A New Look at the EU-China PDSF's Web Page

The EU-China Policy Dialogues Support Facility (PDSF) is a project co-funded by the European Union and China to facilitate and support current and future implementation of Policy Dialogues between the EU and China on a broad range of key sectors and issues, with the overall aim to strengthen strategic relations between the EU and China.

Recently, many Chinese scholars received an email alert about the new look of the program’s web page (http://www.eu-chinapdsf.org/english/home.asp).

With the rapid development of the China-EU relations, both sides wish to deepen mutual understanding by all means. Undoubtedly, knowing each other better is necessary for improving the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the EU established in 2003.

“Sectoral dialogues have helped to develop a solid foundation for the EU-China relationship which is now characterised by increasingly close policy co-ordination in many important areas. The European Union strongly encourages these dialogues, which are an important area of support to the overall relationship with China,” the PDSF web writes.

Institute of the European Studies at CASS undertook a project of the PDSF’s Phase I during 2010~2011, titled “Global Governance: China-EU Cooperation in Multilateral Organisations”. The final report can be downloaded at the following link:

http://www.eu-chinapdsf.org/english/pdsf1activity.asp?NewsId=1234

According to the PDSF’s web page, “Sectoral dialogues can also pave the way for businesses and other sectors by eliminating potential regulatory obstacles, and through raising awareness and facilitating contacts. Regular exchanges between specialists, officials and the business community serve to boost mutual understanding, and provide the substance for further developing the EU-China strategic partnership.”

The second phase of the EU-China Policy Dialogues Support Facility (PDSF II) started in March 2012 and runs for 4 years, following on from PDSFI which ended in December 2011.  The PDSF provides a unique and flexible mechanism to support a wide variety of activities in the context of Sectoral Dialogues between the European Commission’s Directorates-General (DG) or European External Action Service (EEAS) and Chinese Ministries or State Agencies.