China-EU Comprehensive Agreement on Investment — 2026 Implementation Milestones
Published: June 1, 2026
Executive Summary
Following renewed diplomatic engagement, China and the EU agreed on implementation milestones for key provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) through 2026. While full ratification remains pending, both sides committed to voluntary implementation of market access and sustainable development provisions.
Key Points
Voluntary market access: China agrees to open additional manufacturing and services sub-sectors to EU investors on a voluntary basis
Sustainable development: both sides commit to uphold ILO fundamental conventions and Paris Agreement commitments
State-owned enterprise transparency: China agrees to publish procurement rules and financial reports of major SOEs
Technology transfer: explicit prohibition on forced technology transfer as condition for market access
Dispute resolution: dedicated bilateral working group established for investor-state disputes
Sunset review: automatic review of implementation progress scheduled for December 2026