With this, the EU has taken its most direct step so far to exclude Chinese equipment. Chinese inverters are banned in all EU-funded projects. At the same time, tensions with China continue to rise, as both parties accuse each other of unfair competition and threaten countermeasures.
Suppliers deemed risky can now be excluded from bidding on European projects. The Chinese technology company Huawei plays an important role in the discussion. The company is active in both telecom networks and solar energy technology and is viewed by the EU as a potential risk for critical infrastructure.
Other sectors
The discussion takes place against the backdrop of broader tensions between the EU and China. This concerns not only technology but also sectors such as electric vehicles, steel, and other industries.
Promotion
The European Union's concerns focus among other things on the security of networks and energy supply. Risks such as system disruption, access to sensitive data, and possible influence of foreign governments are being highlighted.
More self-reliance
The measures are part of a broader European policy shift. The EU wants to become less dependent on foreign suppliers in sectors considered strategic.
At the same time, Brussels is working on new rules to strengthen its own industry. European companies seeking EU subsidies may be required to produce more within Europe. This also applies to reducing dependence on imports from the United States.
These plans to strengthen European autonomy are prompting strong reactions from China. The Chinese government speaks of discrimination and warns that measures against Chinese companies will have consequences for European businesses.
Better protection
Within Europe itself, there are also differing opinions on the approach. Some EU countries advocate a hard line, while others fear economic consequences and trade disruption.
With the new measures, the EU appears to send a clear signal: strategic sectors must be better protected, even if this leads to further tensions with an important trading partner.