Green growth strategies in China and the European Union: trends, indicators, and challenges of recent years [Articol]

Abstract

Purpose of the article: The article aims to provide a comparative analysis of the approaches of China and the European Union to developing a “green” economy between 2019 and 2024. The objective is to identify and contrast the strategies, trends, and challenges faced by both entities in their ecological transition. Methodology: The analysis employs a comparative approach, evaluating strategic policies, performance indicators, and economic, social, and geopolitical consequences. The study examines key aspects such as the energy transition, the development of key industrial sectors (electric vehicles, batteries), investment flows, and the implications for the labor market and bilateral relations. Conclusions: The research shows that while both entities have demonstrated significant progress, they have pursued fundamentally different paths. The EU relied on a normative framework, market mechanisms, and the mobilization of private capital, while China used centralized planning and massive public investments to dominate the production of clean technologies. The conclusions indicate a transformation of the relationship between the EU and China from an environmental partnership to a strategic rivalry, as evidenced by the introduction of protectionist measures such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Originality: The originality of this work lies in its comparative approach, which reveals the fundamental differences between the economic systems and strategic priorities of the two blocs. The article highlights a key paradox: while the EU sets the normative standards, China dominates production, and this dynamic of competition and cooperation will shape the global landscape in the coming years.