EU China Partnership Facility (ECPF) Project: Seven Years of Impactful Collaboration & Innovation

GOPA Worldwide is proud to announce the successful completion of the EU-China Partnership Facility (ECPF), financed under the Foreign Partnership Instrument; a landmark seven-year project that has set new standards for flexibility, innovation, and impact in international cooperation. 

Launched in December 2018 with a €10.65 million budget, the ECPF was the first project at GOPA to carry the “facility” designation—signifying its unique, demand-driven approach to supporting the European Union’s strategic objectives in China.

A Facility Like No Other

Unlike traditional projects with a narrow technical focus, the ECPF operated as a highly responsive, multi-sectoral facility. The team delivered services to nearly all Directorates-General (DGs) of the European Commission represented in Beijing, implementing 168 diverse activities for 14 DGs. Over the course of the project, GOPA mobilised more than 10,000 expert workdays, produced 761 knowledge products—including over 300 reports, studies, and databases—and organised 81 events attended by more than 16,000 participants.

Delivering Value Across Sectors

The ECPF’s activities reflected the breadth and dynamism of EU-China relations.

Highlights included:

• A comprehensive, 500-page mapping of China’s fintech sector, providing invaluable insights to EU financial regulators.

• A multi-volume study on Chinese state-owned enterprises, shedding light on their economic activities and investments in Europe.

• Annual mobility events connecting European researchers in China, fostering exchange and collaboration.

• Organisation of a high-profile event celebrating the signing of the Samoa Agreement, overcoming significant logistical challenges in the post-COVID environment.

• Publication of the “Dictionary of Misunderstandings,” a trilingual resource addressing common EU-China miscommunications.

• Dialogue events on maritime security, facilitating open and constructive exchanges on sensitive issues.

• The European Culture Street Festival in Guangzhou in April 2024, which drew over 10,000 visitors and showcased the rich diversity of European traditions.

Resilience and Adaptability

The project’s success was achieved despite extraordinary challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which restricted travel and in-person gatherings. The ECPF team demonstrated remarkable resilience, adapting quickly to changing circumstances and continuing to deliver high-quality outputs without interruption.

Measurable Impact

Participant feedback underscores the project’s effectiveness: 98% of event attendees reported benefiting from the activities, with over 70% gaining a better understanding of the topics discussed. Most notably, 17% of surveyed participants indicated that their perspectives had changed as a result of their engagement—a testament to the project’s transformative impact.

A Lasting Legacy

Reflecting on the project, Team Leader Michael Mechthold-Jin emphasised the strong sense of purpose and teamwork that characterised ECPF: “For me personally, it was the best project I ever did. I learned new things every day, had fun every day, and our team always worked together because we believed we were doing something meaningful.”

The ECPF has not only strengthened GOPA’s reputation with EU Delegations in Beijing and beyond but has also set a benchmark for future partnership facilities. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all team members, partners, and stakeholders who contributed to this outstanding achievement.