Young Europeans Prioritize Economic and Tech Collaboration
A landmark survey released on February 5, 2026, reveals 82% of Europeans aged 18–35 view China positively, with trade, infrastructure, and technological innovation driving this pragmatic outlook. Conducted across 36 European countries by French firm CSA and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), the study highlights a generational shift toward economic pragmatism in China-Europe relations.
High-Level Visits Signal Renewed Engagement
The findings follow a series of high-profile European leader visits to China between late 2025 and January 2026, including France's Emmanuel Macron and Britain's Keir Starmer. These engagements focused on strengthening supply chain resilience and green technology partnerships, reflecting youth priorities identified in the survey's China Affinity Index.
From Perception to Policy
Researchers emphasize the need to institutionalize youth-focused exchange programs. "Positive sentiment must translate into talent pipelines and joint innovation projects," said Ivona Ladjevac of Serbia's Institute of International Politics and Economics. CASS experts propose creating permanent youth dialogue platforms to sustain economic cooperation through 2030.
Digital Natives Reshaping Geopolitics
Social media exposure to China's tech advancements appears influential, with 63% of respondents ranking China-EU relations as cooperative. Kerry Brown of King's College London notes: "This digitally-connected generation will soon drive Europe's business regulations and investment decisions." Southeastern Europe and Britain showed strongest China engagement scores, while Nordic responses remained mixed but net-positive.
