This course offers a comprehensive analysis of the evolving relationship between the European Union and China — a relationship that is increasingly shaping global trade, geopolitics, and multilateral governance dynamics of modern international affairs.
Drawing on key figures, policy analysis, case studies and strategic foresight, the course examines how the EU’s bilateral engagement with China has shifted from strategic partner to economic competitor and systemic rival. Through thematic modules, students will also learn about China’s growing global influence, as well as the EU’s internal debates on strategic autonomy and allied coordination on this challenge. The course explores the strategic tensions at the core of the relationship, assessing how cooperation and rivalry coexist.
Instructor
Bárbara Matias
EU Foreign Policy
Bárbara Matias is a European External Action Service (EEAS) official. Her work has focused on EU relations with US & Canada, cooperating with third countries on the green and digital transitions, and previously on prevention of Violent Extremism and organized crime during her time at the European Commission. Bárbara worked in NATO’s Operations Unit on defense capacity-building of partner countries and was appointed to the Euro-Atlantic Crisis Center as Lead Officer on NATO-EU aid coordination during the Covid-19 pandemic. She was previously based in Kosovo for one year working for a regional NGO as Research and Policy Analyst on EU enlargement.
Bárbara was a Fulbright scholar at Columbia University in New York, where she completed her M.A. in Human Rights Studies and was invited to be an undergraduate lecturer. She completed her B.A. in International Relations and Political Science at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa, in Lisbon, Portugal.
Course Details
11 Lectures
Reading Materials
5 Quizzes
Online
5 Hours
English
What You Will Learn
- Understand why the EU defines China as a partner, competitor, and systemic rival
- Analyse EU–China economic interdependence through data and strategic frameworks
- Explore China’s expanding footprint in Africa, Latin America, and the Indo-Pacific
- Evaluate the EU’s position on Taiwan, the South China Sea, and human rights concerns
- Assess trade disputes, 5G regulation, and technology competition between the EU and China
- Analyse cooperation and rivalry in climate diplomacy and global governance reform
- Apply course concepts to real-world geopolitical and trade challenges
- Identify opportunities and risks as the EU navigates US–China competition and BRICS influence
Who Is This Course For
This programme is ideal for students, practitioners, and professionals interested in European foreign policy, international relations, diplomacy and global challenges. It is also particularly relevant for those seeking careers in EU institutions, think tanks, development agencies, international NGOs, or national foreign ministries.
Participants will develop policy-relevant analytical skills, expand their regional expertise, and build a foundation for future roles in EU affairs and international diplomacy.
Course Content
Tuition Fee
The total tuition fee for the programme is €95. This fee includes:
- Unlimited Access: Full access to all pre-recorded video lectures and downloadable reading materials.
- Certification: A Professional Certificate of Completion (awarded upon passing the final assessment).
Duration and Fornat
The programme is 100% online and self-paced, allowing you to fit learning around your schedule.
- Time Commitment: The curriculum is designed to be completed in approximately 5-6 hours, including video lectures, reading materials, and quizzes.
- Flexibility: There are no fixed login times or deadlines. You can start immediately and progress through the material at your own speed.
Assessment & Certification
To ensure mastery of the material, the programme includes a structured assessment path:
- Module Quizzes: A multiple-choice quiz at the end of each module to test your understanding.
- Final Exam: A comprehensive final quiz covering the entire syllabus.
- The Certificate: To receive your Certificate of Completion, you must achieve a pass mark of at least 60% in each of the assessments.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this programme, you must fulfil the following criteria:
- English Proficiency: B1/B2 (Intermediate) level is recommended to fully understand the terminology.
- Motivation: A genuine interest in understanding the course topic.
- Technical: A stable internet connection to stream high-definition video lectures.
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FAQ
To enrol in the programme, simply click on the “Enroll” button located on the course page. This will take you to the checkout page where you can fill out the required information and proceed with the payment to complete your enrollment.
Payment for the programme can be made by clicking on the “Enroll” button and proceeding to checkout. We use safe and secure payment technologies to ensure the security of your payment information.
The core video modules and reading materials take approximately 4-5-6 hours to complete.
No. The programme is entirely self-paced. You can start whenever you like and take as much time as you need to complete the lectures.
Our programme offers a unique advantage as it is taught by industry experts who bring real-world experience and insights to the learning process. This ensures that the content is relevant, up-to-date, and of the highest quality.
Absolutely. We encourage you to list the programme under “Education” or “Certifications”.
The quizzes are designed to reinforce learning, not to catch you out. You will need a 60% pass rate to generate your certificate, but you can retake the quizzes if necessary to improve your score.
You will have lifetime access to the programme materials, allowing you to study at your own pace and revisit the content whenever you need to.
We offer a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the programme. If you wish to cancel your enrollment, please contact us at info@eugovlab.com within 3 days of enrollment for a full refund.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact us at info@eugovlab.com. Our team is here to help and will respond to your inquiry promptly.
Course Includes
- 5 Lessons
- 16 Topics
- 5 Assessments
- Course Certificate