In recent years, Italy and China have maintained a strong economic relationship despite Italy’s shift away from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visit to Beijing highlighted Italy’s intention to continue fostering cooperation, with a focus on high-value sectors and enhancing trade.

The European Commission has invited expressions of interest in becoming founding members of a new European Partnership on Rail Research & Innovation, which is being put forward as a successor to the current Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking