The Understanding China Conference returns to Brussels on 10 December 2025. This year, our flagship annual event will unfold as a one-day, content-rich programme, bringing together policymakers from EU institutions, analysts, business leaders, and industry experts. Participants will decode the latest developments shaping EU–China relations and the business environment for SMEs.

With keynote speeches and expert panels, the Conference offers an opportunity to understand how the evolving policy landscape, market trends, and wider dynamics can impact SMEs. The 2025 edition will also feature sessions on topics such as innovation ecosystems and emerging consumer trends, alongside networking opportunities to connect with peers.

Agenda - Brussels Time (CET)

• 9:00–9:30 Opening Remarks
• 9:30–11:00 Session 1: Update on EU-China Relations
• 11:00–11:15 Coffee Break
• 11:15–12:45 Looking Back, Looking Forward: China’s 15th Five-Year Plan
• 12:45–13:30 Networking Lunch 13:30–14:30 Session 3: De-risking without Decoupling
• 14:30–15:30 Green Transition and Innovation Ecosystems
• 15:30–15:45 Coffee Break
• 15:45–16:45 Session 5: Digital Transformation, Technology, and Data Security
• 16:45–17:45 Session 6: Emerging Consumer Trends in China
• 17:45–19:00 Networking Cocktail Registration and Attendance

Registration and Attendance

This event is open, free of charge, to stakeholders of the EU SME Centre from all EU Member States and countries participating in the Single Market Programme. To register to this event, please fill in the form here. The Understanding China Conference is organised in a hybrid format: onsite in Brussels with online livestreaming. Please note partner organisations of the EU SME Centre and intermediary organisations such as government agencies, industry associations, business support organisations (BSOs), trade promotion organisations (TPOs), chambers of commerce, and clusters are given priority for onsite attendance. Register: https://www.eusmecentre.org.cn/event-registration/?event_id=19428

About the Understanding China Conference

The Understanding China Conference is an annual series of keynote presentations, panel discussions, and workshops organised since 2011 by the EU SME Centre. The Conference’s objective is to inform stakeholders on the most recent developments and trends observed in China and discuss potential impacts on European small and medium-sized enterprises. This event has been developed for intermediary organisations in Europe such as government agencies, industry associations, business support organisations (BSOs), trade promotion organisations (TPOs), chambers of commerce, and clusters. Participation is free of charge and all sessions are organised in English. Ask our EU Partnerships Manager Davide Orlandi your questions about this event by email at: davide.orlandi@eusmecentre.org.cn.