November 30,  2024 

On November 30, Prof. Sebastian Bersick, Executive Director of the Centre for EU-Asia Connectivity (CEAC) at Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB), delivered a lecture about “EU-Asia Connectivity and Economic Security: Concepts, Conflicts, and Cooperation” at the University of Macerata (UniMC), Italy.

This visit exemplifies the robust partnership between CEAC and the China Center, established under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by their respective institutions. The partnership represents a shared vision of academic excellence and internationalisation. Rooted in mutual goals, the MoU facilitates joint initiatives that foster scholarly collaboration, research, and cross-cultural exchanges between both institutions.

Prof. Bersick’s lecture examined critical contemporary topics, including research security, economic security, China’s role in global dynamics, the Indo-Pacific region, and EU foreign policy strategies. Attended by students, faculty, and researchers, the lecture stimulated vibrant discussions, reinforcing the partnership’s commitment to academic dialogue and evidence-based policymaking.

Prof. Francesca Spigarelli and the team at UniMC organised the visit, offering warm hospitality and creating an engaging environment for intellectual exchange. This collaboration between CEAC and UniMC underscores the vital role of research mobility in enriching academic endeavours and nurturing international networks.

Through such initiatives, CEAC emphasises its mission to enhance connectivity and promote people-to-people exchanges. By encouraging teaching, dialogue, and interdisciplinary expertise, the CEAC is contributing to a deeper understanding of EU studies and EU-Asia relations.

As CEAC and UniMC continue to build on their shared vision, this partnership sets a promising precedent for fostering international cooperation, academic excellence, and the advancement of meaningful cross-cultural relationships.