In May 2012, President of the European Commission Barroso and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang announced the launch of the China-EU Urbanisation Partnership in Beijing, initiating an unprecedented cross-cultural, cross-regional, and cross-level cooperation initiative. The partnership aims to promote dialogue and cooperation between Chinese and European cities, jointly address the challenges and opportunities brought by urbanisation, and provide better living conditions and development opportunities for hundreds of millions of urban residents.

Over the past decade, the China-EU Urbanisation Partnership has achieved fruitful results. The two sides have carried out extensive and in-depth cooperation in various fields such as sustainable development, urban planning, nature-based infrastructure, green transport, clean energy, etc., supporting nearly 400 innovation and research projects, fostering more than 80 friendly city pairs, establishing a joint innovation platform and a co-funding mechanism. These cooperation not only help to enhance the competitiveness and resilience of Chinese and European cities, but also contribute to promoting mutual understanding and trust between China and Europe, providing examples and solutions for global urbanisation issues.

Under the framework of the China-EU Urbanisation Partnership, the two sides have set a series of specific goals and indicators to promote dialogue and cooperation between Chinese and European cities. By 2025, the two sides will achieve 100 China-EU friendly city pairs, hold an annual China-EU Urban Forum, establish a China-EU Urban Sustainable Development Network, and support cooperation projects between cities in the fields of climate action, energy transition, ecological protection, digital innovation, etc..

Over the past decade, the China-EU Urbanisation Partnership has achieved some successful cases with demonstration significance. For example, Beijing and Brussels have carried out in-depth cooperation in the field of smart city construction, jointly promoting innovation applications in the fields of smart transport, smart health care, smart education, etc.. Shanghai and Milan have carried out close cooperation in the field of green transport, jointly exploring sustainable solutions in the fields of low-carbon travel, public bicycles, electric vehicles, etc.. Chengdu and Lyon have carried out extensive cooperation in the field of cultural tourism, jointly holding a number of cultural art, food festival, folk exchange activities.

"The China-EU Urbanisation Partnership is a strategic cooperation initiative that reflects the common commitment and responsibility of China and Europe in global governance and sustainable development." Wang Ning, Deputy Mayor of Beijing said in an interview. "The friendly cooperation between Beijing and Brussels provides a good example for other Chinese and European cities. We will continue to deepen the exchange and cooperation between the two sides in the field of smart city construction, and contribute to improving the level of urban management and the quality of life of residents."

"The China-EU Urbanisation Partnership is a visionary cooperation initiative that provides an effective platform and mechanism for China and Europe to cooperate in the field of urbanisation." Nicolas Chapuis, EU Ambassador to China said in an interview. "The EU and China have a wide range of common interests and complementary advantages in the field of urbanisation. We will continue to strengthen cooperation between the two sides in the fields of climate change, energy transition, ecological protection, digital innovation, etc., and contribute to achieving the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement goals."

The China-EU Urbanisation Partnership not only helps to enhance the competitiveness and resilience of Chinese and European cities, but also contributes to promoting mutual understanding and trust between China and Europe. As two major powers, two major markets, and two major civilizations in the world, China and Europe share common responsibility and interest in global governance and sustainable development. By strengthening cooperation and exchange at the city level, the two sides can share their experiences and practices, and provide examples and solutions for global urbanisation issues. At the same time, the two sides can also use the urbanisation partnership as a platform and opportunity to jointly address new challenges such as climate change, biodiversity, digitalisation, etc., jointly explore green, smart, inclusive, and innovative urban development models, and jointly create a better future for the Chinese and European people and all mankind.