On the afternoon of May 13, 2025, Michel Barnier, former French Prime Minister and former Vice President of the European Commission, visited Tsinghua University and delivered a public lecture titled “The Functioning of the EU in the Changing Global Order” at the Century Report Hall of the Tsinghua University Library.

Michel Barnier, a prominent figure in European integration and diplomacy, has held key positions in both the French government and the European Union for decades. From 2016 to 2021, he served as the EU's Chief Brexit Negotiator, steering complex negotiations between the European Union and the United Kingdom.

The event was attended by representatives from the Delegation of the European Union to China, officials from the French Embassy in China — including Simond Francois Raphael, Guillaume Gaetan Lamidon, Stonner Marion Clemence, and Adrien Patrick Francois — as well as Professor Zhou Qing'an, Dean of the School of Journalism and Communication at Tsinghua University, Professor Jin Jianbin, Director of Tsinghua University Library, and Vasilis Trigkas, Visiting Assistant Professor at the Schwarzman College of Tsinghua University.

Organized by the School of Journalism and Communication at Tsinghua University, the event drew over 100 faculty members and students from more than 20 schools and departments across the university, representing diverse nationalities.

The lecture was hosted by Professor Zhang Li, Associate Dean of the School of Journalism and Communication at Tsinghua University.

At the start of the event, Professor Zhang Li introduced Michel Barnier to the audience and warmly welcome him. She emphasized that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between China and the European Union, and this lecture serves as an important platform for dialogue and exchange. She also expressed her respect for Mr. Barnier's care for the younger generation and his enthusiasm for promoting cultural exchanges between China and the EU. Professor Zhang looked forward to the cross-border wisdom and inspiration Mr. Barnier would share in his lecture and hoped that today's event would deepen the participants' understanding of China-EU relations and expand the prospects for future cultural collaboration.

Professor Zhou Qing’an, Dean of the School of Journalism and Communication at Tsinghua University, also extended his welcome to Mr. Barnier in his opening remarks. He noted that both China and France share rich histories and play significant roles in global development. Amid the uncertainties in the third decade of the 21st century, he underscored that China and France are crucial contributors to building a community with a shared future for mankind. Professor Zhou expressed optimism that the rapid advancement of communication technologies would further enhance dialogue among civilizations. He encouraged the students to take an active role in shaping the future world order and advancing human civilization.

During his lecture, Michel Barnier offered a comprehensive analysis of the EU's distinctive political structure and its governance mechanisms in areas such as peace, security, and the economy. Drawing from his extensive experience within the European Union, he reflected on the EU's journey of seeking consensus among diverse stakeholders and its achievements in fostering lasting peace and cooperation. Barnier also highlighted how the EU has tackled major challenges through collective frameworks, including the financial crisis, the migration crisis, Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

When discussing the current global landscape, Mr. Barnier pointed out that geopolitical conflicts, climate change, technological advancements, and growing uncertainty worldwide are profoundly reshaping the international order. He called for China and the EU to jointly shoulder global responsibilities and strengthening mutual trust and collaboration in areas such as climate action and technology innovation. He urged the young audience to approach global affairs with an open mind, seek understanding and consensus amidst cultural diversity, and build bridges for peace and cooperation.

During the Q&A session, students from China, Greece, Germany, Iran, South Korea, France, and other countries engaged Mr. Barnier on topics ranging from EU security framework to China-Europe trade and bilateral relations. Mr. Barnier responded with insight and patience, drawing applause for his candidness and depth of perspective.