Former Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Katrougalos has called on Europe to work with China to find a "golden balance of interests" that serves both sides, emphasizing negotiation and win-win agreements when interests conflict.
In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Katrougalos said conflicts of interest are inherent in relations between countries and must be faced rather than avoided, and he expressed confidence that the two sides can find what he called a "golden solution" to balance their interests.
"The conflict of interests is always inherent in the relations between states. We must remove fear and prejudices, but the interests are going to be there and we must face them. China is an independent pole politically. Europe is not, but they can negotiate and have a win-win agreement regarding their commercial interests. The two parties, I'm sure that they can find the real, let's say, golden solution (for) the balance of interest between them and have a win-win agreement," he said.
Katrougalos also praised China's breakthroughs in green technology, describing them as the country's most precious gift to humanity.
"Without China, without the batteries (and) the electric vehicles, we would not have any chance to have this necessary green transition and to face the climate change. It's both the diplomatic stance and also the pragmatic contribution through technology that China is now contributing to having a better world," he said.
On Europe's competitiveness, Katrougalos said that Europe must first address its own internal structural problems rather than blame China.
"As I said, balance of interests and trying to find a win-win solution. It is true that there is a deficit of goods in favor of China. But if we put into the equation services and direct investments, the situation is much more, let's say, equalized. I believe we should negotiate between the two parties as it is now the case. It is not through tariffs, or let's say, protectionism, that Europe is going to solve the structural problems that it has. The Draghi Report (on EU competitiveness) mentions problems with productivity and innovation that Europe has to tackle. It is not China which is creating these problems. And if we want as Europeans to become really competitive, we first must tackle these internal structural problems that we have," said Katrougalos.
He also expressed hope that the goal will eventually be realized.
"We are not yet there because of the problems of European political integration, but I hope that we are going to arrive sometime. And that would be the best for Europe, for China, for the world," he added.
Former Greek FM urges Europe-China “golden balance of interests”
