The event will bring together political leaders, industry pioneers, technology experts, eminent academics and thought leaders from Europe and China, and provide a platform for in-depth dialogue on global AI trends, strategic choices, and industrial empowerment. Through open and constructive exchange, the Forum aims to build shared governance consensus, explore pathways for industrial development, and advance Europe-China AI cooperation—from conceptual dialogue to structural synergy, and from regulatory consensus to shared industrial value creation—injecting renewed momentum into Europe-China collaboration for the sustainable development of global AI.

The 12th CEIBS Europe Forum 2026 will bring together senior leaders from government, business, and academia from China and France to tackle the most pressing questions of the AI age. How can cross-border AI cooperation reshape productivity and industrial upgrading? Where are the real growth opportunities as AI moves from promise to practice? This is a platform for ideas to meet action—for dialogue to translate into collaboration, and for global leaders and future leaders alike to engage with the forces shaping tomorrow’s economy.

With France offering advanced technology and expertise and China providing vast market potential and a mature industrial chain, how can both nations leverage their complementary advantages? How can the countries’ industries secure sustainable growth in today’s uncertain times? At this pivotal juncture, the 11^th CEIBS Europe Forum will convene leaders from government, business, and academia to address these critical questions.

Today’s ties between China and the European Union trace their origins to almost half a century ago. During that time, China has opened to the world, its economy and enterprises making incredible progress; Europe has continued to lead the way in key industries. On both sides, business has been vital in driving development and social change.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries 60 years ago, bilateral trade between China and France has grown from around $100 million to nearly $80 billion in 2023. In May this year, President Xi Jinping and President Emmanuel Macron met to mark the anniversary of the countries’ formal relationship and look toward a shared future, discussing common interests as well as points of contention in one of the world’s most significant bilateral relationships. The signing of 18 interdepartmental cooperation agreements and 15 commercial contracts demonstrates a desire on both sides to promote openness and high-quality development, as well as the vast potential of pragmatic cooperation between China and France.

In 2023, Sino-French relations have been fully restored following the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. In April, French President Emmanuel Macron visited China, where he and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed a sweeping 51-point joint declaration; in June, Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited France; in July, the French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire visited China. These frequent and productive meetings between China and France have successfully opened new avenues for collaboration. Next year, China and France will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, with both sides expecting and aiming for comprehensive, high-quality cooperation in the future.

Join us on November 14, 2023, in Brussels for the CEIBS Insights 9^th Europe Forum on the theme of Toward Another 20 years of EU-China Economic Cooperation.

Join us on September 8, 2022, in Paris for the CEIBS Insights 8^th Europe Forum on the theme of Chinese Post-COVID Economy: Major Changes.

Join us on September 7, 2022, in Brussels for the CEIBS Insights 8^th Europe Forum on the theme of China-Europe Cooperation on Decarbonization.