18.11.2025
Admission 19:00

Europe between principles and pragmatism - how to deal with a world power that is simultaneously a partner, competitor and systemic rival?
The Green Salon Krefeld invites you to an evening that dares to think outside the box: Reinhard Bütikofer, long-standing MEP and former chairman of the European Parliament's China delegation, will speak about the future of European China policy - between economic reality, geopolitical tensions and the defense of democratic values.
Bütikofer is one of the most prominent voices in green foreign policy - and one of the most outspoken critics of the Chinese government's authoritarian course. His assessments are well-founded, opinionated and shaped by decades of experience in international dialog.
Among other things, the conversation will focus on

the growing tensions surrounding Taiwan,
Europe's economic dependence on China,
the role of the EU between dialog, de-risking and self-assertion,
as well as Bütikofer's personal experiences with Chinese sanctions - and what lessons can be learned from them.

"Bütikofer is not an opponent of China - but a consistent advocate of democratic principles, even if they are uncomfortable," says the Green Salon's organizing team. His commitment led to an entry ban by the Chinese government in 2021. Now that this has been lifted, the focus is on the future:
How can Europe deal with an increasingly self-confident world power without denying its own values?
Krefeld also has a role to play here:
As an industrial location with global interdependencies, the question arises as to how local authorities can position themselves locally with regard to the challenges of international politics.
What scope for action do cities, companies and citizens have in dealing with China? What responsibility do we bear locally for global developments?
The evening invites you to join in the thinking and discussion - and to get talking about Europe's role in a changing world.
About the Green Salon Krefeld
The Grüner Salon Krefeld is a non-partisan, open discussion forum for political, social and cultural topics.
Since it was founded in 2012, it has regularly offered a space for discussions that go beyond everyday life - with guests from science, politics, culture and civil society.
The aim is to make current debates accessible in a relaxed atmosphere, broaden perspectives and get citizens talking to each other.
The salon is part of a nationwide series of similar initiatives that promote political thinking and social dialog - beyond fixed party boundaries.
Moderator: Ricarda Stamms
The event is free of charge. It is not necessary to register, but it is desirable in order to facilitate planning.
Discussion welcome.
Cooperation event of the Werkhaus e.V. with the




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18.11.2025, 19:30 h

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