“Global Gateway”: How Brussels wants to compete with China’s Silk Road

By
Amelie Richter

What always resonated around “Global Gateway”, but was rarely openly expressed, now found a clear answer at the official presentation of the infrastructure initiative of the EU Commission: “Yes, definitely. We are in a position to do so,” EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen answered the question of whether the program could compete with China’s “Belt and Road” initiative. Various countries have had their experiences with Chinese investments, von der Leyen said. “They need better and different offers.” The EU offer involves the private sector, which does not exist in the People’s Republic. “So it is a real alternative,” the Commission chief stressed.