This workshop, co-organized by the Technical University of Munich (Eugénia da Conceição-Heldt) and Princeton University (Sophie Meunier), brings together leading scholars to critically examine the European Union’s Global Gateway Initiative—a strategic plan aimed at enhancing the EU’s global infrastructure and development influence. As a response to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Gateway seeks to promote sustainable development and strengthen economic and geopolitical ties with global partners. Over two days, participants will explore the potential of the Global Gateway as a tool for economic security, its implications for EU foreign policy, and its impact on global competition, development finance, and strategic interests. The workshop aims to foster a deeper understanding of the initiative’s role in shaping the EU’s position in global affairs.
(PRELIMINARY) PROGRAM
December 13
Venue: TUM Science & Study Center in Raitenhaslach
09:45
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Bus Departure from elaya hotel munich city
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Panel 1: Geopolitical Ambitions of the EU
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Chair: Helen Kavvadia
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13:15
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Between instrumental and structural power - Assessing the potential of the EU’s Global Gateway Initiative in Global Affairs and Development
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Robert Basedow
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13:25
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Geopoliticization of the EU’s Global Infrastructure Development through the Global Gateway?
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Eugénia C. Heldt
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13:35
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Comments by Soo Yeon Kim
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14:05
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Panel Discussion
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Panel 2: Development Discourse
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Chair: Tony Mueller
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14:50
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Promoting Mutual Interests? European Donors and the Global Gateway
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Nicolas Bau & Simone Dietrich
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15:00
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All Smoke and No Fire? The Global Gateway and the EU’s Evolving Discourse on Development
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Maurizio Carbone
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15:10
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Comments by Alexandra O. Zeitz
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15:40
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Panel Discussion
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Panel 3: Global Competition
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Chair: David Howarth
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16:30
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Between a Belt and a Gateway: Global South Perspectives on Geopolitical Infrastructure Mega Projects
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Lina Benabdallah
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16:40
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Competition, Comparison, and the Global Gateway: Citizen Perceptions of the EU and China as Funders of Megaprojects in Kenya
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Tetsekela Anyiam-Osigwe & Simone Dietrich & Alexandra O. Zeitz
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16:50
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Comments by Daniel Mertens
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17:20
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Panel Discussion
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18:15
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Dinner
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20:00
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Bus Departure
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09:00
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Doors Open & Welcome Coffee
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Panel 4: Strategic Interests
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Chair: Simone Dietrich
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09:30
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EU Digital Diplomacy and the Promotion of Strategic Interests: The Case of the Global Gateway
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Sebastian Heidebrecht
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09:40
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Comments by Florence Dafe
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09:55
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Panel Discussion
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Panel 5: Development Finance
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Chair: Robert Basedow
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10:25
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The European Union's Global Gateway and the European Investment Bank's Empowerment in Development Finance
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David Howarth & Helen Kavvadia
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10:35
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Connecting Markets: Business Power, Development and the EU Global Gateway
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Luís Bernardo & Luís Mah
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10:45
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Comments by Sandra Eckert
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11:15
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Panel Discussion
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Next Steps
12:00
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Closing Remarks
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12:15
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Farewell Lunch
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This event is sponsored by the Chair of European and Global Governance and the TUM Institute for Advanced Study.