The European Commissioner for Budget and Human Resources, Günther Oettinger, proposed that the European Union should have the right to deny Chinese-funded infrastructure deals in Europe if they don't serve the EU's common interests. The European Commission has been alarmed by the fact that several European countries have joined the new Silk Road project, officially called the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Italy has become the first developed economy (G7 group member) to sign up to the programme. Poland, Greece, Portugal and Hungary have also signed corresponding deals.
