Philippe Lamberts   Emilio Menéndez del Valle

Brussels – Leaders of EU political parties said EU and China should deepen cooperation to cope with challenges.

Philippe Lamberts, MEP and co-president of the European Green Party, said he was impressed by the commitment to building social harmony and green awareness in China.

"China is the natural partner of EU in finding solutions for a number of issues,“ he said.

All destinies are linked, and no single EU country can feel well without the success of all, he said at the third China-EU High Level Political Parties Forum in Brussels.

He also pointed out that EU lacks a common vision, confidence and political will to meet the challenges ahead. He urged members not to be economic growth-obsessed and focus on quality.

Emilio Menéndez del Valle, MEP and member of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, said China and EU differs in values and norms but EU should not lose confidence or impose its own standards on Beijing.

"We must remember Beijing is not an EU candidate,” he said.