EU launches €300bn fund to challenge China’s influence

Global gateway infrastructure strategy aims to counter belt and road initiative impact in Asia, Africa and Europe

The EU's plan to invest 300bn (255bn) in global infrastructure will be better than China's belt and road initiative, the European Commission president has said, as she announced a strategy to boost technology and public services in developing countries.

Ursula von der Leyen said the EU's global gateway strategy was a positive offer for infrastructure development around the world and based on democratic values and transparency.