed out that the Song Dynasty condensed China’s ultimate art aesthetic. As a business card of Chinese art, Song paintings are a common treasure of human civilization. Civilizations interact through diversity, learn from each other through interaction, and develop through mutual learning. He hoped that this exhibition would be a new starting point for exchange and cooperation between China and Switzerland, marking a new chapter of friendship between China and Switzerland. The exhibition, themed “A Golden Age of Grace” displays 78 classic works from the “Great Collection of Chinese Paintings Through Ages” in the form of high-definition printed replicas. The “Great Collection of Chinese Paintings Through Ages” is a significant cultural project on a national level, spanning throughout centuries of dialogue between China and the world. It is an impressive co-creation by Zhejiang University, the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, along with 263 other cultural institutions and museums worldwide, comprising 12,405 pieces (sets) of Chinese paintings, featuring numerous renowned masterpieces. The exhibition is divided into three sections: “Figure painting: writing poems for all,” “Flower-and-Bird Painting: Embroidering Words for Living Beings,” and “Landscape Painting: Singing Praises to Heaven and Earth”. The figure paintings portray daily life of all cultural classes, reflecting the development of the social economy and the change of the painters’ aesthetic taste during the Song Dynasty rule. The flower and bird motive paintings showcase nature’s creations, including flowers, birds, fish, and insects, using superb techniques to vividly depict them, and express literary emotions through poetry, lyrics, calligraphy, and seals. The landscape paintings describe magnificent mountains and rivers. The artistic expression of Song painters was surpassing the superficiality of the landscapes, achieving highlights of the deep spiritual embodiment of mountains and rivers in their art. The opening ceremony commenced with a string quartet reinterpretation of “Tea-picking Dance,” followed by a captivating vocal performance of “Prelude to Water Melody” by German mezzo-soprano Eva Wennige, accompanied by the harmonious sounds of the ancient Chinese instruments of Guqin and Harp. The music dialogue of the ensemble shared the aspiration and true embodiment of China-Europe cultural dialogue, transcending the physical and cultural distances. The event also featured a special reciting performance by Cameron James Patterson, reciting two poems by Song Dynasty poet Su Shi, “Drinking by West Lake after a Rain”, which depict the natural beauty of West Lake. In the interactive activities area, Zhang Yiwen from the Zhejiang school of Guqin, Fan Junwen, an inheritor of the “Tea-picking” intangible cultural heritage, and Zhu Jianwei, a member of the China Calligraphers and Painters Association, collaborated in a majestic display of three traditional art forms – Guqin, Tea ceremony and calligraphy. Over 200 attendees, including Ambassadors and members of the UN international organizations were able to participated in tea-picking, brush calligraphy, fan painting, and Virtual reality experience. This grand event, “A Gold Age of Grace” – a retrospective exhibition for celebrating the UN Chinese Language Day: paintings of the Song dynasty from the “Great Collection of Chinese Paintings Through Ages”, will remain available for viewing at the Palais des Nations until May 3rd, 2023. For press enquiries: Matic Gajšek, Deputy director Europe – Asia Center E-mail: m.gajsek(at)europe-asia.org