1. Title: Exploring the Implications of Chinese Infrastructure Investments in Southeast Europe: A Comparative Analysis of Greece and Hungary Research Objectives: Investigate the motivations behind China's infrastructure investments in Southeast Europe, with a focus on Greece and Hungary. Examine the nature and modalities of Chinese investment partnerships in Greece and Hungary, including state-sponsored investment vehicles and corporations, and private sources of investment. Analyze the outcomes and reactions to Chinese infrastructure investments in Greece and Hungary in terms of economic localisation, regulation, political resistance, and identity shifts. Research Questions: What are the driving factors behind China's infrastructure investments in Greece and Hungary, and how do these motivations align with China's broader geopolitical and economic objectives? How do the partnerships between Chinese investors and local stakeholders in Greece and Hungary evolve, and what are the key factors influencing their development? What are the implications of Chinese investments on the economic, regulatory, political, and social landscapes in Greece and Hungary, and how do these outcomes compare with those observed in other European countries? Expected Outcomes: A comprehensive understanding of China's investment motivations in Southeast Europe, particularly in Greece and Hungary. A detailed analysis of the modalities and experiences of Chinese-European partnerships in the selected case studies. Insights into the implications of Chinese infrastructure investments in Greece and Hungary, offering a basis for comparison with other European countries. Policy recommendations for European governments, businesses, and communities in managing and engaging with Chinese investments. 2. Title: Balancing the Scales: Evaluating the Interplay between Chinese Infrastructure Investments and EU Policies in Southeast Europe Research Objectives: Analyze the interplay between Chinese infrastructure investments and EU policies in Southeast Europe, focusing on the implications for regional development, stability, and integration. Examine the potential risks and benefits associated with Chinese investments for EU member states and candidate countries in Southeast Europe, considering the impact on their relationships with both the EU and China. Assess the effectiveness of current EU policies and regulations in addressing the challenges and opportunities posed by Chinese investments, and propose recommendations for fostering a balanced approach to promoting regional integration and development. Research Questions: How do Chinese infrastructure investments interact with EU policies in Southeast Europe, and what are the implications for regional development, stability, and integration? What are the potential risks and benefits associated with Chinese investments for EU member states and candidate countries in Southeast Europe, considering their relationships with both the EU and China? How effective are current EU policies and regulations in addressing the challenges and opportunities posed by Chinese investments, and what recommendations can be made to promote a balanced approach to regional integration and development? Methodology: Multi-case study approach: Select two infrastructure projects in each of the following Southeast European countries - Greece (Piraeus Port Authority and Hellenikon Airport), Hungary (Belgrade-Budapest Railway and Huawei's European Logistics Centre), and other Southeast European countries with significant Chinese investment. Mixed-methods research design: Combine quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, including analyzing EU policy documents, conducting interviews with EU policymakers and stakeholders in Southeast Europe, and reviewing the impacts of Chinese investments on regional development, stability, and integration. Comparative analysis: Compare and contrast the findings from the selected case studies to identify patterns and variations in the interplay between Chinese investments and EU policies in Southeast Europe. Policy analysis: Assess the effectiveness of current EU policies and regulations in addressing the challenges and opportunities posed by Chinese investments and propose recommendations for fostering a balanced approach to promoting regional integration and development. Expected Outcomes: A comprehensive understanding of the interplay between Chinese infrastructure investments and EU policies in Southeast Europe, and the implications for regional development, stability, and integration. Identification of the potential risks and benefits associated with Chinese investments for EU member states and candidate countries in Southeast Europe, considering their relationships with both the EU and China. Assessment of the effectiveness of current EU policies and regulations in addressing the challenges and opportunities posed by Chinese investments in Southeast Europe. Policy recommendations for fostering a balanced approach to promoting regional integration and development in Southeast Europe, considering the influence of Chinese infrastructure investments. Expected Outcomes: A comprehensive understanding of the interplay between Chinese infrastructure investments and EU policies in Southeast Europe, and the implications for regional development, stability, and integration. Identification of the potential risks and benefits associated with Chinese investments for EU member states and candidate countries in Southeast Europe, considering their relationships with both the EU and China. Assessment of the effectiveness of current EU policies and regulations in addressing the challenges and opportunities posed by Chinese investments in Southeast Europe. Policy recommendations for fostering a balanced approach to promoting regional integration and development in Southeast Europe, considering the influence of Chinese infrastructure investments. 3. Title: Strengthening the European Union: Assessing Opportunities for EU Policy Collaboration in Response to Chinese Infrastructure Investments in Southeast Europe Research Objectives: Investigate the potential for collaboration among EU member states and institutions in response to Chinese infrastructure investments in Southeast Europe, focusing on shared interests and goals. Identify opportunities for enhancing EU policy coordination and cooperation to address the challenges and leverage the benefits of Chinese investments in Southeast Europe. Examine the effectiveness of existing EU policy frameworks in promoting collaboration among member states and institutions regarding Chinese investments in Southeast Europe and propose recommendations for improvement. Research Questions: What potential exists for collaboration among EU member states and institutions in response to Chinese infrastructure investments in Southeast Europe, and how can shared interests and goals be identified? What opportunities can be found for enhancing EU policy coordination and cooperation to address the challenges and leverage the benefits of Chinese investments in Southeast Europe? How effective are existing EU policy frameworks in promoting collaboration among member states and institutions regarding Chinese investments in Southeast Europe, and what improvements can be made? Expected Outcomes: A comprehensive understanding of the potential for collaboration among EU member states and institutions in response to Chinese infrastructure investments in Southeast Europe, focusing on shared interests and goals. Identification of opportunities for enhancing EU policy coordination and cooperation to address the challenges and leverage the benefits of Chinese investments in Southeast Europe. Assessment of the effectiveness of existing EU policy frameworks in promoting collaboration among member states and institutions regarding Chinese investments in Southeast Europe. Policy recommendations for improving EU policy frameworks to foster collaboration among member states and institutions in addressing Chinese infrastructure investments in Southeast Europe.