Chinese investment in European strategic infrastructures

Question for written answer  E-001464/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Tom Berendsen (PPE)

Chinese companies are being actively encouraged by their government to invest in European strategic infrastructures[1], thereby putting the national and economic security of the Member States at risk. This was the conclusion reached by the European Court of Auditors in its examination of China’s state-driven investment strategy[2]. Infrastructure and transport are the European strategic sectors that have received the largest share (29.1%) of Chinese direct investment in the last 20 years. In the current crisis, businesses are in great need of capital and investment and the risks of Chinese participation in strategic infrastructure are likely to increase.

• 1.Can the Commission give an overview of Chinese investments and interests in European strategic infrastructures such as ports, airports and container terminals?
• 2.If the necessary information is not currently available, how will the Commission set about obtaining it as soon as possible, given the strategic importance thereof?
• 3.What is its assessment of the impact of Chinese investments in European strategic infrastructure on the national and economic security of the Member States and the Union and how will it prevent any harm being done in this respect?

• [1] The Chinese have, for example, already invested millions in the Southern European ports of Piraeus and Genoa and in Toulouse Airport.
• [2] Review No 3/2020: The EU’s response to China’s state-driven investment strategy (europa.eu)