EU-China can team up for greener cities and game-changing innovation

This month, within just a few days, I have found myself at the heart of innovation ecosystems in both the European Union and China—first at the Zhongguancun Forum in Beijing and now at the European Innovation Council (EIC) Summit, managed by the European Commission, which has just begun in Brussels.

Held from 26th to 31st March 2025, the Zhongguancun (ZGC) Forum has, since its inception in 2007, become a cornerstone of China’s innovation-driven clean development strategy. It serves as a global platform – managed by the Chinese government - for high-tech cooperation and scientific progress at a time when international collaboration is becoming increasingly challenging—yet more essential than ever.  

The 2025 edition focused on “New Quality Productive Forces,” a concept rooted in CPC discourse, alongside global science and technology cooperation. These themes reflect Beijing’s dedication to fostering cutting-edge innovation while expanding its role in the international arena, potentially filling the gaps left by others. In his opening remarks, Vice-Premier Zhang Guoqing reaffirmed China’s intention to develop new models of mutually beneficial scientific and technological partnerships. This happens as other markets adopt more restrictive policies.  

A major focus of this year’s forum was the intersection of artificial intelligence, life sciences, green development, and fundamental research. 

During the opening ceremony, the ten most significant scientific advancements of the past year were presented, with a particular focus on fundamental research. These included samples brought back by the Chang’e 6 mission, which provided evidence of volcanic activity on the Moon 2.8 billion years ago, and large-scale photonic chipsets designed for both training and inference in artificial general intelligence, featuring distributed photonic architectures and optical training methods. Other breakthroughs included a new approach to ultra-low-temperature refrigeration, where magnetic field control enabled sub-Kelvin solid-state cooling.

The event introduced twenty new initiatives, including the Open Science International Forum and the Ocean Science and Development Forum. AI and humanoid robotics were on display, with nearly100 robots demonstrating capabilities ranging from serving drinks to writing calligraphy.  

In terms of applied innovation, one of the notable technological breakthroughs discussed was in brain-chip research. The Beijing-based Chinese Institute for Brain Research and NeuCyber NeuroTech announced an ambitious plan to implant Beinao No.1, a semi-invasive wireless brain chip, into thirteen patients by the end of 2025. While never explicitly stated, this innovation presents a clear challenge to Musk’s Neuralink. The opening ceremony also showcased AI-powered simultaneous interpretation, with speeches delivered in the replicated voices of the human speakers on stage—an impressive advancement in multilingual communication technology.

The World Green Design Organization Forum  

My primary focus was to contribute to the World Green Design Forum, one of Zhongguancun key sub-forums, held on 31st March. This high-level dialogue, themed “Green Design Engineers Building Green and Sustainable Cities”, brought together distinguished scholars, industry leaders, and policymakers to discuss the integration of green design principles into urban development.  

A major highlight was the awarding of the world’s first World Green Design Capital title to Guangzhou’s Baiyun District, recognising its leadership in systemic urban transformation.  

Wang Jinnan, Chairman of the World Green Design Organization, a leading environmental expert, and member of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Political Consultative Conference, stressed the need to cultivate green design engineers, establish standardised frameworks, and develop specialised skills curricula to drive sustainable development.  

During the event, my appointment as a Senior Advisor and Member of the Evaluation Committee of the World Green Design Capital was officially announced.  

As a European Commission expert and entrepreneur actively engaged in decarbonisation pathways—particularly in the construction, building, and infrastructure sectors—I aim to explore opportunities for collaboration between the European Union, its international partners, and China. 

EU green cities and sustainable development  

Urban areas are at the forefront of today’s environmental challenges. With two-thirds of Europe’s population living in cities, local governments play a key role in driving leadership, commitment, and innovation. For this reason, in 2021, the EU Commission launched the New European Bauhaus (NEB); a policy and funding initiative supporting projects that transform cities into resilient, thriving communities ready to tackle the climate crisis. It promotes sustainable, inclusive, and beautiful solutions for the green transition in the built environment. Even the smallest communities deserve living spaces that foster connection and improve quality of life. Art and creativity are key to the New European Bauhaus. 

The significance of this initiative cannot be overstated. In response to multiple concurring challenges and the urgent need for action, the European Commission, in collaboration with national, regional, and local authorities, aims to leverage the Mid-term Review of Cohesion Policy to enhance its impact on the Union’s evolving political priorities and reinforce economic, social, and territorial cohesion.  

As part of this effort, the Commission has proposed doubling funding for affordable housing, increasing it from the current €7.5 billion. It has also called on public authorities to streamline permitting and planning regulations to accelerate project delivery, make use of financial instruments such as the pan-European Investment Platform of the European Investment Bank (EIB), and support housing initiatives that align with the principles of the New European Bauhaus and the EU’s decarbonisation targets for the building sector.

This represents a crucial opportunity for Member State authorities managing Cohesion funds to tackle the housing crisis. More affordable, sustainable, and high-quality homes are urgently needed, in the UE as well as in China.

EU Green Cities awards

In addition to this, the European Commission has also established two awards to recognise excellence in sustainability:  

• The European Green Capital Award, for cities with over 100,000 residents

• The European Green Leaf Award, for smaller cities of at least 20,000 residents 

These awards encourage cities to enhance their urban environment, tackle pollution, and build resilience to climate change. A greener urban landscape not only improves quality of life but also increases attractiveness for investment and tourism. Winning cities serve as role models, inspiring ambitious policies and fostering local pride.  

The World Green Design Capital award: Learning from each other

Recognising the need for a global approach, WGDO is launching the World Green Design Capital Initiative which expands the focus beyond China, underlining the importance of integrating sustainability into urban planning worldwide. Crucially, it supports developing nations in adopting green design urban models, avoiding environmental degradation and carbon lock-in.  

Collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and joint technological development are essential to this effort. China’s green city initiatives highlight the value of nature-based solutions and regenerative systems, blending advanced technology with traditional sustainable practices. At the same time, European cities can gain valuable insights from China’s ability to rapidly implement bold, large-scale innovations, driving significant progress in sustainable urban development.  

The launch of the World Green Design Capital represents an important milestone in global efforts to advance sustainable urban development. Only through cooperation, shared ambition, and decisive action can we build cities that are not only environmentally sustainable but also socially and economically vibrant for future generations.  

One final thought. In an era of complex geopolitics, China’s contributions to green development and design stand as a positive force for international progress. This transformation has been driven by a structured governance approach, embedding climate priorities into development strategies. Ecological civilisation has become a cornerstone of China’s national agenda.  

China’s achievements in green design and the ecological economy benefit the global community. Looking ahead, forward-thinking forces in Europe and China—businesses, cities, and communities—must come together in pursuit of a better quality of life, clean waters, green mountains, and peaceful development.  

We stand ready to work towards this goal.

illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability & Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.