The Beijing model meets the Brussels effect
PARIS — For years, Europe and China embodied rival development and energy-transition models. Europe was primarily committed to markets, common rules, and multilateral institutions, whereas China emphasized industrial policy, infrastructure investment, and manufacturing. Europe produced regulations that often became global benchmarks (the “Brussels Effect”). China produced factories. But this…
Europe and China once represented contrasting development and energy-transition models. Europe prioritized market-driven policies, common rules, and multilateral institutions, while China focused on industrial policy, infrastructure investment, and manufacturing. However, this distinction is fading as both nations adapt to a changing global landscape.
As Europe seeks to rebuild its industrial base, China is increasingly exerting influence over international standards and governance frameworks. European policymakers are observing China's industrial strategy, while Chinese leaders are recognizing a lesson Europe learned long ago: true power lies not only in producing technologies but also in establishing the rules that govern them.
This shift signifies a transformation in geoeconomic power. The central question is no longer who controls resources, manufactures goods, or leads in a specific technology. Instead, it revolves around who governs the value chains through which the upcoming energy and technological transitions will take shape. Europe and China are moving closer to a common goal: shaping the rules that will steer the future of global energy and technology transitions.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- The Beijing model meets the Brussels effect koreatimes.co.kr
