Events

The development of the law of the sea in the second half of the 20th century – and in particular the extension of coastal State jurisdiction beyond the territorial sea through the regimes of the exclusive economic zone and the continental shelf – has radically transformed the geopolitics of the ocean.

The internationalization of the Renminbi (RMB) is a long-term project that has evolved gradually through a series of policy initiatives, infrastructure developments, and external shocks over the past few decades. The research was implemented under the purview of the LeidenAsiaCentre and commissioned by the China Knowledge Network of the Government of the Netherlands. Conclusions and opinions are solely those of the authors.

Digital technologies are fundamentally reshaping how consumers interact with products. From smart vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems to the rapid growth of consumer drone markets, connectivity and data are now at the core of modern product design and functionality.

2024 was a period characterized by uncertainty, a word frequently used in this report indeed. However, with the geopolitical changes ongoing since early 2025, we may consider uncertainty as an understatement. We are currently experiencing what seems to be a serious make-over of the rules-based international order, as we’ve known it for decades. Perspectives are changing even more than expected.

The European Union and its member states face growing vulnerabilities due to economic dependencies on China, particularly in health, defence, and energy. As China increasingly employs economic statecraft tactics—using economic tools to exert geopolitical influence—the EU must find ways to safeguard its vital sectors.