In ports across Europe, vast vessels arrive from China on a regular basis, offloading goods destined for the European Union and the United Kingdom, and then returning with goods for the Chinese market. But it is a relationship that some European leaders feel is unequal, as China expands its economic influence abroad.
Relations are also strained with the United States, as President
Donald Trump recently surprised many by announcing plans to withdraw 9,500 troops from Germany, while a decision to expand sanctions on a gas pipeline from Russia to Germany was met with condemnation in Berlin.
We speak to Robert Quartly-Janeiro, visiting fellow at the Hellenic Observatory at the London School of Economics, about what is at stake for Europe's economy.