EU cities relations with China

Description

The data set shows the results of a survey among all 745 EU cities with a population exceeding 50,000. We asked in the survey what is the scope and what are the patterns of cooperation between European and Chinese cities. The data shows which European cities cooperate with China, in what areas, what are the benefits and obstacles of this cooperation, and to what extent cities coordinate their policy with other actors.

Steps to reproduce

The survey was conducted between May 2020 and May 2021, when electronic versions of the questionnaire were distributed to representatives of city authorities (the units responsible for international cooperation). We identified those specific officials by searching cities’ websites, followed by direct phone or e-mail contact with municipal authorities, if necessary. The list of cities was created based on data from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development report “Cities in Europe” (Dijkstra & Poelman, 2012). Later, the number of inhabitants was updated using the Eurostat data “Population on 1 January by age groups and sex - cities and greater cities” (2020). The questionnaire was designed in four languages - English, German, French and Spanish - and comprised 22 questions for cities that cooperate with China and seven questions for those that do not. The sending of questionnaires was followed up by contact with officials through e-mail, telephone calls and formal letters.

Institutions

Categories

Funding

Licence