Chinese companies have invested in 31 container seaport terminals in Europe as of August 2023, according to a new analysis. Of these, 23 are held by state-controlled companies COSCO and China Merchants, and eight are controlled by Hong Kong's privately held Hutchison Ports.

European port investments made by China Merchants – except for one in Turkey – were carried out through Terminal Link, the company’s joint venture with CMA CGM.

COSCO's acquisition of Greece’s Port of Piraeus in 2016 was the first to spark controversy in Europe. Its investment in the Port of Hamburg created a national debate in Germany, leading to a minority stake investment.

The original stake Cosco Shipping Ports required in Hamburg’s Tollerort, was 35%. Following debate in Germany, and concerns of China’s influence on one of the country’s key infrastructures, the stake was reduced to 24.99%.

While there is concern about Chinese domination of European ports, analysts claim that, as of mid-2023, China has majority control in only two European ports: Piraeus Port in Greece, where COSCO's subsidiary has a two-thirds majority, and CSP Zeebrugge terminal in Belgium, where the company owns 85.45% stake.

In December 2022, the European Union adopted new rules to monitor foreign direct investment (FDI) in European infrastructure, including ports. These rules are aimed at ensuring "the resilience of critical entities."