Recent trends of cooperation between China and the CEE region have largely focused on the EV and battery production. This sector plays a leading role in Chinese foreign direct investment in the region, mainly in Hungary and in Poland (to a lesser extent). Although the share of China in automotive industry in CEE is still moderate, its role in EV production is growing rapidly.

Chinese investments play an increasing role in stimulating Industry 4.0 adaptation in the CEE region. The high automation level of Chinese manufacturing plants serves as a benchmark for local partners, and Chinese companies often support their suppliers with training programs, technological consulting, and engineering cooperation. Nevertheless, the battery industry in Hungary raises serious environmental and health and safety issues.

Our research analyses the current situation of the cooperation between China and CEE in EV manufacturing, its main challenges, and their possible consequences. The main chapters of the study are:

· the size and dynamics of the Central and Eastern European automotive industry, with a particular focus on electric vehicle production and related industries, and the role of Chinese investment in these industries (Chapter 1)

· Characteristics of trade in automotive products and components between China and Central and Eastern Europe (Chapter 2)

· Chinese direct investments in CEE in EV production and in battery industry (Chapter 3)

· The role of China and the Central and Eastern European region in global value chains in the automotive industry, with a special focus on the production of electric vehicles (Chapter 4)

· Opportunities and challenges of scientific cooperation between China and Central and Eastern Europe in the field of automotive and related industries (Chapter 5)

· The European policy actions aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of the automotive industry – facing challenges from China (Chapter 6)

· The envisaged role of China in implementing the circular economy concept in the automotive industry of the CEE (Chapter 7).

Events:

June 2026: Researchers from Kopint-Tárki and China-CEE held a joint workshop on automotive industry cooperation between Eastern Europe and China as part of the research project that Kopint-Tárki is undertaking for China-CEE.
Downloads: Summary and Workshop presentation.