EU Must Act Before China Cripples European Industries, Warns EPP Chief
Global Trade Imbalance Threatens EU Economic Sovereignty
Poinews.com – Manfred Weber, leader of the European People’s Party (EPP) in the European Parliament, has issued a stark warning that the EU must take decisive action to counter China’s growing economic influence before it irreversibly harms European industries. Speaking to *Bild am Sonntag*, Weber emphasized that the current strategy of passive trade agreements with Beijing is no longer sustainable. “Europe’s industries are under threat, and we need to create a new framework that protects our manufacturing base and ensures fair competition,” he asserted. The EPP leader’s comments come as the EU faces mounting pressure to address trade deficits that have widened over the past decade, with China’s competitive pricing and aggressive export policies undermining European producers.
The crisis has intensified with China’s dominance in key sectors such as renewable energy, automotive, and electronics. According to recent reports, the EU’s trade deficit with China reached nearly €100 billion in 2025 alone, marking a 12% increase from the previous year. This imbalance has raised concerns among lawmakers and industry leaders that without intervention, European companies could lose market share to Chinese counterparts, particularly in emerging markets where Chinese firms are often more aggressive in securing contracts. Weber argued that the EU’s delay in responding to these threats risks long-term economic dependency, which could erode the bloc’s strategic autonomy.
Commission Report Signals EU-China Trade Reassessment
On May 29, the European Commission released a detailed analysis highlighting the unsustainable nature of EU-China trade dynamics. The report warned that current levels of economic interdependence are creating vulnerabilities, especially in critical supply chains and high-tech industries. EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, following a high-level meeting with his Chinese counterpart Li Chenggang in Paris, reiterated the need for a “strategic realignment” in trade relations. “The EU and China will engage in deeper dialogue to address what is becoming an unsustainable trade deficit,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of balancing market access with protectionist measures to safeguard European interests.
Weber’s call for action aligns with the Commission’s findings, which underscore the need for stronger regulatory frameworks to prevent unfair trade practices. The report pointed to issues such as state subsidies for Chinese enterprises, which give them an edge in global markets. For instance, the EU has observed that Chinese companies receive billions in government-backed loans to expand their operations, often at the expense of European firms. Weber noted that this systemic support has already affected industries like steel and automotive, where Chinese manufacturers are outcompeting European players in both price and production efficiency.
