UnionpayUnionPay International and Portugal Airlines recently signed a comprehensive acceptance cooperation agreement in Madrid, marking another significant milestone in UnionPay’s European expansion. ​​

Strengthening Financial Ties Amid EU-China Diplomatic Milestones​​ This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. Over five decades, cultural exchanges and economic cooperation have deepened.

As a global fintech leader, UnionPay has played a pivotal role in supporting this collaboration through accessible financial services. ​​Seamless Mobile Payments Enhancing Travel Experience​​ In Las Rozas Village, Spain, Chinese tourist Ms. Li shared her experience: “Paying with my phone wallet linked to UnionPay is incredibly convenient—it makes traveling in Europe much smoother.” Data shows that mobile payment transactions via UnionPay’s "phone Pay" feature doubled in multiple European countries in 2025, solidifying its status as the preferred choice for Chinese tourists. ​​A Robust 20-Year Presence in Europe​​ With two decades of market cultivation, UnionPay has built an extensive payment ecosystem in Europe:

  • ​​Coverage​​: Over 90% of European countries/regions accept UnionPay cards.
  • ​​Acceptance​​: 80% of POS terminals in Europe support UnionPay card payments.
  • ​​Mobile Wallets​​: Over 6 million merchants enable mobile payments via UnionPay-linked cards. This "card, code, Pay" tripartite system caters to diverse consumer needs.

​​Integrated Payment Solutions Across Travel Scenarios​​ From dining and accommodation to transportation and attractions, UnionPay facilitates hassle-free experiences for tourists. Recent data from the World Tourism Organization highlights China’s outbound spending surge—​​30% YoY growth in 2024​​—underscoring the critical role of UnionPay’s global network in enabling seamless travel. ​​Exclusive Benefits and Tax Refund Innovations​​ To enhance traveler value, UnionPay offers:

  • ​​Discounts & Cashback​​: Special promotions in 15+ European countries (e.g., France, Italy, Spain).
  • ​​Tax Refund Streamlining​​: Real-time tax refunds via Alipay’s Cloud QuickPass at major airports in Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Italy. Recent traveler Mr. Liu praised: "Refunds via Cloud QuickPass arrive instantly—it’s incredibly convenient!"

​​Bridging China-EU Travel Flows​​ As China eases visa policies and increases direct flights to Europe, UnionPay is enhancing inbound payment experiences for European visitors:

  • ​​Splendid China Card​​: Launched in Frankfurt, Germany, with over 1 million cards issued across 13 European countries (UK, Spain, Serbia, etc.).
  • ​​Digital Access​​: EU residents can apply for virtual/physical UnionPay cards online for seamless use in China and abroad. French tourist Sophia noted: "Using my UnionPay card to tap into Shanghai’s metro felt completely seamless!"

​​Global Reach and Future Ambitions​​ Today, UnionPay’s acceptance network spans ​​183 countries/regions​​, serving ​​74 million+ overseas merchants​​ and issuing ​​over 200 million cards globally​​. By prioritizing security, efficiency, and innovation, UnionPay continues to drive inclusive finance and cross-border connectivity for consumers worldwide. Let me know if you'd like adjustments to tone, terminology, or additional context