EU leaders are set to debate a tougher stance on China at the upcoming European Council meeting on Oct. 15–16, as trade tensions escalate and calls grow for leverage over Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The European Parliament on Thursday adopted a recommendation urging the EU to use trade defense instruments against China if its markets remain closed, citing a €360 billion annual trade deficit . Industry groups have also pressed for urgent action, warning of unfair competition .
EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is in Beijing this week for talks aimed at rebalancing trade, but analysts say Brussels has limited leverage . Meanwhile, Urmas Paet, vice-chair of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, demanded China use its influence to stop Russia’s war, halt military-related exports to Moscow, and release political prisoners like Ilham Tohti .
Germany and France now back stricter trade measures, including potential market restrictions for Chinese firms—a shift from Berlin’s previous opposition . The push comes as the EU’s economic and security priorities take center stage at next week’s summit.
