Populist parties' rapid rise shakes up EU political landscape

'More pragmatic' approach

"For China-EU relations, the picture will be a mixed one. While the rise of right-wing populism has led some EU member states to take a more pragmatic approach toward China, such as Hungary's Eastern Opening policy, it could also push some countries to take a tougher approach in different sectors," he said.

He Zhigao, a researcher at the Institute of European Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said he believes the rise of populism in Europe is caused by the growing division among member states during globalization and EU integration as well as the resistance to elite politics.

"They support political and economic protectionism … and on the other hand, the frequent transfer of power in some countries means a lack of consistent policy on China, making the relationship more complex and challenging," he said.

But he said he believes it still will not change the fundamental landscape of "mutually beneficial win-win cooperation" between China and the EU.